Kevin Keegan, the son of a coal miner from Armthorpe near Doncaster, became one of England's greatest players. He won three league titles with Liverpool and one with Hamburg, and twice claimed the Ballon d'Or. As a manager, he electrified Newcastle United fans during a turbulent 1990s spell. Here are his most memorable moments.
Fergie Rant
In the 1995-96 Premier League season, Keegan's Newcastle led a title charge against Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's psychological tactics finally broke Keegan, who erupted in a post-match interview. Gesticulating wildly, he declared: “You can tell him now, if you’re watching it, we’re still fighting for this title. He’s got to go to Middlesbrough and get something, and… and… I’ll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them, love it!”
Showdown with Newcastle Fans
Before the title charge, Keegan faced fan anger after selling star striker Andy Cole to Manchester United in January 1995. Standing outside St James' Park in jeans and a turtleneck, he defended Cole: “He’s tried harder probably in the last six or eight weeks than he has all the time he’s been here.”
Resigning from England Job in a Toilet
Keegan had the lowest win percentage of any permanent England manager. After a 1-0 loss to Germany at the old Wembley in Euro 2000, he quit. FA executive David Davies tried to change his mind in a toilet cubicle, but Keegan said: “You can’t change my mind. I’m out of here. I’m not up to it.”
Epic Head Tennis with Tony Blair
At the 1995 Labour Party conference, Keegan played head tennis with leader Tony Blair. The 20-second exchange became an iconic political photo. Keegan said: “Tony Blair is a breath of fresh air for me. My father was a staunch Labour man.” Blair later paid tribute: “Kevin inspired everyone he met, including me.”
No to Thatcher
In a 1979 documentary, Keegan revealed he turned down an invitation from Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to a “Youth for Europe” rally. He said: “If I went there with Margaret Thatcher, my old dad would kill me if he was here.”
Bremner Punch Up
In the 1974 Charity Shield, Keegan and Leeds' Billy Bremner traded punches after Keegan was hit by Johnny Giles. Both were sent off. Keegan threw his shirt away as he left the pitch, with commentator Barry Davies saying: “This is a face of English football we do not want to see.”
