Former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan blasted the sacking of Chris Hughton as St James' Park boss on Friday and warned long-suffering Geordie fans that the club was heading nowhere.

Keegan, who ended his second spell in charge of the north-east club in September 2008 citing interference from the board in playing matters, said that as long as Mike Ashley remains the owner, the club will continue to tread water.

"Chris Hughton's shock departure has once again demonstrated that Newcastle United need some stability, but you will never get stability when you have Mike Ashley and (managing director) Derek Llambias running the club," Keegan told ESPN.

"Ashley has made no secret that he wants to sell Newcastle, and the best day will come when someone buys it from him and runs Newcastle like that club should be run. The club can never go anywhere under Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias."