Kevin Keegan, the legendary former player and manager of Newcastle United, has died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer. Tributes have poured in from across the football world, with many now calling for a permanent statue to honour his immense contribution to the club and the city of Newcastle.
Currently, only three statues stand outside St James' Park: Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Milburn, and Alan Shearer. While these are fitting tributes, many feel a Keegan statue is long overdue. A Chronicle Live poll in March 2026 found that 90% of readers wanted a statue of Keegan erected.
Keegan's Legacy: The Foundation of Modern Newcastle
Keegan's impact on Newcastle United was transformative. As a player from 1982 to 1984, he inspired promotion and became a hero, famously departing in a helicopter. As manager in 1992, he saved the club from relegation to the third tier and potential financial ruin, reigniting the city's passion for football. His 'Entertainers' team played thrilling football and came close to winning the Premier League, laying the groundwork for future success.
Alan Shearer, Newcastle's all-time leading scorer, told Chronicle Live: "I would love it if Kevin Keegan got a statue at St James’ Park. I think if there was ever another statue to be built at Newcastle, then it would have to be for Kevin Keegan after what he's done for the football club. I mean, jeez, Eddie can't be far away as well." Shearer added: "But what Kevin did for Newcastle, I don't think anything that we're doing now would have been possible if it wasn't for Kevin after what he did, and the choices that he had, but he then came to Newcastle as a player, he was my hero."
Reigniting a City and a Club
When Keegan returned in 1992, St James' Park was half-empty and the club was in the doldrums. He filled the stadium, created a feel-good factor, and boosted local businesses. Lee Clark, a former player under Keegan, said: "KK is deserving of a statue for what he has done for the club but also the city of Newcastle. In both the 1980s and 1990s before his arrival, St James Park was half full, then it was full houses every week and waiting lists for tickets."
Ian Lavery, MP for Blyth and Ashington, added: "Kevin Keegan, quite simply put, is a footballing legend in the North East. A better ambassador for our region would be difficult to find. Of course I’d support a statue of Keegan at St James’ - he's a legend."
Ant & Dec Join the Call
Newcastle fanatics Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly also lent their support. Ant said: "There would be no modern-day Newcastle United without Kevin Keegan. When he sensationally signed as a player and again years later when he became manager, he woke the football club, the city and dared us all as football fans, to dream." Dec added: "He took us on a wild ride, gave us memories that will last a lifetime and laid foundations that allowed the club to build and become what it is today. King Kev will forever be a huge part of the NUFC story."
This article was first published on March 12, 2026, and updated following Keegan's death.
