Kevin Keegan, one of football's most charismatic and influential figures, has died at the age of 75. The former Liverpool, Hamburg and England star was remembered as a 'national treasure' by those who knew him, with chief sports writer Andy Dunn calling him 'a joy to watch, a joy to be around' – infectious, funny, passionate and never one to take himself too seriously.
Born in Armthorpe near Doncaster, Keegan came to Bill Shankly's attention after playing more than 100 games for Scunthorpe United. The legendary Liverpool boss sat on a bin outside Anfield with Scunthorpe counterpart Ron Ashman to finalise one of the all-time great bargains: a £35,000 deal in 1971. Within a fortnight, Shankly told Keegan he would play for England.
“Kevin Keegan dies aged 75; twice Ballon d'Or winner and beloved Liverpool, Newcastle and England icon.”
He scored on his Liverpool debut against Nottingham Forest, the start of a beautiful partnership with John Toshack – a classic 'big man, little man' combination. At Anfield he won three league titles, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup and a European Cup, producing defining individual performances. One came in the 1977 European Cup final when he destroyed Berti Vogts – acknowledged then as one of the world's best defenders – in Liverpool's 3-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach. Vogts later paid tribute to the 'Machtig Maus' (Magic Mouse).
Ironically, another great display came in the 1974 FA Cup final against his beloved Newcastle United, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory. Can you imagine the fuss if an English player won the Ballon D'Or twice in two years as Keegan did in 1978 and 1979 while in Germany? Over half a decade, he was the Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo of his time, but incredibly down to earth.
Keegan revived Newcastle's fortunes as a player before carrying the Geordie nation with him on a thrilling ride as manager, first taking them back to the top flight, then delivering a magnificently entertaining team that challenged for the highest honours – even if they ultimately fell short. His time will be recalled for the infamous 'I will love it if we beat them' TV outburst aimed at Sir Alex Ferguson as Newcastle's 12-point lead in the 1995-96 title race evaporated – but the unconditional love Geordies felt for Keegan was never diluted.
He was hugely gifted, honest, decent, hard-working and emotional. There were highs and lows, but the positivity and vibrancy he brought made him a cherished figure. Relations became strained during Euro 2000 when his relaxed regime came under scrutiny and England failed to make it out of the group stage. But to many – including our parents – he WAS a national treasure, even if his place in Liverpool's history books is nuanced by his decision to leave for Hamburg in 1977 for a new challenge.
Keegan always had an amusing tale to tell when the notepads were away. He told of being almost late for his Liverpool debut – a police officer not recognising the new £33,000 signing outside Anfield. He would laugh about falling off his bike on the TV programme Superstars. A joy to be around, he should have been a national treasure – and was knighted in all but name.