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He is the only Englishman to have won the European Player of the Year accolade twice. He is one of a select crowd of managers to have taken two clubs to promotion then lead them into Europe. He attained legendary status in Newcastle and Liverpool. Guessed who the mystery man is yet? Kevin Keegan, currently in his second spell as Newcastle United manager, achieved those feats during his illustrious playing and managerial career.
I was lucky enough to meet and even have a kick around with the former England national team manager. Keegan moved to Liverpool after a spell at Scunthorpe United, at Anfield he became a legend and in 2006 was voted number 8 in a poll, “100 Players Who Shook The Kop.” From Merseyside he ventured to Germany and played for Hamburg. It was during his time in Germany that Keegan received the European Player of the Year accolade for the second consecutive year. Keegan then shocked many as he decided to join the then relatively small club, Southampton. As part of a flamboyant side, Keegan picked up further personal honours including the PFA Player of the Year award. Additionally Keegan was awarded an OBE for services to Association Football. Keegan ended his playing career at Newcastle. His last game was against Liverpool and in dramatic style he left the pitch in a helicopter still dressed in his kit. Moving to Spain with his family, Keegan vowed never to enter the world of football management.
However eight years later and after some work as a pundit, Keegan took over as manager of Newcastle. With his attacking ambitions Keegan steered the “Toon Army” to near Premier League success. The 1995-96 season saw Newcastle at times 10 points ahead of challengers Manchester United in the quest to win the premiership although Manchester United managed to overtake Newcastle and win the league. It was during the race for the title that Keegan made his infamous remark, “I’d love it if we beat them! Love it!” In 1997 Keegan once again shocked the footballing world, this time announcing his resignation as manager. After a successful spell as manager of Fulham, Keegan left to take the England job. The former England captain was unable to guide the national side through to the quarter finals of Euro 2000. After resigning, Keegan became the boss at Manchester City. Having brought in many experienced faces Keegan decided it was time to retire. Out of the spotlight, Keegan opened his “Soccer Circus” football school in Glasgow. Yet again Keegan stunned many as he accepted the chance to return as manager of Newcastle in January 2008. With fans delighted their hero had returned Keegan hopes this season will bring a return to glory for the people of Newcastle.
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