'A true legacy' - Newcastle United CEO reacts as Kevin Keegan set to receive city's highest honour
Newcastle City Council is set to honour Kevin Keegan following his passing earlier this year.
Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan is set to be awarded Newcastle upon Tyne’s highest honour.
Newcastle City Council has confirmed Keegan is set to be posthumously awarded the Freedom of the City, subject to member approval. Members will vote on a motion at a special council meeting next Wednesday.
If approved, it will be the first time the Freedom of the City has been awarded posthumously.
Keegan was nominated for the Freedom of the City by Council leader Cllr Colin Ferguson back in June for ‘his outstanding contribution to the city’. Sadly, the former Newcastle player and manager passed away in July before the award could be formally presented.
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‘A lasting tribute’ to Kevin Keegan
A Newcastle City Council statement read: “While it is a source of great sadness that he will not be able to receive the honour in person, the award will serve as a lasting tribute to a man who meant so much to the city and whose legacy will continue to inspire people for many years to come.
“As a player, Kevin joined Newcastle United in 1982, spending two seasons at the club where he scored 48 goals in 78 games, ending his career on a high as he helped secure promotion back to the First Division before retiring.
“He then returned to the Magpies as a manager in 1992 where he famously helped the club survive relegation to the then Third Division, and then winning the league title the following season as Newcastle United were promoted to the Premier League.
“Thanks to his attacking play, his Entertainers as they became known came close to winning the Premier League in 1996 before he left the club in 1997.
“After spells managing Fulham, Manchester City and England, Kevin briefly returned to manage Newcastle United in 2008.”
Cllr Ferguson said: “We were all deeply saddened to learn of Kevin Keegan’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. The stories that have been shared about Kevin and the impact he made have been inspiring and show just how much he was loved not only by our city, but across the world.’
“You don’t have to be a football fan to understand the impact that Kevin had on the city, on both occasions at a time when it was needed the most.
“As a player, he helped put Newcastle United and the city back in the spotlight, with a two-time Ballon d’Or winner joining a then Second Division side.
“And then as a manager, he brought so much joy to thousands of fans with his style of play, with people from around the world falling in love with the team.
“Kevin will forever be a hero to Newcastle United supporters for his achievements and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. The proposal to posthumously bestow the Honorary Freedom of Newcastle on Kevin is a fitting tribute to everything he gave to our city, and I hope council members will support it when they consider the motion.
“Our thoughts remain with Kevin’s family, friends and all those who continue to mourn his loss.”
Cllr Henry Gallagher, Lord Mayor of Newcastle City Council, added: “Kevin has a lasting legacy for the whole of the city, not just for the football club.
“Looking at all the comments people have made about him, they all say the same thing – that 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 brought such joy to our city. When he came here it was like we were taken notice of again and it was brilliant.”
In a statement, Keegan’s family said: “Kevin always shared his love for Newcastle United, Geordies and the city, captivating us with stories told with his infectious smile.
“Seeing the tributes brought those stories to life for Kevin’s grandchildren, showing them how deeply their grandfather was loved in return. It also allowed us a quiet moment to reflect on many fond memories of Kevin’s incredible career and the incomparable bond he shared with Newcastle.”
Newcastle United CEO reacts to Keegan honour
David Hopkinson, Newcastle United’s CEO, said: “Kevin Keegan will always be, quite simply, one of the most important, influential and beloved figures in the history of Newcastle United.
“His impact on our club, our city and generations of supporters is immeasurable. As both a player and manager, he helped shape some of the most memorable chapters in our history and created a bond with Newcastle that leaves a true legacy.
“The proposal to make Kevin an Honorary Freeman of Newcastle, the highest civic honour, is a fitting recognition for one of the city’s greatest icons.”
The Honorary Freedom of the City of Newcastle is the highest honour the city can bestow and is a civic recognition. If approved, Kevin will have his name inscribed in the wall of the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre, alongside the names of other recipients.
Other Freeman of Newcastle linked with the football club include Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Milburn and Eddie Howe. Newcastle United was also awarded the Freedom of the City in the early 1990s after celebrating its centenary year.