Fans of Newcastle United and Liverpool paid tribute to Kevin Keegan at St James' Park before the first Premier League game of the season. The football legend, who died last month at 75 after battling cancer, had represented both clubs with distinction during his playing career and later managed United's Entertainers team in the mid-1990s.
A transformative figure
Keegan is regarded as one of the most important and inspirational figures in the club's history, with his spells on Tyneside helping shape the modern Newcastle United. This week marks 44 years since his debut as a Newcastle player on August 28, 1982. At the time, the club was in the Second Division and struggling, yet managed to secure the signature of the 31-year-old England captain and two-time Ballon d'Or winner.
The news broke suddenly when the Evening Chronicle's John Gibson revealed Keegan had jetted into the city to complete a £100,000 move from Southampton. The deal was underpinned by Newcastle Breweries, who helped fund his £3,000-a-week wages, a substantial sum at the time.
Transforming the club's fortunes
Ahead of the club's 90th anniversary, United were stagnating, short of money, and playing in a decaying St James' Park. Crowds had dwindled to around 17,000 the previous season. Keegan's arrival transformed the mood overnight, with queues forming outside the ground as supporters rushed to buy season tickets.
Club secretary Russell Cushing admitted, "We're under siege. The response has been staggering." Keegan himself told the Chronicle, "It's marvellous. It's good to feel wanted. I can't wait for next Saturday."
A debut to remember
On a sweltering afternoon, 35,718 fans packed the ground for his debut against Queens Park Rangers. A tight 1-0 victory was settled on the hour when Keegan struck at the Gallowgate End. "I put the ball under the keeper's body," he said afterwards, "and the crowd sucked it in."
The Sunday Sun reported: "The new king of Tyneside more than earned his first week's wages with a priceless piece of finishing. Kevin Keegan looked every inch a £3,000-a-week signing as he brilliantly took his chance on the hour to secure victory."
Lasting legacy
Keegan spent just two seasons in black and white, scoring 49 goals in 85 games. As captain, he led the Magpies to promotion in 1984 after six years away from the top flight. He retired to Spain, returning a decade later as a rookie manager who took Newcastle United on a thrilling ride.
