Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, describing him as someone who “carried the love of the game on his sleeve”. Keegan, a former England forward and manager, passed away at the age of 75. His family announced in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Ferguson reflected on their managerial rivalry, particularly during Keegan’s first tenure as manager of Newcastle United between 1992 and 1997. During this period, Keegan guided the Magpies to promotion to the Premier League in the 1992-93 season. Three years later, Newcastle finished as runners-up to Ferguson’s Manchester United in the 1995-96 Premier League title race.
Keegan’s impact at Newcastle
Sir Alex Ferguson praised Keegan’s work at Newcastle, stating he “re-energised that club” and brought enthusiasm that resonated with supporters. He highlighted Keegan’s role in bringing players such as David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, and Philippe Albert to the club, which Ferguson believed added class to the team. Ferguson noted that the challenges posed by Newcastle during that era were significant for Manchester United.
Keegan’s famous televised comment, “I will love it if we beat them,” was directed at Ferguson. This reaction followed Ferguson’s questioning of whether Leeds and Nottingham Forest would exert the same effort against Newcastle as they would against Manchester United.
Despite the intense rivalry, Ferguson recalled a meeting with Keegan at Wentworth Golf Club weeks after the season concluded, where they spent time together without animosity. Ferguson admired Keegan’s quality of holding no grudges, stating, “I really respected him for that.”
A storied career
Keegan’s playing career included spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle. During his six-year tenure at Liverpool from 1971 to 1977, he secured three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups, and the FA Cup. He also helped Hamburg win the Bundesliga and earned consecutive Ballons d’Or in 1978 and 1979, making him one of only four English players to achieve this honour.
As a manager, Keegan also led Fulham and Manchester City, in addition to England and Newcastle. He signed Alan Shearer for Newcastle in 1996 for a reported world record fee. Shearer, who later captained England under Keegan’s management, described him as “My Hero. My manager. My friend.”
Eddie Howe, current manager of Newcastle United, also shared his admiration, stating Keegan was an inspiration to him as a young player and a friend whose guidance was invaluable. Howe noted Keegan’s warmth and generosity, and his understanding of the privilege and responsibility of leading Newcastle United.
Sir Kenny Dalglish, who succeeded Keegan at Liverpool in 1977 and later as Newcastle manager, remembered him as “one of the very best players of his generation” who wore Liverpool’s number seven shirt with distinction. Dalglish highlighted Keegan’s exceptional achievements on the pitch and described him as a wonderful person and a genuine gentleman. Phil Thompson, a former England and Liverpool teammate, called Keegan the “best of all the people I have known in football and in sport,” praising his humility and inspirational presence.
Keegan received 63 caps for England, scoring 21 goals between 1972 and 1982, and managed the national team from February 1999 to October 2000.
Tributes from the football community
Liverpool FC expressed deep sadness at Keegan’s passing, acknowledging his indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution to the club’s history. The club noted his debut goal against Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the 1971-72 league opener and his partnership with John Toshack, which brought significant success, including the First Division title and a maiden European trophy.
Keegan’s goal involvements in his second year at Anfield, comprising 22 goals and 19 assists, were instrumental in securing the First Division title and a UEFA Cup. He scored two goals and assisted another in the 3-2 aggregate win against Borussia Monchengladbach in the UEFA Cup final. He also scored twice in the 1974 FA Cup final against Newcastle.
The Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award in 1975-76 followed another league and UEFA Cup double for Liverpool. Keegan concluded his Liverpool career by earning a third league winner’s medal, and lifting the club’s first European Cup. He returned to England after winning two Ballons d’Or during his three seasons at Hamburg.
Keegan’s family released a statement confirming his passing, noting he was surrounded by his wife and daughters. They thanked his medical team and requested privacy during this difficult time. The England national team also expressed sadness, highlighting his 63 international caps and 21 goals, and his tenure as manager from 1999 to 2000.
Newcastle United issued a statement describing Keegan as “more than a legendary footballer and manager,” calling him the “beating heart” of the club. They praised his ability to ignite the city and lead a team whose style, spirit, and passion captured the imagination of football fans globally. The club stated they would consider how to shape a lasting tribute to Keegan’s life and legacy at an appropriate moment.
Keegan’s association with Liverpool began in May 1971 when he arrived from Scunthorpe.
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Source: bbc.com
