James Milner today admitted his relief at swapping Newcastle for Villa and hinted that Kevin Keegan’s hand may have been forced on transfers.

Keegan resigned as Toon boss this week after claiming interference on players coming in.

Milner became Villa’s record £12m transfer last week – a deal Keegan insisted he had approved at the time.

But winger Milner – who scored last night in England Under-21s’ 2-0 win over Portugal at Wembley, believes Keegan may not have had total control on players coming in and going out.

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James Milner today admitted his relief at swapping Newcastle for Villa and hinted that Kevin Keegan’s hand may have been forced on transfers.

Keegan resigned as Toon boss this week after claiming interference on players coming in.

Milner became Villa’s record £12m transfer last week – a deal Keegan insisted he had approved at the time.

But winger Milner – who scored last night in England Under-21s’ 2-0 win over Portugal at Wembley, believes Keegan may not have had total control on players coming in and going out.

“I suppose I could see the signs coming – what happened with me shows what was going on behind the scenes,” said Milner.

“He (Keegan) sticks to his guns and he obviously thought it was the right thing to do and fair play to him. It’s tough times for the club and it shows what’s been going on behind the scenes. There always seems to be fun and games up at Newcastle.”

Milner said he was relieved to be at Villa now under a stable regime with Martin O’Neill and Randy Lerner.

“I’m delighted to be at Aston Villa now and that chapter has gone at Newcastle,” he said.

“I’m just looking forward to getting stuck in. I feel sorry for Kevin – he was fantastic with me.”