I don’t think I can do any better than the countless and touching tributes I’ve read about Kevin Keegan, but I’m going to try anyway.
Like the rest of you, I have been profoundly shocked and saddened by his passing.
Some of us I think, had begun to hope he was improving health-wise and perhaps even getting the better of his illness. Sadly, that proved to be wishful thinking.
When I heard the sad news on Monday, I thought about the man who was synonymous with the football club that became very special to me.
I have autism and learning difficulties. So how the football cut through to me, I can’t really say. I say that because people have talked lovingly in the past couple of days about the brand of football he played. And I saw it. I saw the football. But I never quite “got it”.
When people said over the years that “the entertainers” were everyone’s second favourite team, I took it for granted. I took those years 1994 to 1997 for granted. I took the stadium that was built for granted. All I remember is the stadium from 1995 onwards. I didn’t appreciate for long enough the job he did for us, bringing us back from the brink of going into the 3rd division. Now it’s one of my proudest boasts as a fan of this club that we’ve never gone down that far.
So, I get it now. I have done for a long time, but back then it was about Kevin Keegan and how he made football special. Special K.
He brought us back from the brink and gave me memories of a sporting institution where I expect and believe that special things happen.
And then I think about the man himself. A man of vision, of integrity and a people-person. He had time for everyone he met. I have heard so many stories of how he’s helped complete strangers in need. How he stood up for what was right. Even if it meant breaking Geordie hearts by leaving the football club.
Even with everything Eddie Howe has achieved, I still believe Kevin Keegan remains one of the most important and influential figures in the history of Newcastle United.
I don’t think anything I’ve said can match up to other tributes I’ve read. I can only finish by telling readers how profoundly saddened I’ve been by his passing and I never even knew him.
A part of my childhood. An indelible link. Someone for whom all fans of my generation will have forever treasured memories.
My thoughts are with all fellow Newcastle United fans, but most especially for all of Kevin’s loved ones.
RIP King Kev.