'Forever a hero' – Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan honoured with posthumous award
Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has posthumously been awarded Freedom of the City.
Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has officially been awarded the Freedom of the City.
On Wednesday, Newcastle City Councillors voted unanimously on the motion to award the highest civic honour to Keegan.
Keegan was nominated for the honour by Council leader Cllr Colin Ferguson back in June for ‘his outstanding contribution to the city’. Sadly, the former Magpies player and manager passed away in July before the award could be formally presented.
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It is the first time the Freedom of the City has been awarded posthumously.
Cllr Colin Ferguson said: “Kevin Keegan was a legend of the football world, where no matter where you went in the world people knew who he was.
“You don’t have to be a football fan to understand the positive impact he had on the city, bringing so much joy to thousands of fans and putting the sleeping giant of Newcastle United back on the international map.
“Kevin always had time for people. He would always stop and chat, and make sure that everybody had a chance to talk to him.
“He inspired people. Fans were in awe of him but he treated them the same as the stars he worked with on a daily basis.
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“We were all deeply saddened to learn of Kevin’s death in July, and you could see from the enormous amount of tributes left outside St James’ Park what he meant to the city and the footballing world.
“Kevin will forever be a hero to Newcastle for his achievements and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
“I am pleased that Kevin and his family were aware that we were going to bestow this honour on him. Our thoughts remain with Kevin’s family, friends and all those who continue to mourn his loss.”
Keegan joins an exclusive list to have received the award, including other Newcastle figures such as Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Milburn and, more recently, Eddie Howe following the club’s Carabao Cup win last year.
The club itself was awarded the Freedom of the City in the 1990s after celebrating its centenary year.