Alan Shearer leads Kevin Keegan tributes as Newcastle United legend passes away aged 75
Newcastle United legend and icon Kevin Keegan has passed away aged 75.
Alan Shearer has led tributes following the passing of Newcastle United legend and icon Kevin Keegan.
A statement released by the Keegan family on Monday afternoon confirmed that the 75-year-old had passed away following his battle with stage four cancer.
Keegan, affectionately known as King Kev, played for the Magpies between 1982 and 1984 before returning as manager eight years later. During his time in charge, United secured promotion to the Premier League and agonisingly came close to winning the title in 1995/96.
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Alan Shearer leads Kevin Keegan tributes
It was under Keegan that Newcastle broke the world-record transfer record to bring Shearer back to Tyneside in a £15million deal from Blackburn Rovers.
Shearer grew up watching Keegan as a player at Newcastle before playing for him at St James’ Park and England. Leading the Keegan tributes, the Magpies’ record goalscorer said: “My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.”
Another former Newcastle striker, Micky Quinn, said: “I knew Kevin didn’t have long left and was getting a daily bulletin of his Health in recent days, sadly he has passed.
“It was a privilege to worship him as a kid playing for Liverpool, then to get to work with him professionally and get to know him personally R.I.P Kevin.”
Keith Gillespie, part of the Entertainers side, said: “Heartbreaking news. Kevin Keegan was an incredible man and such an inspiration to myself and so many others.
“Thoughts and prayers with all the family circle at this incredibly difficult time. RIP boss.”
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper, who is now head of academy at the club, said:“Thank you for everything Gaffer. Newcastle United certainly wouldn’t be where it is without you. What an incredible man.”
Shay Given added: “It’s hard to put into words what this man meant to me, an unbelievable player and manager but most importantly an incredible human being.
“The world has lost one of the greatest. RIP KEV, thoughts and prayers with Jean and all the family.”
Newcastle have requested that those who would like to leave flowers, scarves or other tributes can do so at the South West Corner of St James’ Park.