Newcastle United and Liverpool are in discussions to honour Kevin Keegan before their Premier League opener at St James’ Park on Sunday 23 August, following the legendary forward’s death at the age of 75. Keegan, who died this week surrounded by his wife and daughters, is revered at both clubs – having enjoyed trophy-laden spells as a player with Liverpool and as both player and manager at Newcastle. His career highlights include scoring twice in Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Newcastle in the 1974 FA Cup final, a defining moment in a six-year spell at Anfield where he won three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups and the FA Cup.
Newcastle confirmed they are talking to Liverpool “to ensure his 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”. Ahead of the season opener, Newcastle’s men’s, women’s and under-21 sides will wear black armbands during pre-season matches in Keegan’s honour. A minute’s silence will be observed before Eddie Howe’s side face Gateshead in an away friendly this Saturday. When the men’s team face Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg on 15 and 16 August, 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 as a player. The same tribute will take place when the women’s side play Inter Milan on 16 August, giving supporters the chance to join a minute’s applause for the former England captain and manager.
“Newcastle and Liverpool plan to honour Kevin Keegan before their Premier League opener on 23 August.”
Keegan, who also played for Scunthorpe United, Hamburg and Southampton, and managed Fulham, England and Manchester City, had revealed in June that he had stage four cancer, the most advanced stage. His family initially disclosed he was battling the disease in January. A statement on behalf of the Keegan family this week said he was “surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments”. Newcastle said they will consult Keegan’s family on plans for a permanent tribute, ensuring his legacy endures at the club where he remains a hero.