Considering how tribal football is, especially in modern times, it is rarely the case that a high profile figure appears to have been beloved by all. However, that seems to have very much been the case for Kevin Keegan. Back in January, his family announced that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. They revealed in June that the cancer had reached stage four and, on Monday, the footballing world was rocked by the news that he had died aged 75.
Hundreds of thousands paid tribute to the two-time Ballon d'Or winner, one of only four Englishman to receive the award, alongside Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Michael Owen. In a statement on their official statement, Liverpool expressed their sadness at his passing:
"Liverpool FC is deeply saddened and mourning the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan... the thoughts of everyone at the club are with Kevin's family and friends at this hugely difficult time... his legacy at Liverpool will be forever etched in history. "Liverpool
Keegan joined Liverpool from Scunthorpe United in 1971, accumulating 323 appearances, scoring 100 goals before signing for Hamburg for £500,000, a British record fee at the time. While on Merseyside, he won nine major honours, including three First Division titles, the European Cup and two UEFA Cups, scoring in both finals of the latter competition against Borussia Mönchengladbach and Club Brugge.
However, arguably, Keegan is even more beloved on Tyneside. He made 85 appearances for Newcastle United towards the end of his career, while also managing the Magpies 273 times across two spells. During the first in the '90s, Keegan's entertainers very nearly won the Premier League title in 1995/96, relinquishing a 14 point lead, ultimately finishing second behind Manchester United.
The Toon Army also ended up as runners-up the following year, which remain their best finishes since 1927. Newcastle too very movingly expressed their sadness at the news:
"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters... Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle... Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created... the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him."Newcastle United
Newcastle later confirmed that they will pay tribute to Keegan ahead of their opening weekend Premier League fixture against Liverpool, describing this as "poignant", given his legendary status at both clubs. They confirm they will work closely with supporter groups, including its Fan Advisory Board, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and Wor Flags.
In recent times, St James' Park has staged some extraordinary presentations for players past and present, so expect to see a full stadium display of some kind that will likely take your breath away, but only reflect how much of an icon Keegan will forever be. The fact it is Newcastle vs Liverpool at St James' Park in the prime time slot on the Premier League's opening weekend, some things are perhaps meant to be.
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