THE state of Kevin Keegan's wife Jean's health remained shrouded in mystery yesterday after reports that she was undergoing hospital treatment.

Jean Keegan, 42, was said to have had regular appointments at North Tees General Hospital over the past year, sparking speculation that a mystery illness was behind her husband Kevin's decision to quit as manager of Newcastle.

Dr Mohamed Hatem, a consultant obstetrician at the hospital in Stockton on Tees, refused to comment on reports in the News of the World that he had been, treating Mrs Keegan. Dr Hatem, who specialises in women's health problems, said: "I will neither confirm or deny it."

Newcastle refused to fuel rumours that fears for Jean were behind Keegan's shock decision. Caretaker manager Terry McDermott said: "It's got nothing to do with me and I'm not going to comment on speculation.

Evidence of Keegan's concern over his wife's health came a fortnight ago when he rushed home from celebrating Newcastle's 7-1 victory over Tottenham to be with Jean, who he said was suffering from flu.

Meanwhile, Joe Kinnear was last night named as Sky TV's choice as soccer manager of the year. The Wimbledon manager, who lost out to Mick McCarthy in the contest for the Republic of Ireland job last year, has led his team to fifth place in the English Premiership table.

Meanwhile, on Teeside, Middlesbrough moved to shore up some of their defensive shortcomings. On Saturday it was announced that manager Bryan Robson had bought Gianluca Festa. A Sardinian central defender with over 300 Italian league appearances to his name, Festa has agreed terms with Middlesbrough in a £2.7 million transfer from Inter Milan. Festa is expected to make his Premiership debut against Sheffield Wednesday next weekend.

Rangers manager Walter Smith last, marred a minute's silence for former Scotland star George Young at Ibrox.

Smith described the shameful disturbance by a section of Aberdeen's 1000 strong travelling support as "over the top" and "the worst I've ever heard".

Young, a former Rangers and Scotland skipper, died on Friday aged 74.

"I thought it was terrible," said Smith. "It is the worst thing I have heard in football in Scotland for a long time. I know Rangers are not popular in Aberdeen, but there is no need for any sup porter to show a lack of respect."