Football world mourns passing of Kevin Keegan at 75
Football figures across England and beyond are paying tribute to Kevin Keegan, who passed away at the age of 75. The former Liverpool and England star’s family announced his death on Monday, following a battle with cancer. Keegan, a celebrated player and manager, was diagnosed with stage four cancer and underwent treatment in January.
Sir Alex Ferguson, former Manchester United manager and a past rival, described Keegan as someone who “carried the love of the game on his sleeve.” Ferguson recalled their managerial duels, particularly when Keegan managed Newcastle United, and praised the impact he had on the Tyneside club. Keegan’s first tenure as Magpies boss, from 1992 to 1997, saw him guide the club to promotion to the Premier League in 1992-93, and later to a runner-up finish against United three years later.
Ferguson noted that Keegan “re-energised that club” and brought an enthusiasm that resonated with supporters. He also highlighted Keegan’s role in bringing players like David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, and Philippe Albert to the club, which added “a bit of class to the team.” Ferguson acknowledged the significant challenges Newcastle posed to United during that period, considering it possibly Newcastle’s “best ever team.”
A distinguished playing and managerial career
Keegan’s playing career included stints at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle. During his six years at Liverpool from 1971 to 1977, he secured three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups, and the FA Cup. He was part of the team that won Liverpool’s first European trophy, the UEFA Cup in 1973. His final appearance for Liverpool was in 1977, when the club won its maiden European Cup against Borussia Monchengladbach in Rome.
After moving to Hamburg, Keegan helped them win the Bundesliga and earned back-to-back Ballons d’Or in 1978 and 1979, making him one of only four English players to have received the award. His managerial career saw him lead Fulham, Manchester City, and England, in addition to Newcastle.
Alan Shearer, whom Keegan signed for Newcastle in 1996 for a reported fee, expressed his sorrow, stating, “He was my friend. A man everyone loved.” Shearer added that Keegan “loved football and he loved Newcastle more than anything.”
Current Newcastle manager Eddie Howe also shared his respect, recalling that Keegan was an inspiration and a friend whose guidance was invaluable when Howe was appointed in 2021. Howe noted Keegan’s “incredible warmth and generosity” and his willingness to share wisdom and offer encouragement.
Tributes from former teammates and rivals
Sir Kenny Dalglish, who replaced Keegan at Liverpool in 1977 and later succeeded him as Newcastle manager, described Keegan as “one of the very best players of his generation” and “a genuine gentleman.” Dalglish highlighted Keegan’s exceptional achievements on the pitch and his ability to build a team at Newcastle that brought “belief, excitement and pride” back to the club. Dalglish concluded that “Football has lost one of its true greats.”
Former England and Liverpool teammate Phil Thompson referred to Keegan as the “best of all the people I have known in football and in sport,” emphasizing his humility. Thompson recalled Keegan’s arrival at Liverpool in 1971, describing him as “a superhero” and “a revelation.”
David Fairclough, who made his first-team debut for Liverpool in 1975, looked up to Keegan and adopted his style. Fairclough remembered telling friends about his interactions with Keegan, who was then the top player at Liverpool. Keegan scored 21 goals in 63 games for England between 1972 and 1982, and managed the national team from February 1999 to October 2000.
Newcastle United issued a statement expressing their devastation at the loss of “one of the most iconic, influential and deeply-loved figures in our club’s history.” The club noted that Keegan was “more than a legendary footballer and manager,” but also “the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.”
Prince William, Patron of the FA, also expressed his sadness, calling Keegan “a truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.”
Keegan’s family confirmed his passing on Monday.
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Source: bbc.com
