Sir Alex Ferguson pays tribute to Kevin Keegan after rival’s passing
Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has paid tribute to his former rival, Kevin Keegan, following Keegan’s death at the age of 75. Ferguson stated that Keegan “carried the love of the game on his sleeve” and expressed his respect for the impact Keegan made during his managerial career.
Keegan’s passing was announced on Monday after he had been undergoing treatment for cancer. Ferguson recalled their managerial encounters, particularly highlighting Keegan’s work at Newcastle United.
Keegan’s Impact at Newcastle
Ferguson praised Keegan’s tenure as manager of Newcastle United, noting the significant transformation he brought to the club. Keegan’s first period as the Magpies boss spanned from 1992 to 1997. During this time, he led the club to promotion to the Premier League in the 1992-93 season.
Under Keegan, Newcastle finished as runners-up to Manchester United three years after their promotion. Ferguson stated that Keegan “re-energised that club” and brought enthusiasm to the supporters. He also mentioned Keegan’s role in bringing players such as David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla, and Philippe Albert to the club, which Ferguson believed added class to the team and created significant challenges for United.
Alan Shearer, who was signed by Keegan for Newcastle in 1996, also shared his condolences. Shearer described Keegan as a friend who loved football and Newcastle deeply. Current Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe also spoke of Keegan’s influence, calling him an inspiration and a friend whose guidance was invaluable when Howe was appointed in 2021.
Playing Career and Tributes
Keegan’s playing career included spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle. During his six years at Liverpool from 1971 to 1977, he secured three league titles, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups, and the FA Cup. He scored 100 goals for Liverpool and made 323 appearances for the club. His final appearance for Liverpool was in 1977 when the team defeated Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 in Rome to win their first European Cup.
After moving to Hamburg, Keegan helped the club 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 won the award. He also managed England from February 1999 to October 2000, scoring 21 goals in 63 games for the national team between 1972 and 1982.
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” who wore Liverpool’s number seven shirt with distinction. Dalglish added that Keegan was a wonderful person and a genuine gentleman, whose teams played in a way supporters loved. Phil Thompson, a former England and Liverpool teammate, referred to Keegan as the “best of all the people I have known in football and in sport,” highlighting his humility and inspirational qualities.
Ferguson recalled a moment after the 1996 season when he and Keegan met at Wentworth Golf Club, noting that Keegan held no grudges despite their past rivalries. Ferguson expressed his respect for Keegan’s ability to move past previous events, stating they had a great night together.
David Fairclough, who made his Liverpool debut in 1975, spoke of looking up to Keegan as a young player and adopting his style. Fairclough remembered telling friends about interactions with Keegan, who was the top player at Liverpool at the time.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Keegan from across the football world since the announcement of his death on Monday.
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Source: bbc.com
