‘The saviour’ - Sir John Hall emotional in 154-word tribute to Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan
Sir John Hall appointed Kevin Keegan as Newcastle United manager in February 1992.
Sir John Hall has hailed Kevin Keegan as “the saviour” as he paid tribute to the Newcastle United legend.
It was the North East businessman who persuaded Keegan to end an eight-year hiatus in Marbella to become the Toon boss 34 years ago. The duo combined to save Newcastle from relegation to the third tier.
With Hall’s finances and Keegan’s footballing nous, the Magpies came within a whisker of winning the Premier League just four years later. A fairytale journey propelled Newcastle to the club that stands on Strawberry Place today.
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Newcastle United tributes
Everyone imaginable from the Newcastle landscape has posted heartfelt messages dedicated to Keegan following his passing on Monday. Thousands of Toon fans have laid wreaths, flowers, football shirts and cards outside of St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe, Jacob Murphy, David Hopkinson, Graeme Jones and Steve Harper all attended to pay their respects. Supporters are being welcomed to continue showing their appreciation to one of the club’s all-time greats.
‘The saviour’ - Sir John Hall
Speaking to ITV, former Newcastle owner Hall could barely come to terms with the news as he reflected on their joint venture. He said: “I can’t believe that he’s not here. I just felt shocked (at hearing the news). I thought the cancer treatment was working well and to get this terrible news… it has taken me some time (for the news to sink in). Yesterday, I just sat and thought about the years.
“I got the books out and read them again. A bit silly, you might say. In just an old man but in an old man with memories and Kevin is very, very much part of those memories. We needed a saviour, Keegan came. Keegan was the saviour at that time.
“It had to happen on the park. We’d put the business side together, he came and put the football side together. The rest is history. We backed him and we got in together. I'm proud to have known him. I would say to Jean and the family (that) I’m so sad for you today.”