Sept. 5 (Bloomberg) -- Kevin Keegan quit as Newcastle United manager for a second time following a dispute over player transfers, a day after Alan Curbishley resigned from English Premier League soccer rival West Ham for the same reason.

Keegan, who also quit Newcastle in 1997, received a letter yesterday from managing director Derek Llambias that failed to resolve the issues, the League Managers Association said in a statement. Keegan held the job for less than eight months and said he had ``worked desperately'' to resolve his differences.

``It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want,'' Keegan said in the statement. ``I have been left with no choice other than to leave.''

Newcastle said in a statement it was ``disappointed'' after spending several days in talks and putting forward ``a set of practical suggestions for how to move forward.''

``The club made it clear to Kevin if he had any outstanding concerns on its proposals, he should raise them,'' the statement on Newcastle's Web site said. ``The club regrets that Kevin has, instead of taking up that offer, chosen to resign.''

Keegan became the second Premier League manager to quit his post in two days over transfer policy. Two days ago, Curbishley left West Ham, saying the club breached trust and confidence by making ``significant player decisions'' without involving him.

Media Reports

Keegan disagreed over the sale of winger James Milner to Aston Villa last week and was upset that billionaire owner Mike Ashley wanted to sell striker Michael Owen, according to U.K. media reports. Keegan's loyalty to Joey Barton was another sticking point with Ashley, who wanted to get rid of the player who recently was released from prison, the Daily Mail reported.

In the transfer window that closed four days ago, Newcastle signed Spain Under-21 striker Xisco and defender Fabricio Coloccini from Deportivo La Coruna, as well as Jonas Gutierrez, Danny Guthrie and loan signing Ignacio Gonzalez.

``It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters,'' Keegan added in the statement.

Keegan returned to Newcastle as coach in January -- 11 1/2 years after leading the club to runner-up spot in the Premier League. The 57-year-old, who had been without a coaching role since leaving Manchester City in March 2005, replaced Sam Allardyce, who was fired after less than eight months in charge.

Wise Hired

Keegan was hailed by the club at the time as ``King Kev'' but has struggled to revive one of the best-supported clubs in England, which last won a major trophy in 1969. Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League last season and stands 11th in the current campaign, with four points from three games.

Newcastle hired Leeds United manager Dennis Wise as its executive director of football in late January, also appointing Tony Jimenez as vice-president of player recruitment and Jeff Vetere as technical coordinator. U.K. press reports have spoken of tensions between Keegan and the rest of that team.

Keegan played for Newcastle between 1982 and 1984, having earlier starred with Liverpool and England. He scored 48 goals in 78 matches for the ``Toon,'' retiring to Spain soon after and staying there until his appointment as manager.

As a manager, his Newcastle team was competing with Manchester United for the title during his first spell, which ended with his resignation in January 1997. He spent almost five years in charge and won 138 of 251 games. In the 1995-96 title race, Newcastle lost a 12-point lead over United.

Fulham

In his debut managerial role there, Keegan had led the club to promotion to the top division in his first full season.

He was unable to provide the northeast England outfit with a first trophy since the Fairs Cup -- precursor to the UEFA Cup -- though he was popular with the supporters.

Keegan returned to soccer as chief operating officer at Fulham before becoming manager there in May 1998. He won promotion to the Premier League in his only season, though left soon after to take charge of England's national team after combining the roles for three months.

Keegan resigned as England coach following a World Cup qualifying defeat against Germany in 2000 before joining Manchester City, where he maintained his record of winning promotion in his first full season as the team reached the top flight. He quit Maine Road before the end of the 2004-05 season.

Since the end of his first spell at Newcastle, the club -- which regularly attracts crowds of around 50,000 -- has had six permanent managers, with only Bobby Robson holding the role for more than 1 1/2 years.

Retailer Ashley bought the club in June 2007 for 133 million pounds ($236 million). The founder of Sports Direct International Plc is often seen at games wearing a replica jersey in the team's black-and-white stripes.

To contact the reporter on this story: James Cone in London at jcone@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: September 4, 2008 21:06 EDT