Fans pay tribute to Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United's St James' Park.placeholder image
Fans pay tribute to Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United's St James' Park.
The Armthorpe born icon died in July at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer and yesterday, Newcastle’s St James’ Park was turned into a sea of black and white – with a splash of red – in tribute to the much-loved former England captain and manager.
Keegan's family were in attendance along with a number of former players from a memorable first spell in charge of Newcastle, between 1992 and 1997.
These included Alan Shearer, Rob Lee, Peter Beardsley, Tino Asprilla, Warren Barton, Shaka Hislop, Lee Clark, Darren Peacock, Steve Watson, Ruel Fox, Steve Howey and Liam O'Brien.
In the warm-up, players from both sides wore Keegan 7 on the back of their shirts while a centre circle mosaic made up of more than 500 shirts left outside St James' Park following Keegan's death was unfurled in the centre circle a few minutes later.
A tribute video to Keegan was then played on the big screen before supporters' group Wor Flags unveiled a huge display, which involved every seat in the ground, including Liverpool supporters.
Keegan 7 was spelt out in the Leazes End, there was a massive tifo of 'King Kev' in the East Stand and, in the Gallowgate End, there was a memorable quote from the most transformational figure in Newcastle's history.
"I want people to dream about their football club," the banner read. "They should. We should all be dreamers at heart. Some people are the opposite and say, 'We can't do that'. But when you ask them why, they can't give a reason. Well, I say, 'Why not?'"
The teams and fans then joined together in an emotional minute's applause before the match as "one Kevin Keegan" rang out from the stands.
Keegan's family wrote an open letter in advance of the game to thank supporters for "filling us with so much comfort during these difficult days" after they previously saw the huge number of tributes left outside the stadium.
"The sea of black and white shirts and scarves, alongside colours from so many other clubs, reminded us how much Kevin meant to the footballing world," they said.
"It was a sombre moment that reminded us of our pain and loss, yet matched with immense pride and love as we read so many personal and heartfelt messages.
"Kevin always shared his love for Newcastle United, Geordies, and the city, captivating us with stories told with his infectious smile.
"Seeing these tributes brought those stories to life for Kevin's grandchildren, showing them how deeply their grandfather was loved in return."
A private funeral service for family and friends only took place on August 10 at an undisclosed location.
Born on Valentine’s Day 1951 at 32 Elm Place, Armthorpe to English parents of part Irish ancestry, he attended his local school, St. Peter’s High School in nearby Cantley.
At the age of 16, Keegan was spotted playing at amateur level for Pegler, his employer at the time, and signed by fourth division Scunthorpe United – one of just two professional sides in the division.
He became a first team regular and scored 18 goals in 124 games, attracting the attention of the Merseyside giants Liverpool with legendary boss Bill Shankly snapping him up for £35,000 in 1971.
The move proved to be the beginning of the soccer star’s rise to fame - and becoming a global icon of the game.
During a glittering spell with the Reds, he won three First Division titles, the UEFA Cup twice, the FA Cup and the European Cup and also became an England regular, making his debut in 1972, becoming captain in 1976 and scoring 21 goals for his country in 63 games - although his World Cup career was limited to just 26 minutes at the 1982 finals in Spain.
Further successful spells followed at Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle before he made the step into management with Newcastle, Manchester City and England.
All photos: Getty Images
The matchday programme was devoted to Kevin Keegan.
The matchday programme was devoted to Kevin Keegan.
Fans flocked to pay tribute to the Doncaster born football icon.
Fans flocked to pay tribute to the Doncaster born football icon.
Both sides spoted Keegan tribute shirts in the warm-up.
Both sides spoted Keegan tribute shirts in the warm-up.
The tifo display for Kevin Keegan at Newcastle.
The tifo display for Kevin Keegan at Newcastle.