Newcastle United and Liverpool supporters will come together at St James' Park today to remember Kevin Keegan, who died a month ago at the age of 75. The meeting between the two clubs on the opening weekend of the season is both poignant and fitting, as they are the English sides where he was most revered. The venue is equally appropriate, given the adoration he earned there during his explosive spells as both player and manager.
A transformative arrival in 1982
Keegan's first spell at Newcastle began with a move that would be unthinkable today. In 1982, while he was a two-time European footballer of the year and European Cup winner, United were struggling in Division Two. His arrival electrified the fanbase, with King Kev scoring on his debut and helping the club to a fifth-place finish in his first season, followed by promotion in his second and final year as a player.
On Valentine's Day 1984, his 33rd birthday, Keegan announced his retirement at the end of the season. His departure was as dramatic as his arrival, as he flew off in a helicopter from the St James' pitch. As the Chronicle's John Gibson put it: "Hollywood couldn't have done it better."
The Entertainers and a near title
Keegan returned to management with Newcastle, his first such role, and quickly banned the word consolidation, declaring: "I've heard some people talk about consolidation, so we banned that word straight away." His side played a brand of football that came close to delivering the Premier League title, with iconic moments like his "I'd love it" rant against Alex Ferguson.
His influence extended to players like John Beresford, who told the Chronicle in 2021: "The first thing Kevin said was, 'You'll sign for me today, we'll get promoted this year, then within a year we will get into Europe. Oh, and I'll get you in the England squad too.'" Beresford added that Keegan delivered on those promises and called him "one of the greatest people I met in my life."
England and later years
Keegan also managed England, leading them to Euro 2000, though the team fell in the group stage despite a win over Germany. After a World Cup qualifying defeat to Germany at Wembley, he resigned, telling players and officials he could not change his mind. Per Davies' autobiography, Keegan said: "You can't change my mind. I'm out of here. I'm not up to it. I'm going out to the press to tell them I'm not up to it."
He returned to Newcastle in 2008 but left after eight months following a fallout with Mike Ashley. He largely stayed out of the spotlight afterward, though his affection for the Magpies and Tyneside never dimmed. Today, fans will celebrate his life and career, with emotions expected to run high at St James' Park.
