Kevin Keegan

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Keegan's path to football stardom began in Armthorpe, where he was born at his aunt Nellie's house because it had electricity. His father, Joe, a Newcastle United supporter, bought him his first pair of second-hand Winit boots after winning on horses. As a schoolboy, Keegan supported Doncaster Rovers and idolized Alick Jeffrey, described by Jimmy Murphy as the 'English Pelé'. He worked as an office clerk at Pegler Brass Works while playing for local clubs until Bob Nellis spotted him during a match against Woodfield Social in 1966. This led to a trial at Scunthorpe United, where manager Ron Ashman signed him to his first professional contract. Keegan became known for his intense training habits; he once crashed a club tractor while timing rallies with teammates, an incident that taught him responsibility. His relentless running style initially irritated senior professionals like Tommy Smith until Bill Shankly advised him that he did not need to win every run.

In Their Own Story

The transfer to Liverpool in 1971 marked a pivotal turning point. After scouted Geoff Twentyman recommended him, Keegan negotiated his own contract, securing £50 a week against manager Ron Ashman's initial shock at the young player's bluffing tactics. Transferred for £33,000, Keegan was moved from right midfield to play alongside John Toshack up front by Bill Shankly. His lack of positional discipline saw him warned by Ronnie Moran for 'playing too free and easy', yet he flourished. At Liverpool, he won three First Division titles, the UEFA Cup twice, the FA Cup, and the European Cup in his final season. In 1977, Keegan moved to Hamburger SV, where he was named European Footballer of the Year in both 1978 and 1979. Hamburg won the Bundesliga title in the 1978–79 season and reached the 1980 European Cup final before Keegan returned to England to play for Southampton.

Reader's Guide

Keegan's managerial return to Newcastle United began in 1992. In his first full season, he guided the team to promotion as First Division champions. The club finished second in the Premier League during the 1995–96 campaign, having led the way for most of the season. His tenure included a unique bond with the fans and a style of play that defined an era. After managing Fulham for two seasons, he took charge of England in February 1999 but resigned in October 2000 following a 1–0 loss against Germany in World Cup qualification. He later managed Manchester City from 2001 until his resignation in 2005. In January 2008, Keegan returned to Newcastle for a second spell as manager. This stint lasted only eight months; he resigned in September following speculation about a dispute with the club's directors. Notably, the three clubs he managed were promoted as champions in his first full season in charge of them.

Did You Know?

• Keegan was born at his aunt Nellie's house in Armthorpe because it had electricity, making it safer for childbirth.
• As a youth, he used his baby brother Michael's pushchair as a goal post while playing football at Hyde Park.
• He once crashed a club tractor during a training rally with teammates, damaging the engine and earning a harsh reprimand from manager Ron Ashman.
• Keegan negotiated his own contract at Liverpool, securing £50 a week after originally being offered £45 by Bill Shankly.
• His father never saw him play for Newcastle United during Keegan's playing career there.