It is a blueprint Keegan's successor will be expected to follow.
As part of the growing war of words between Keegan and the St James's hierarchy, the club released a statement outlining Keegan's role.
While preparing the ground for a legal battle, it also revealed the constraints his replacement will have to work within.
The statement read as a list of "facts" intended to contradict the interpretation given by the League Managers Association and others close to Keegan.
"Kevin Keegan had specific duties in that he was responsible for the training, coaching, selection and motivation of the team," it claimed, adding that he "was allowed to manage his specific duties without any interference from any board member."
There was no specific reference to Keegan's involvement or otherwise in transfer dealings, but KK claims it was very little, and of the six signings this summer ... he only wanted one of them!