Former Manchester City manager Kevin Keegan was remembered before Newcastle United’s opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool at St James’ Park, with both clubs honouring the legendary figure who passed away last month at age 75.
Keegan had disclosed his stage four cancer diagnosis earlier in the year, prompting widespread mourning throughout the football community. Supporters created various tributes around the stadium, including cards raised to display his iconic number seven, while Liverpool supporters arranged themselves to spell out his name. A large banner depicting Keegan across different eras was unveiled, and another banner featured a message from the former City manager.
The former England manager expressed that supporters should hold dreams about their football club, suggesting that optimism should prevail. He noted that doubters often struggle to justify their negativity when questioned.
Keegan took over from Joe Royle at Manchester City in 2001 following relegation from the top tier. He restored the club to the Premier League, bringing in players including Nicolas Anelka and Marc-Vivien Foe while maintaining their top-flight status before departing in 2005.
However, Keegan held an especially special place in Newcastle United supporters’ hearts, having begun his managerial career there and leading the famed ‘Entertainers’ team of the 1990s. During his playing career at Liverpool, he secured the European Cup, two UEFA Cups and three league championships.
Before kick-off, both clubs observed a solemn tribute. Bobby Moncur, Ian Rush, Shola Ameobi and Sir Kenny Dalglish placed wreaths at Newcastle’s memorial gardens, while squad members prepared for the match wearing number seven shirts. Outside the stadium, supporters arranged a mosaic comprising 500 shirts.
Keegan’s relatives contributed a heartfelt message for the matchday programme, addressed to Newcastle United supporters and the city. They described the recent period as among the most difficult their family had faced while bidding farewell to their husband, father and grandfather. Despite residing outside the area, they noted how the affection from the North East had provided comfort during their grief. They observed that the compassion demonstrated by the club and its community had been remarkable, with the volume of messages overwhelming. Family members had travelled back to witness the tributes positioned outside the stadium, where the display of black and white scarves alongside colours representing other clubs reminded them of Keegan’s significance to football. The moment brought both sorrow and pride as they read countless personal tributes. Keegan had frequently expressed his affection for Newcastle, its supporters and the city, sharing tales accompanied by his characteristic grin, and the memorials allowed his grandchildren to comprehend the depth of affection directed toward their grandfather. It also offered the family an opportunity to reflect on cherished memories of his distinguished career and remarkable connection with the club. They thanked Newcastle for demonstrating the passion that perfectly captured Keegan both as a player, manager and family man, expressing eternal gratitude for the support that had sustained them through difficult times.