Kevin Keegan, who scored twice to win the 1974 FA Cup final for Liverpool against Newcastle United, has died at 75 after a battle with stage four cancer. Now the two clubs are in discussions to honour his memory before their Premier League opener at St James’ Park on 23 August.
Keegan’s family disclosed earlier this year that he had been fighting the disease, and in June he revealed it had reached stage four. A family statement said he was “surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments”.
“Newcastle and Liverpool plan tribute as Kevin Keegan dies at 75 after cancer battle.”
Newcastle said in a statement that 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”. The season-opening match is scheduled for Sunday 23 August at 16:30 BST.
Keegan is revered at both clubs. During six trophy-laden years at Liverpool he won three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups and the FA Cup. At Newcastle he spent two seasons as a player from 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.
In the immediate aftermath of his death, 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 as a player — when the men’s side face Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg on 15 and 16 August. The same tribute will take place when the women’s team face Inter Milan on 16 August, giving supporters the chance 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, two clubs who shared his genius are working to ensure a fitting farewell.