Newcastle have paid tribute to “amazing” player Kevin Keegan after the legendary former England striker and head coach, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979, died at the age of 75.
Keegan’s family announced in January that the three-time Premier League winner was set to begin treatment after being diagnosed with stage four cancer.
“It is with great sadness that we announce this Kevin Keegan A statement issued by the family on Monday said that he died at the age of 75.
“The former England player and coach was suffering from cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
“Kevin, double Golden Ball Winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s amazing medical team for all their support.
“This is a very difficult time and they are demanding space and privacy.”
Kevin Keegan “Inspiring Dreams” – Newcastle
Seven years after ending his glittering playing career, Keegan took up his first coaching role when he became Newcastle manager in February 1992 and guided the Newcastle side to safety from the Second Division.
Keegan won promotion with the club the following season, and in the final season of his first spell in charge, he led Newcastle to a significant run at the top of the Premier League in 1996/97 before being beaten by Manchester United in the classic title contest.
A club statement said: “Kevin was more than just a legendary footballer and manager.”
“He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of fans. As a player (between 1982 and 1984), he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St James’ Park, helping to change perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.”
“As a manager, he lit up our city. Kevin gave fans hope and pride and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world.
“He was more than just an entertainer. Above all, Kevin built an exceptional relationship with Newcastle, built on his father Joe’s roots.
“He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a true and steadfast passion and, in return, earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.”
Kevin Keegan’s career: Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle, England
After starting his career at Scunthorpe United, Keegan joined Liverpool under famous manager Bill Shankly in 1971.
As well as domestic glory, Keegan’s achievements at Anfield included winning the European Cup – now the Champions League – and the UEFA Cup, now the Europa League. Here is the full list.
| a race | Titles |
|---|---|
| First Division Football League | 1972/73, 1975/76, 1976/77 |
| FA Cup | 1973/74 |
| FA Charity Shield | 1974, 1976 |
| European Cup | 1976/77 |
| European Cup | 1972/73, 1975/76 |
Keegan joined Hamburg in 1977, winning the Ballon d’Or in successive seasons with the German side, as well as the Bundesliga in 1979 and reaching the European Cup final in 1980.
Southampton signed Keegan in 1980 and he was the club’s Player of the Year in the 1981/82 season, repeating the feat in each of his two seasons at Newcastle.
A statement issued by Southampton said: “Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as a Ballon d’Or holder and brought great joy to fans at (the former Dell Stadium) and throughout the football world.”
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Kevin Keegan’s International Career
Keegan made his debut with the England national team in 1972, and led his country from 1976 until his retirement after the 1982 World Cup.
England also reached the 1980 European Championship with Keegan in attack but failed to reach the knockout stage of any of the major tournaments in which he participated.
A back injury limited Keegan to one World Cup appearance, and he finished the season with 21 goals in 63 appearances, bettered by only 18 caps for the national team.
Kevin Keegan: Newcastle, Fulham, England, Manchester City coach
After that memorable first spell in charge at Newcastle, the man known as ‘King Kev’ joined Fulham in a senior capacity in 1997 and took over as manager ahead of the Cottagers’ Second Division campaign in 1997/98.
The club won promotion to the Premier League as champions in 1998/99. Keegan combined his role as coach of the England national team from February 1999.
The charismatic figure left Fulham at the end of that season to focus fully on England, although the Three Lions failed to qualify from their Euro 2000 group despite their first win over Germany since 1966.
A defeat to Germany in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium in October 2000 caused Keegan’s immediate resignation, and he returned to football as coach of Manchester City in 2001.
City adopted Keegan’s typical arrogant style en route to becoming League Two champions in the 2001/02 season, and he managed them in the Premier League until his exit in March 2005.
To the delight of Newcastle fans, Keegan was re-appointed by Newcastle in January 2008. He left eight months later, with widespread reports of tensions with the club’s hierarchy.
Newcastle’s statement following his death added: “Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results.”
He added: “You will live on in the memories he created with his club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of fans around the world who fell in love with football because of him.”
“At this very sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jane, his family, friends and everyone who had the honor of knowing and working with him.
“We mourn the loss of a true giant in our history. At the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how to form a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.”
Kevin Keegan tribute: England ‘incredibly sad’
In a statement, England offered “thoughts and condolences” to Keegan’s family, friends and the football world, adding: “We are deeply saddened by this news.”
One of Keegan’s best players at club and international level, Alan Shearer, called him “my hero”.
“My boss,” Shearer said. “My friend. Sleep easy, boss.”
Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher described Keegan as “one of the greatest players this country has ever produced” and “an absolute giant of the English game”.
“One of the most important men who made Liverpool what it is today,” Carragher said.
Below is a selection of more tributes to Keegan from across football.
Liverpool: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of legend Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss.
“His indomitable spirit and incredible contribution will forever be etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Manchester City: “Everyone at Manchester City was devastated to learn of the death of our former manager Kevin Keegan at the age of 75.
“Kevin was a transformational manager who brought optimism and energy to City during his four-year spell in charge.
“Our 2001/02 promotion campaign will never be forgotten and Kevin once again established us as one of the Premier League’s best teams in the years that followed.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Manchester United: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Kevin Keegan.
“He was a giant of English football, a cherished figure at the highest levels of the game.
“Our condolences to Kevin’s family, loved ones and everyone he inspired as a manager, player and person, on and off the field. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Fulham: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former manager Kevin Keegan.
“A legend of the game…our thoughts are with his friends and family in this difficult time.”
English as a foreign language: “I was saddened to learn of Kevin Keegan’s death.
“A legend of the English game, Keegan will be remembered by generations of football fans for his influence as a player and coach. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
