Former Manchester City and England manager Kevin Keegan has disclosed that he is battling stage four cancer. Keegan first revealed his cancer diagnosis back in January.
Following his departure from St. James’ Park in January 1997, a short spell at Fulham preceded his appointment as England manager in 1999, initially stepping in after Glenn Hoddle’s exit.
Keegan took over from Joe Royle at Manchester City and guided the club back to the Premier League, as his side scored 108 league goals on route to the First Division title. The club went from strength-to-strength under his guidance, qualifying for the UEFA Cup via the UEFA Fair Play ranking.
His City tenure came to an end in 2005 after he informed the club of his intention to retire from management. However, he made an emotional return to Newcastle in 2008, but lasted just eight months amid mounting tensions with the board and owner Mike Ashley.
Nevertheless, the 75-year-old appeared in fine fettle during a brief video ahead of his first public outing over the weekend at the Tyne Theatre, where he reflected on his illustrious career.
During that appearance, Keegan is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got.
“Which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.” Keegan also disclosed his intention to return to St. James’ Park for the first time since his departure in 2008 to bid a proper farewell to the club’s faithful.
He told the audience: “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time…”
Newcastle have since responded and released a message on Monday afternoon reading: “We send our heartfelt support and warmest wishes to Kevin Keegan and his family following his recent diagnosis of stage four cancer.
“Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters. His passion, leadership and connection to the club and city have shaped some of our most memorable moments.
“Everyone at the club is behind Kevin and sends strength and best wishes to him and his family for the journey ahead.
“Kevin will always be warmly welcomed at St James’ Park and we hope to see him again soon.”
Manchester City also release a statement on Monday, which read: “Everyone at City would like to send their love and support to Kevin Keegan and his family following his diagnosis of stage four cancer. We are all thinking of you and we will never forget what you did for this club during your four years here.”
Speaking following Newcastle’s dramatic 4-3 comeback victory over Leeds United on the evening Keegan revealed his cancer diagnosis, Eddie Howe paid warm tribute to the former England manager.
He said: “That team that he created was incredibly special and is still talked about – and quite rightly so – for what it achieved and how it played and the entertainment that it gave everybody.
“We are always trying to be that team, we want to entertain, we want the supporters here to be on the edge of their seats.
“Sometimes, unfortunately, we can’t always guarantee that, but today I thought that was us at our thrilling best without playing at our very best.
“But of course the news before the game really shook us all, I think. Kevin, with what he did here as a player and as a manager, is a truly iconic person. I want to pay tribute to him, really, and just hope he’s okay and send him all our love.”
