LOYALTY is a something of a rarity in football, which is why I ought not to be too hasty with my views on Kevin Keegan.

As 'king Kev' takes on the mantle of the poisoned chalice of England manager, we should probably all be rejoicing.

After all, just two weeks ago I wrote in this column " . . . the FA must change their habit of being indecisive and persuade Keegan he's the best man for the job."

Well, Keegan's taken the job, but I'm sorry to say it's very much on his terms, for just four matches - and that can't be good for English football.

If Keegan can't be more committed, then I have to ask is he right fella for the job? Of course, Keegan can't lose. If he's successful in the four matches he's in charge, then the public clamour for him to stay will be huge. In those circumstances he might well decide to take on the reins permanently.

But if it all goes pear-shaped, Keegan can say he only accepted the job for four games and would be able to get out, leaving the sinking England ship -but with his honour intact.

You've got to say Keegan's a past-master at manipulation - and this time he's managed to stay so much in control of his own destiny that earlier concerns at the indecision of the FA are still very much in mind.

Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed is sitting comfortably too. He has not stood in Keegan's way, and yet he still has him in charge at Fulham.

If Keegan eventually takes on the England role on a longer contract, then Al Fayed can say that releasing him from his ties with Fulham was done for the good of England - and, I wonder, would that influence anyone into ensuring the Harrods owner gets the British passport he so clearly covets?

The big question is whether Keegan is being loyal to Fulham and at the same time helping out England? My view is that he's really being loyal only to himself.

ANOTHER star name wavering in the loyalty stakes is Oxford United's Dean Windass. The striker who has more than doubled his transfer valuation with his recent rich vein of scoring form, seems determined to leave the club.

Of course, manager Malcolm Shotton says he doesn't want Deano to leave, and pledges that if the decision is down solely to him, he won't let him go.

But Windass has his sights on pastures new - preferably in the Premiership - and, one way or another, he will negotiate that move.

It may be sad for U's fans to contemplate, but Windass won't be here next season, that's for sure. If he continues to show disloyalty by publicly saying he wants to leave, then I believe United should get rid sooner rather than later.

They're hanging on to him in the hope his goals will rescue them from rleegation. But is he that good? And is he irreplaceable?

As far as I'm concerned the answer's no on both counts. Windass lacks something of the 'team' mentality in his pursuit of personal glory. And I for one can do without that.

WHAT a disgrace. I refer to the attack on an Oxfordshire referee by players in an under 14s match between Carterton Town and Oxford Blackbirds.

In the B-Line Oxford Boys League - reported in the Gazette last week - the referee was attacked, forcing the game to be abandoned after 20 minutes.

One Blackbirds player said to be involved in the incident is now facing charges. When members of the Oxfordshire FA deal with him, they must be seen to condemn brutal behaviour on a football pitch with the severest of punishments - perhaps even a ban for life.

Story date: Tuesday 23 February

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