Peter Beardsley has paid his own personal tribute to Kevin Keegan, describing him as "the best of the best" after the Newcastle United legend's death.
Beardsley, who played alongside Keegan and later under him as manager, said: "Kevin was simply the best footballing person I have ever known."
A friendship that lasted decades
"I have been very lucky to work with a lot of special people but Kevin was the best of the best. Our friendship lasted from the day I walked into SJP in the early eighties until the day he left us this week," Beardsley said.
Beardsley had just returned from laying flowers at the shrine to Keegan on the Gallowgate corner of St James' Park, where the two of them together with Chris Waddle plundered 65 goals between them in that first season.
Playing with a diamond up front
"We played with a diamond up front and it worked a treat even though Kevin was only 5ft 8in tall," Beardsley said. "He operated as our centre-forward and was so effective because he had so much enthusiasm, determination and work rate. Now the game is dominated by stats . . . how much you sprint, how much grass you cover, how many touches, how many times you're fouled. He would have topped every stat in our day. He was phenomenal."
Beardsley recalled Keegan's advice: "Run around Pedro. People will see you are technically gifted but let them see you will work hard. Then you will be loved. KK gave the maximum every day."
Keegan as manager
When Keegan returned as manager, he signed Beardsley again. Beardsley said: "I've never known anyone buy so many top, top players yet reside over a dressing-room where there was never a cross word. Egos never got in the way. Everyone did their job to their utmost . . . Coley, Sir Les, Big Al, Rob Lee, the lot."
Keegan's first job as manager was to save Newcastle from dropping into the Third Division, and his last was managing them to runners-up in the Premier League, still their best position in 100 years since they last won the championship in 1927.
Final days together
Beardsley remained in constant touch with Keegan during retirement. The last time they were together was at the Tyne Theatre, after Keegan had been released from hospital where he had fought stomach cancer. "I had been with him all afternoon at the Gosforth Park Hotel and then at the theatre that night. His wife Jean was there as well. He was amazing - looked the part, carried a twinkle in his eye, embraced the fans."
Beardsley added: "His passing has brought home to everyone just how unbelievable he was. What he did for this city. I've always known that and marvelled at it."
