Newcastle have paid tribute to “remarkable” Kevin Keegan after the legendary former England forward and head coach, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979, died aged 75.
Keegan’s family announced in January that the three-time top-flight winner was set to begin treatment following a stage four cancer diagnosis.
“It is with immense sadness we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,” a statement from the family said on Monday.
“The former England player and manager had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
“Kevin, a double Ballon D’or winner, was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather. The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.
“This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”
Kevin Keegan ‘inspired dreams’ – Newcastle
Seven years after ending his glittering playing career, Keegan assumed his first coaching role by becoming Newcastle manager in February 1992 and steering the Magpies to second-tier safety.
Keegan won promotion with the club the following season and, in the final season of his first spell in charge, guided Newcastle to a huge lead at the top of the 1996/97 Premier League before they were edged out by Manchester United in a classic title contest.
“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager,” said a statement from the club.
“He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters. As a player [between 1982 and 1984], he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
“As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world.
“He was so much more than an entertainer. Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe.
“He understood our people. He embraced the north-east with a passion that was genuine and unwavering and, in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.”
Kevin Keegan career: Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle, England
After starting his career at Scunthorpe United, Keegan joined Liverpool under iconic 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, which is now the Europa League. Here’s the full list.
| Competition | Titles |
|---|---|
| Football League First Division | 1972/73, 1975/76, 1976/77 |
| FA Cup | 1973/74 |
| FA Charity Shield | 1974, 1976 |
| European Cup | 1976/77 |
| UEFA 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 a run to the European Cup final in 1980.
Southampton signed Keegan in 1980 and he was the Player of the Season at the club in 1981/82, repeating that feat in both of his campaigns at Newcastle.
“Kevin signed for the club in 1980 as the holder of the Ballon d’Or and brought great joy to fans at [former stadium] The Dell and across the football world,” read a statement from Southampton, who said they were “devastated” by the news.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
Kevin Keegan international career
An England debutant in 1972, Keegan captained his country from 1976 until his retirement after the 1982 World Cup.
England also reached EURO 1980 with Keegan in attack but failed to make the knockout stage of either major tournament he featured in.
A back injury restricted Keegan to one World Cup appearance and he finished on 21 goals in 63 appearances, with only 18 players ever outscoring him for the national team.
Kevin Keegan: Newcastle, Fulham, England, Man City manager
Following that memorable first coaching spell at Newcastle, the man known as ‘King Kev’ joined Fulham in a senior role in 1997 and took over as manager before the Cottagers’ second-tier play-off campaign in 1997/98.
The club won promotion to the Premier League as champions in 1998/99. Keegan combined his role with taking charge of England from February 1999.
The charismatic figure left Fulham at the end of that season to concentrate fully on England, although the Three Lions failed to progress from their group at EURO 2000 despite a first win over Germany since 1966.
A World Cup qualifying defeat to Germany at Wembley Stadium in October 2000 caused Keegan’s immediate resignation, returning to football as Manchester City boss in 2001.
City adopted a cavalier style typical of Keegan on their way to becoming second-tier champions in 2001/02, and he managed them in the Premier League until his exit in March 2005.
To the delight of supporters, Newcastle re-appointed Keegan in January 2008. He left eight months later, with widespread reports of tensions with the club’s hierarchy.
“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results,” added Newcastle’s statement following his passing.
“It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.
“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
“We mourn the loss of a true giant of our history. At the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.”
Kevin Keegan tributes: England ‘incredibly saddened’
In a statement, England offered “thoughts and condolences” to Keegan’s family, friends and the football world, adding: “We are incredibly saddened by the news.”
One of Keegan’s finest players at club and international level, Alan Shearer, called him “my hero”.
“My manager,” said Shearer. “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 in making Liverpool what it is today,” said Carragher.
Here are a selection of more of the tributes to Keegan from across football.
Liverpool: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss.
“His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Manchester City: “Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75.
“Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge.
“The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Manchester United: “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Kevin Keegan.
“A giant of English football, he was a cherished figure at the very highest levels of the game.
“Our condolences go to Kevin’s family, loved ones and all those he inspired as a manager, player and person, on and off the pitch. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Fulham: “We’re incredibly sad to hear the news that our former manager, Kevin Keegan, has passed away.
“A legend of the game… our thoughts are with his friends and family at this difficult time.”
The EFL: “Saddened to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan.
“A legend of the English game, Keegan will be remembered by generations of football fans for his impact as a player and manager. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
