Did the Kevin Keegan feel good factor get to Jonny Wilkinson?

Last week the city of Newcastle was buzzing. Geordies danced the streets happier than the PG Tips Chimps set free in a banana plantation. Why were they so delighted? Well, even the most anti-soccer rugby fan knows that...

But has the Keegan-feel-good-facter (AKA KFGF) got to Jonny Wilks? He seemed all but definite to walk out on Newcastle, but now he's all set to stay. The England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has pledged his future to the North East club after signing a new two-year deal. The 28-year-old World Cup winner is currently in his 11th season with the Falcons, and has been there pretty much since King Kev last bought happiness to the region.

Newcastle's director of rugby John Fletcher told the BBC earlier, "This is a massive endorsement of where we are going. It's no secret that Jonny has had offers from elsewhere, but this is where he sees his future."