In the annals of Newcastle United’s history, few figures loom as large as Kevin Keegan.
As a player, manager, and icon, his name is synonymous with hope and excitement, and the cherished dreams of Newcastle supporters.
A statue of Kevin Keegan at St. James’ Park is absolutely needed.
It would not only celebrate his profound contributions to the club but also immortalise a legacy.
The Player: A Spark of Brilliance
Kevin Keegan joined Newcastle United in 1982 as a player of global renown.
A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, he arrived from Southampton who were 9th place in the First Division (which was the top tier of English football at the time) to a club struggling in the Second Division. His signing electrified the city and ignited a surge in attendances at St. James’ Park.
Keegan’s impact was transformative. In his two seasons with Newcastle, he scored 48 goals in 78 appearances, propelling the club to promotion in the 1983-84 season. His charisma and relentless work ethic inspired a generation of supporters and laid the foundation for Newcastle’s reemergence on the English football stage.
Kevin Keegan
The Manager: Architect of the Entertainers
If Keegan’s playing career made him a hero, his managerial tenure elevated him to a legend.
Appointed manager in 1992, Keegan inherited a club on the brink of relegation to the third tier. In a matter of months, he orchestrated the Great Escape, saving Newcastle from the drop. What followed was nothing short of miraculous.
Under Keegan’s leadership, Newcastle won the First Division in 1992-93, earning promotion to the Premier League. But it wasn’t just the success—it was how Newcastle played. The “Entertainers,” as his team became known, dazzled fans with free-flowing, attacking football. Players like David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, Andy Cole, John Beresford, Robert Lee, Peter Beardsley, and Alan Shearer flourished under his guidance.
The 1995-96 season remains etched in memory as Newcastle came heartbreakingly close to winning the Premier League, finishing second to Manchester United. Keegan’s emotional “I would love it” outburst during the title race embodied the passion that endeared him to fans.
Kevin Keegan Terry McDermott
A Symbol of Passion and Ambition
Kevin Keegan gave Newcastle United its swagger back. His belief in the club’s potential, revitalised not just the team but the city itself. Under his leadership, Newcastle United became a symbol of ambition, drawing worldwide admiration and respect.
Even after his managerial departure, Keegan’s connection to the club and its fans remained unbreakable. His second spell as manager in 2008, though short-lived, was best symbolised by his utter contempt for the Ashley regime, this was a testament to his understanding and love for Newcastle and its people.
Why a Statue?
Statues are more than monuments; they are symbols of what a person represents. Kevin Keegan represented hope and self-belief. For a club like Newcastle, where the bond between team and community runs deep, Keegan’s story was a rallying cry for what can be achieved with passion and unity.
A statue at St. James’ Park would serve as a reminder of the magic he brought to Newcastle—both on and off the pitch. It would honour not just the man, but the memories he created and the pride he restored.
Conclusion
Kevin Keegan isn’t just a chapter in Newcastle United’s history—he’s the heartbeat of an era. From the pitch to the dugout, he epitomised the spirit of the Magpies, inspiring generations of fans and players alike. A statue at St. James’ Park would be a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to Newcastle United are immeasurable and whose legacy will forever shine brightly in the hearts of Geordies.
Our club idolises Bobby Robson (rightly so), however. was Sir Bobby a more important figure in the recent history? Without King Kev there is a strong argument to say that we may never have recovered from a relegation to the third tier in 1992 (see Sheffield Wednesday) and everything that has come since, may not have happened.
Bobby Robson Kevin Keegan
Well done to the brilliant Wor Flags for the recognition about to come Keegan’s way, however, surely the time has come to enshrine Kevin Keegan’s name in stone. It’s what he deserves.