Kevin Keegan dies at 75: Clubs pay tribute to football legend
Tributes have begun pouring in after the death of the Doncaster football icon
Tributes have begun flooding in followin the death of Doncaster-born football icon Kevin Keegan.
The Armthorpe-born idol has passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer.
The England, Liverpool and Newcastle legend revealed earlier this year that he was fighting stage four cancer - the most serious form of the disease - which meant it had spread to other parts of his body.
Newcastle United said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.
“Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager.
“He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
“As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James’ Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.
“As a manager, he ignited our city.
“Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world.
“He was so much more than an Entertainer.
“Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe.
“He understood our people.
“He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.
“Kevin’s impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.
“At this profoundly sad time, we send our love and deepest sympathy to Kevin’s wife Jean, his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy.Rest in peace, King Kev.”
Manchester City said: “Everyone at Manchester City is devastated to learn our former manager Kevin Keegan has passed away, aged 75.
“Kevin was a transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City during his four-year spell in charge.
“The promotion campaign in 2001/02 will never be forgotten, and Kevin then established us once again as a top Premier League side in the years that followed.
“Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
Liverpool FC shared: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Kevin Keegan and mourn his loss.
“His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Kevin.”
Doncaster Rovers posted: “Everyone at Doncaster Rovers is saddened to learn about the passing of Kevin Keegan.
“From Armthorpe to European Footballer of the Year. A legend.
“We send our deepest condolences to all those close to Kevin at this sad time. “
A family statement said: ““It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75,
“Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.
“A double Ballon D’or winner, Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
“The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support.
“This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”
One of English football's most decorated players, Keegan enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle during an illustrious playing career.
He later went on to manage Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City.
Born at 32 Elm Place, Armthorpe on St Valentine’s Day, 1951, Keegan became one of football’s biggest and best known names.
Born 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.
Reputedly rejected by his home town club of DoncasterRovers for being too small, Keegan 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, taking the reins at Newcastle, (twice), Fulham and Manchester City and of course, England, who he managed from 1999-2000.