Only one No.7 and that is Kevin Keegan.
Smashing us apart in ’74, crashing his bike in ’76, many Scouse medals in the ’70s, European Cup Finals with Liverpool and Hamburg.
England’s finest and favourite striker in the ’70s until that missed header in Spain ’82 and later left out by Sir Bobby.
The King announces to the world that he’s got that spiritual connection to the Toon, never in doubt, never pretentious, it’s abundantly clear throughout, that he gets it.
We are a tribe that is literally united from all parts of the globe, those black and white stripes are a magnet, we have no persona of grandeur nor elitism, we have a heritage of humility, and a fine history within professional associated football.
Heroes and legends have come and gone, I doubt if any throughout the years have had such a significant impact or influence on any single club.
Never mind a statue, or a stand, it should be St Keegan’s Park.
If it weren’t for the Messiah, the City Council would possibly have sold the land off for Student Accommodation a long long time ago, when the club folded.
Our friend Martin called it absolutely correctly…
Kevin Keegan arriving in 1982 to a fanfare was like the experienced and masterful professional Apollo Creed stepping into the St James’ Park ring as the polished maestro he was.
However, his second coming as the Messiah in 1992 was Rocky Balboa-esque in management terms. Fresh, raw, naive yet masterful and ready to score one more than them. He gets it!
Thank you Kev for understanding us, for all your matches and memories, playing and managing.
You will never be forgotten, we love you.