EXCLUSIVE - Smith Resigns - bluekipper.com

World Exclusive - Smith Resigns - Keegan to Take over

Walter Smith

In one of the biggest upheavals in Everton's History, Walter Smith has resigned as manager. In an exclusive interview with Ian Ross, Everton's new spin doctor, Blue Kipper can exclusively reveal that Kevin Keegan is to be installed by Bill Kenwright as the new manager on Tuesday.

Ross said: "Walter hasn't been happy for some months, with the whole setup at Everton. With the medical setup, with the lack of funds for new players, with the abuse he's been getting from some of the fans. It came to a head when he was denied money to sign two players before the transfer deadline. He had a meeting with Sir Philip Carter and Bill Kenwright on Tuesday of last week, and handed in his resignation. After a long discussion in which Bill tried to persuade him to stay, Walter was unrepentant, but agreed to stay until after the West Ham game." This would explain the non appearance of Smith at the 'Hall of Fame Gala Dinner' on Thursday.

Ross went on to say, " Walter Smith has been offered the job as General Manager back at Rangers, and his wife wants to move back to Scotland. Smith still lives in Scotland and travels down during the week."

In the meantime Kenwright moved quickly to get Keegan as manger, knowing that Southampton were after him to replace Glenn Hoddle. He met Keegan in the Savoy Hotel in London on Friday, and he will be unveiled as manager on Tuesday.

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Keegan runs from reporters last night

We asked Ross, was Kenwright mad to bring in an ex-redshite player. He replied " Bill thought it needed a big name for to attract the best players, and he knew Kevin from his playing days, even though he new it would incense some of the fans, that he came from across Stanley Park. So he confided with a few fans from ESCLA, and the secretary from The Independent Blues supporters club, and won them over. He knows he will get stick from some fans, but he stressed that Keegan was better known now for his stint as manager of England." (01/04/02)

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