Kevin Keegan looked sprightly and stylish as he made his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis was revealed in January. The former England and Newcastle United manager joined presenter Pete Graves to advertise their appearance at the Tyne Theatre, scheduled for Sunday evening.
Keegan suffered ongoing abdominal symptoms which led to his stomach cancer diagnosis. But he smiled and joked 'I'm still alive!' as he sat down with Graves for the brief promo.
Keegan, 75, was dressed immaculately in a black shirt, grey suits and pants, and shoes. 'I'm still alive, thank you!' he exclaimed, when Graves asked how he was doing.
Kevin Keegan, right, cut an energetic figure in his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis was made public. Keegan played 63 games for England between 1972 and 1982, scoring 21 goals.
'I'm looking forward to going to Newcastle. It's not my second home, it's my first home, really. My dad was from up there and I was twice at the club and really enjoyed it. Whenever I'm up there, I'm always happy. Howay the lads.'
Keegan made his name at Liverpool in a glittering playing career. He won 63 England caps and also managed Fulham and Manchester City. He guided Newcastle to the Premier League during the first of two stints at St James' Park and came close to lifting the title, only to be pipped by Manchester United.
A family statement in January read: 'Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer for which Kevin will undergo treatment. Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care. During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy and will be making no further comment.'
A Newcastle statement read: 'Our former player & manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. King Kev. We're with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.'
Liverpool also released a statement of support, reading: 'All of us at LFC and official former players association Forever Reds send our best wishes to Kevin, his family and friends.' He went on to manage England for 18 games between February 1999 and October 2000. Keegan made 323 appearances for Liverpool between 1971 and 1977, winning the European Cup with the club in 1977. He had two spells as manager of Newcastle, where he is a hugely popular figure.
And on social media Manchester City added: 'Sending our strength and love to Kevin and his family at this time.'
After starting his career at Scunthorpe, Keegan headed to Anfield where he won the First Division three times, the European Cup once and the UEFA Cup twice. He enjoyed a stint in Germany with Hamburg before spells at Southampton and Newcastle. In 1999 Keegan succeeded Glenn Hoddle as England boss but resigned in 2000 following a disappointing European Championship and a loss to Germany in the final match at the old Wembley. He would go on to oversee promotions to the top flight for both Fulham and City.
