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The Entertainers 1992-1997: Kevin Keegan’s Legacy is available at Waterstones, the Back Page and online at Amazon and newcastlelegends.com.
Can you believe it has almost been 33 years since a messianic figure, donning a greying mullet and oversized suit, as was the contemporary fashion, promised to end his footballing sabbatical and save Newcastle United?
A tale now legendary on Tyneside, the halcyon days under Kevin Keegan are etched into Geordie folklore. In many ways, the renaissance of the Magpies from 1992 onwards draws parallels to the modern day.
A fanbase renowned for its fervent support had grown apathetic, with relegation staring Newcastle in the face. Just like the Saudi-backed ownership in the 21st century, Keegan weaponised the feel-good factor and commenced an era of enthusiasm at St James’ Park.
And what a ride it was. Even for those unborn at the time, rewatching clips of Newcastle challenging the big boys raises the hairs on the neck just as much as someone roaring the black-and-white roller-coaster on from the Gallowgate.
Likewise, the 12-point slip-up and that iconic “I’d love it” rant cut like a dagger through the heart of every Toon supporter past and present. It was wild. It was eccentric. It was, after all, the Entertainers era.
Now this Christmas, Newcastle supporters should brace for the ultimate festive gift. Will Scott, the author who penned Pavel is a Geordie, Black and White, no Grey Areas and The Rafalution, has written another Toon Army treat.
Featuring 34 must-read interviews, The Entertainers 1992-1997: Kevin Keegan’s Legacy, will take you through the highs and the lows of the 1990s. Every nook and cranny of the club, from prominent boardroom figures, academy products who achieved cult-hero status and world-record signings is detailed throughout 331 pages of nostalgia.
One chapter will evoke a wry smile, Joy is frequently levelled out by poignancy. After all, what best describes Newcastle’s journey from also-rans to the nearly men of English football?
Comedy is also splattered in doses, like when David Ginola recounts the time he tried to spark a cigarette up on the team bus. Readers may even kick themselves after Sir John Hall describes how they could have owned a slice of Newcastle United. How much would that be worth now?
Our personal favourite? Tino Asprilla’s hilarious account. While perhaps too X-rated to publish in this article, his monologue perfectly reflects the eccentric Columbian adored by supporters. It took nine months to produce a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes guide of the Keegan epoch that should be in every black-and-white stocking this Christmas.
“I can't take full credit for the idea,” Will, the author, tells NewcastleWorld while detailing the book. “Steve (Wraith), my former publisher at Mojo Risin’, got in touch at the start of the year and asked if I’d be interested in writing the book. He pitched it as a memento, a keepsake, or a reminder of The Entertainers' era.
“Or, more specifically, those five magical years at St James' Park under Kevin Keegan. I didn’t need much convincing. It took about nine months to complete. I loved talking to some of the lads who helped make the Keegan years so memorable.
“Keegan’s achievements at St James' Park deserve to be recognised. After all, without him, there would be no Alan Shearer or Sir Bobby Robson statues. Keegan laid the foundations for others to build on.”
However, a sad reality is how much of the admiration towards the Entertainers period comes down to the little success since. What is perhaps more disheartening is Keegan being shunned by the club under Mike Ashley’s ownership - with reconciliation not yet absolute.
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“Yes, we came close under Sir Bobby but it was another case of ‘close but no cigar’,” Will adds. “Maybe Eddie Howe can be the one to do it and then we can finally lay the nostalgia of The Entertainers era to rest.
“A lot has been made of the fact that Kevin hasn't returned to St James' Park since his second spell ended in 2008. He’s very much old school, isn’t he? Not only was he a fantastic footballer and an inspirational manager but he’s also a decent human being, and perhaps he’s holding firm to his principles.
“He has an incredible eye for a player. Perhaps he should have been appointed Newcastle’s sporting director. I’d love to see him back at his spiritual home in some capacity.”
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