Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to his former rival, Kevin Keegan, following Keegan’s passing on Monday. Ferguson stated that Keegan “carried the love of the game on his sleeve” and expressed his respect for the impact Keegan made during his time as manager of Newcastle United.
Ferguson, whose team famously secured the Premier League title over Newcastle in 1995-96, told Track Radio that the job Keegan did at Newcastle was “fantastic.” He highlighted the many duels they had as managers and praised Keegan for re-energising the club and bringing enthusiasm to the supporters.
Keegan’s first tenure as Magpies boss spanned from 1992 to 1997. During this period, he guided the club to promotion to the Premier League in 1992-93, and they later finished as runners-up to Manchester United three years later.
Ferguson also noted Keegan’s role in bringing three significant players to Newcastle: David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, and Philippe Albert, which he felt added class to the team. He described the challenges faced by Manchester United against Newcastle during that era as “huge.”
The former Manchester United manager recalled a famous incident where Keegan declared, “I will love it if we beat them,” in a televised outburst. This occurred after Ferguson questioned the effort Leeds and Nottingham Forest might put in against Newcastle compared to Manchester United.
Despite their on-field rivalry, Ferguson recounted meeting Keegan at Wentworth Golf Club weeks after the season concluded, where they spent time together without animosity. Ferguson praised Keegan for holding “no grudges,” calling it a “fantastic quality.”
Tributes from the football community
The news of Keegan’s passing has prompted a wave of tributes from across the football community. Ferguson joined many others in honouring the former England captain and manager, who had a distinguished playing career with clubs including Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle.
During his six-year spell at Liverpool from 1971 to 1977, Keegan won three league titles, the European Cup, two Uefa Cups, and the FA Cup. He also helped Hamburg win the Bundesliga and received back-to-back Ballons d’Or in 1978 and 1979, making him one of only four English players to have achieved this award.
As a manager, Keegan also led Fulham, Manchester City, and the England national team, in addition to Newcastle. He notably signed Alan Shearer for Newcastle in 1996 for a world record fee.
Shearer expressed his deep respect for Keegan, stating, “He was my friend. A man everyone loved. For his passion. For his energy but most of all for his friendship.” Shearer added that Keegan loved football and Newcastle “more than anything.”
Newcastle United‘s current manager, Eddie Howe, also shared his admiration, recalling how Keegan had been an inspiration and a friend whose guidance was invaluable. Howe noted Keegan’s incredible warmth and generosity, and his willingness to share wisdom and offer encouragement.
Former Scotland and Liverpool forward Sir Kenny Dalglish described Keegan as “one of the very best players of his generation” who wore Liverpool’s number seven shirt with distinction. Dalglish, who succeeded Keegan at Liverpool in 1977 and later as manager of Newcastle, highlighted Keegan’s exceptional achievements on the pitch and his character as a “wonderful person and genuine gentleman.”
Phil Thompson, a former England and Liverpool teammate, called Keegan the “best of all the people I have known in football and in sport,” emphasising his humility and describing him as a “superhero” at Liverpool. David Fairclough, another former Liverpool forward, recalled looking up to Keegan and adopting his style of play.
Community remembers a legend
The footballing community has united in mourning Keegan’s passing. Thousands have shared their memories of the legendary player and manager on social media. Former Newcastle United players and staff have paid tribute to the Magpies legend.
Supporters have gathered at St. James’ Park to lay flowers and scarves in his honour. The club has also made a memory book available at the Box Office at St. James’ Park for fans to offer their condolences in person.
The memory book will be accessible daily between 8am and 8pm, including weekends. For those unable to visit St. James’ Park, an online platform has been provided for submitting messages of condolence, which will be shared on newcastleunited.com in the coming days.
Keegan managed England from February 1999 until October 2000.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
