Former Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson pays tribute to Kevin Keegan
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to his former rival, Kevin Keegan, following Keegan’s death at 75. Ferguson highlighted Keegan’s passion for the game and his significant impact during his managerial tenure at Newcastle United.
Keegan’s passing was announced on Monday. Ferguson, recalling their competitive encounters, particularly praised Keegan’s work in revitalising Newcastle United. He noted that Keegan “carried the love of the game on his sleeve,” a sentiment that resonated with fans and players alike.
Keegan’s impact at Newcastle and playing career
Keegan’s initial period as Magpies boss spanned from 1992 to 1997. During this time, he guided the club to promotion to the Premier League in 1992-93. Newcastle United subsequently finished as runners-up to Manchester United three years later in the 1995-96 season.
Ferguson credited Keegan with re-energising the club and bringing enthusiasm to its supporters. He also mentioned Keegan’s recruitment of players such as David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, and Philippe Albert, which he believed enhanced the team’s quality. Ferguson described the challenges posed by Newcastle during that era as “huge.”
A notable moment in their rivalry occurred in 1996 when Keegan famously declared, “I will love it if we beat them,” in a televised response to Ferguson. This outburst followed Ferguson’s comments questioning the commitment of other teams playing against Newcastle and Manchester United.
Despite their on-field rivalry, Ferguson recalled a friendly encounter with Keegan at Wentworth Golf Club weeks after the 1996 season concluded. Ferguson stated that Keegan held no grudges, a quality he greatly respected.
Keegan’s playing career included spells at Liverpool, Hamburg, and Southampton. At Liverpool, he secured three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups, and the FA Cup over a six-year period from 1971 to 1977. He also helped Hamburg win the Bundesliga and earned back-to-back Ballons d’Or in 1978 and 1979, making him one of only four English players to receive the award.
Tributes from the football community
Sir Kenny Dalglish, who replaced Keegan at Liverpool in 1977 and later succeeded him as Newcastle manager, described Keegan as “one of the very best players of his generation.” Dalglish highlighted Keegan’s exceptional achievements on the pitch and his character as a “wonderful person and genuine gentleman.”
Dalglish further noted that Keegan’s qualities extended beyond his playing days, as he became an “outstanding manager” who instilled belief, excitement, and pride at Newcastle United. He concluded that “Football has lost one of its true greats.”
Former England captain and Newcastle player Alan Shearer, whom Keegan signed for a record fee in 1996, also expressed his sorrow. Shearer referred to Keegan as a friend, praising his passion, energy, and friendship. He stated that Keegan loved football and Newcastle “more than anything.”
Eddie Howe, Newcastle United’s current manager, recounted his interactions with Keegan after his appointment in 2021. Howe described Keegan as an inspiration and a friend whose guidance was invaluable. He noted Keegan’s warmth and generosity, and his understanding of the privilege and responsibility of leading Newcastle United.
Former Liverpool teammate Phil Thompson called Keegan the “best of all the people I have known in football and in sport,” emphasising his humility. Thompson recalled Keegan’s arrival at Liverpool in 1971 as a “superhero” and a “revelation.”
Another former Liverpool forward, David Fairclough, who made his debut in 1975, spoke of looking up to Keegan and adopting his approach. Fairclough remembered telling friends about his interactions with Keegan, who was then Liverpool’s top player.
Keegan later managed the national team from February 1999 to October 2000.
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Source: bbc.com
