Kevin Keegan, the former England captain who lit up English football as a player and manager, has died at the age of 75. His family said this week he was “surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments”. He had revealed in June he was battling stage four cancer, the most advanced stage, after his family first disclosed the disease in January.
Now Newcastle United and Liverpool, the two clubs where Keegan achieved legendary status, are in discussions to honour him before their Premier League opener at St James’ Park on Sunday 23 August (16:30 BST). Newcastle said in a statement they are talking to Liverpool “to ensure [Keegan’s] memory is marked fittingly before the game”. The club added they “will work closely with supporter groups… as well as the Premier League, to shape tributes”.
“Newcastle and Liverpool to honour Kevin Keegan before Premier League opener after his death at 75.”
Keegan spent six trophy-laden years at Liverpool, winning three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups and the FA Cup – the latter sealed with his two goals in the 1974 FA Cup final, a 3-0 victory over Newcastle. He later became a Newcastle player in 1982 before returning as manager in 1992, guiding the club to Premier League promotion in 1992-93 and second place in the 1995-96 top flight.
Tributes have already begun. Newcastle’s men’s, women’s and under-21 sides will wear black armbands during pre-season matches. A minute’s silence will be observed before Eddie Howe’s side play Gateshead in an away friendly this Saturday. Keegan’s photo will be displayed on screens at St James’ Park in the seventh minute – a reference to the number seven shirt he wore – when the men’s side face Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg on 15 and 16 August. The same will happen when the women’s team face Inter Milan on 16 August, with supporters invited to join a minute’s applause for the former England captain and manager.
Newcastle said they will consult Keegan’s family on plans for a permanent tribute. For now, the focus is on a fitting send-off before two clubs he defined come together.
