Kevin Keegan: Jeremy Clarkson, mayor, MP and more pay tribute

Tributes are continuing to pour in for Doncaster-born football icon Kevin Keegan following the star’s death at the age of 75 following a cancer battle.

The Armthorpe-born ex-England, Liverpool and Newcastle United star announced last month that he was suffering from stage four stomach cancer.

Doncaster-born TV host Jeremy Clarkson was among those paying tribute - and in his own inimitable style, referring to other Doncaster famous faces posted on X: “Oh no. Diana Rigg and now Kevin Keegan gone.

“The only two well known Doncastrians left are Louis Tomlinson and me. Mexborough doesn’t count Blessed,” he said, referring to booming voiced actor Brian.

Former Doncaster Rovers chairman John Ryan shared: “So sad to hear the death of the great Kevin Keegan whom I have known for many years.

“My one sad memory was he never played for Rovers but he was a great fan.

“He wrote the foreword to my 2010 book. Rest in Peace my fellow Doncastrian and condolences to Jean and the two girls.”

Doncaster Central Labour MP Sally Jameson said: “I am sad to learn of the passing of Doncaster legend Kevin Keegan.

“Born in Armthorpe and a former worker at Peglers, Kevin was truly one of the greatest footballers and sportsmen that the UK has ever produced.

“My condolences go to his family, friends and all who knew him.”

A spokesperson for Armthorpe Parish Council said: “It is so very sad to hear of the death of Armthorpe lad Kevin Keegan.

“On behalf of our whole community the Parish Council wishes to express our sincerest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends.”

Councillor Tim Needham said: “Armthorpe’s own, forever in our hearts.

“Kevin Keegan grew up right here in Armthorpe, long before the medals, the European nights, and the roar of Wembley.

“He went on to become a double Ballon d’Or winner, a European Cup champion with Liverpool, and one of the most loved figures ever to pull on an England shirt — but he never forgot where he came from, and neither did we.

“His energy, his warmth, and his sheer love of football inspired generations, including plenty of kids growing up on the same streets he once walked.

“He carried Armthorpe with him wherever he went, and in turn, Armthorpe carried immense pride in him.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, his daughters, and all his family at this incredibly difficult time.Rest in peace, King Kev — Armthorpe’s finest. “

Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said: “South Yorkshire has lost one of its greatest sporting sons with the passing of Kevin Keegan.

“Born in Armthorpe in 1951. A proud local lad, Keegan's remarkable journey from Doncaster to the pinnacle of world football inspired generations of players and supporters.

“Despite his global success, Keegan never forgot his South Yorkshire roots.

“His connection to Doncaster remained an important part of his story, and his achievements brought immense pride to Doncaster and the wider region.

“Kevin Keegan will be remembered not only as a footballing legend, but also as an ambassador for his home whose talent, determination and passion left an enduring legacy.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those who admired him.*

Widely regarded as one of England's finest footballers, Keegan enjoyed an outstanding playing career with Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United, winning league titles, European honours and consecutive Ballon d'Or awards in 1978 and 1979.

He also represented England 63 times and later managed both the national team and several leading clubs including Manchester City and Newcastle.

Former Doncaster Free Press sports editor Peter Catt shared an anecdote from the time he encountered the footballer’s family.

He said: “When I was freelance around 1978-79, he used to do a ghost written column in the Daily Express.

“Sometimes he failed to get in touch with them and the Express would then ring me if they thought he was around Doncaster to track him down.

“Once I went to his parents house in Wadworth and his dad, a down to earth ex-miner, invited me in and said ‘he’s not here but I’ve got something to show you’.

“He went upstairs and he pulled open a drawer in a bedroom and in it was the European footballer of the year trophy that Kev had just won!

“The last time I spoke to him was on the phone before a pre-season friendly at Belle Vue.

“We had a laugh because he said he could get in free again and not have to climb over a wall to watch the game like he did when he was a kid to avoid paying.

“He also thought it funny when I said I’d had to do the same in reverse when I got locked in the ground a couple of times when I was up in the stand phoning reports for Sunday papers -everyone had gone and the groundsman had forgotten about me and I had to climb the wall to get out.”

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.