The One Show has paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, with Grantchester star Robson Green saying "we'll never forget him". The former England manager died in July aged 75, weeks after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Tribute planned at St James' Park
On Sunday, August 23, tributes will take place at St James' Park ahead of two of his former clubs, Newcastle United and Liverpool, playing each other in the Premier League. A minute's applause is set to take place before kick-off in tribute to Keegan, while the teams will warm up in special shirts and wear black armbands.
Discussing the game on The One Show, hosted by Angellica Bell and JB Gill, Morning Live presenter Dr Xand van Tulleken paid tribute to Keegan in the studio while fellow Geordie and Grantchester star Robson Green featured in a montage of messages.
Hosts and fans share memories
JB asked Dr Xand: "You're a massive football fan, but he also meant a lot to you, didn't he?" Dr Xand replied: "I grew up, I remember thinking when I'm a grown up, I will have a dimple in my chin and a full head of hair like that… it hasn't happened! But what an absolute legend."
Hosts JB and Angellica also read out tributes sent in from fans, with one person saying: "He was the Geordie Messiah, a Newcastle legend on and off the pitch, always loved and never forgotten." JB read another: "Kevin Keegan was my hero. I saw him make his [Newcastle United] debut in 1982 against QPR."
Family and club statements
The programme shared a clip of tributes to Keegan ahead of a display on Sunday featuring shirts from Newcastle United fans with messages to Keegan. In the clip, actor Robson said: "He reminded us all that football wasn't just something you watched, it was something you belonged to. And Liverpool fans and players, it's the same with Newcastle. We didn't just like and respect Kevin Keegan, we loved him, and we'll never forget him."
Keegan's family issued a statement on July 20, saying he was "surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments". "Kevin, a double Ballon d'Or winner, was a much loved husband, father and grandfather," it continued. "The family would like to thank Kevin's incredible medical team for all their support. This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy."
Newcastle United's tribute described Keegan as "one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club's history". The club statement continued: "Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters. Kevin's impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him."
The One Show airs weekdays from 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
