KENNY DALGLISH started the day after Kevin Keegan's departure as odds on favourite to succeed him but finished it friendless in the market as Bobby Robson emerged as the new front runner for a sentimental return to his roots. In between, there was a major punt on another British exile, Welshman John Toshack.
But all bets could soon be off as the day finished with a frenzied dash to put the cash on Peter Beardsley, the "steamer" of the day as Big Mac would say.
The former England striker is now being heavily backed to step up out of the Newcastle playing ranks, either in his own right or as part of a dream team with Robson or maybe co caretaker Arthur Cox.
Bookmakers Ladbrokes opened up with Beardsley at 14-1 and by the close of business had seen him gambled all the way down to 9-4 hotpot second favourite, with one bet of £500. Robson was steady at 2-1 all day.
. Nottingham Forest supporters' Club are to stage an extraordinary general meeting in the car park of the Premiership club this morning as part of their protest against shareholders who blocked the takeover bid.
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