Former England coach Kevin Keegan won damages and an apology after a court hearing today over false newspaper allegations which suggested he ran huge betting nights with players during international meetings.
Keegan and his wife Jean were at the High Court to hear lawyers for News Group Newspapers offer "sincere apologies" over an article in the News of the Worldin November last year.
The story alleged he masterminded huge betting nights on the eve of matches.
The former England coach's lawyers had told the court the paper published a detailed account of what were said to be "scandalous" allegations against Keegan.
Keegan, greeted by a barrage of cameras in front of the court, thanked his lawyers on his own behalf and that of his family and the England players.
The article had contained "so many things that weren't right", said Keegan.
"The article made me look like somebody who did not care. I think that everybody who works with me knows that is not true", added Keegan.
"Today has been a great day for us. It should never have happened. They published it. They paid the price."
The defendants had apologised to him and paid substantial damages and that was an "end to it."
Later the News of the Worldrevealed it paid stg£150,000 in damages to Keegan plus legal fees, the cost of which has yet to be ascertained.
"We are very glad to have settled the dispute with Kevin Keegan quickly and in a civilised fashion," News of the Worldmanaging editor Stuart Kuttner said. "The matter is now closed." -AFP-