Kevin Keegan, a prominent figure in English football, had two distinct managerial spells at Newcastle United, both marked by significant highs and challenging departures. His first tenure saw the club rise from the brink of relegation to the Premier League, while his second return was brief and ended amidst disagreements.
Keegan’s initial period as manager was characterised by an attacking style of play, with former teammate Terry McDermott by his side and chairman Sir John Hall overseeing off-field strategy. Despite early differences with Hall regarding transfer funds, which Keegan famously described as “not like the brochure,” these issues were resolved, paving the way for the club’s ascent.
First Managerial Spell: Promotion and Title Challenge
After saving Newcastle from potential relegation to the third tier, Keegan guided the team to promotion to the Premier League. In the 1993-94 season, the club finished behind champions Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, showcasing a potent attack with strikers Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley.
A notable event during this time was the unexpected sale of Andy Cole to Manchester United in January 1995. Keegan addressed unhappy fans outside St James’ Park to explain the decision. The peak of Keegan’s first reign, alongside a significant disappointment, occurred in the 1995-96 season. Strengthened by additions like Les Ferdinand and David Ginola, Newcastle established a 12-point lead in the title race, only to eventually lose the advantage to Manchester United.
This period included a memorable 4-3 loss to Liverpool in April, with Liverpool scoring in stoppage time. Following comments from Alex Ferguson questioning the effort of other teams against Newcastle, Keegan delivered his famous “I will love it if we beat them. Love it” quote after a win at Elland Road. Despite his passion, Newcastle did not secure the title that season.
Keegan’s charisma played a role in convincing England’s top goalscorer, Alan Shearer, to reject Manchester United and make a world-record £15m move from Blackburn that summer. Shearer’s debut resulted in a 4-0 loss to Manchester United in the Charity Shield, though Newcastle later exacted revenge with a 5-0 home win in the Premier League two months later.
Keegan’s first departure from Newcastle came on 8 January 1997, when he resigned, stating, “I feel I have taken the club as far as I can.”
Return to Tyneside and Later Career
Tyneside experienced renewed excitement when Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley announced Keegan’s return as manager in January 2008. However, this second spell proved to be short-lived. Keegan resigned after only eight months due to differences with Ashley and the club’s hierarchy, which included his former England player Dennis Wise, then an executive director.
Beyond his time at Newcastle, Keegan had a successful managerial career, including managing England between February 1999 and October 2000, as well as spells at Fulham and Manchester City. As a player, he was highly decorated, winning the First Division title three times, the UEFA Cup twice, and the European Cup once with Liverpool. He also earned two Ballon d’Or awards during his time with German side Hamburg.
Keegan was also known for his passion for horse racing. He was an avid fan and co-owned the dual Ayr Gold Cup winner Funfair Wane with his wife, Jean, who bred the horse. Adrian Nicholls, who rode for Keegan, remembered him as an “icon across the world.” Funfair Wane first won the Ayr Gold Cup in 2002 under Adrian Nicholls and again two years later with Paul Doe as jockey. David ‘Dandy’ Nicholls, the gelding’s trainer, was praised for his skill with sprinters.
In addition to Funfair Wane, Keegan co-owned horses with his former Southampton teammate Mick Channon, who became a trainer after his football career. Keegan also managed the European team at the Shergar Cup in 2000, leading his side to victory at Ascot.
Kevin Keegan passed away on Monday at the age of 75, having revealed he had stage four cancer the previous month.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”