Newcastle United have responded to Kevin Keegan's health update and say he will always be welcome at St James' Park
Kevin Keegan manager of Newcastle United. (Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
View Image
Newcastle United have sent Kevin Keegan a 'heartfelt' message after he revealed he is dealing with stage four cancer.
Keegan offered an update on his health to a packed house on Sunday night at the Tyne Theatre after undergoing treatment, following his first announcement to the public of his diagnosis back in January.
Newcastle United have now responded and released a message on Monday afternoon reading: "We send our heartfelt support and warmest wishes to Kevin Keegan and his family following his recent diagnosis of stage four cancer.
"Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters. His passion, leadership and connection to the club and city have shaped some of our most memorable moments.
"Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead.
"Kevin will always be warmly welcomed at St James' Park and we hope to see him again soon. "
Under new ownership, Newcastle have always been open to Keegan returning to greet fans, with the former manager also making an understated visit to their Benton HQ last year to meet Eddie Howe's staff.
Keegan left St James' Park in 2008 after Mike Ashley assembled a disastrous transfer team around him, including ex-Chelsea skipper Dennis Wise, who told KK to scout targets, such as £5.5m flop Xisco, via YouTube.
Referring to the chance to say farewell after being unable to do so after his second stint as manager during the Ashley era, Keegan told the audience: "I want to say goodbye. I didn't get the chance when I left the club last time…"
Speaking after Newcastle’s 4-3 comeback over Leeds United on the night Keegan announced he had been diagnosed with cancer, Eddie Howe paid tribute to the former England boss.
He said: "That team that he created was incredibly special and is still talked about – and quite rightly so – for what it achieved and how it played and the entertainment that it gave everybody.
"We are always trying to be that team, we want to entertain, we want the supporters here to be on the edge of their seats.
"Sometimes, unfortunately, we can’t always guarantee that, but today I thought that was us at our thrilling best without playing at our very best.
"But of course the news before the game really shook us all, I think. Kevin, with what he did here as a player and as a manager, is a truly iconic person. I want to pay tribute to him, really, and just hope he’s okay and send him all our love."
Content Image
Content Image
Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.
And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.