Kevin Keegan did things the way we wanted them done. And beware of all those who tried to stop him. Sadly, even someone as stubborn and fiercely determined as Keegan could do little to kick the backside of stage 4 cancer, and he has now lost his life at the age of 75.
But while Keegan’s death came too soon, those who knew the footballing icon will look back on a life that was both fulfilling and remarkable. Keegan the soccer player is a remarkable reflection of Keegan as a person. A man who thrilled millions on the pitch with his genius skills and brilliant success. But he’s also just as charming and fun outside of that.
He is a man who had the courage to move to Hamburg and surprise the mighty Liverpool. The man who challenged the legend of Sir Alex Ferguson in one of the greatest title races of all time. Someone who has given in to his emotions more times than he can remember.
He was someone who could be late for interviews because he liked to be out on the practice field and teach the players he managed a thing or two about finishing.
As a player, Keegan accomplished amazing things. But as a manager, he spent a lot of time making it his mission to be seen for who he is, not what he can’t be.
His time in charge of England threatened to define him. And he fought like a warrior to prevent that from happening.
Quitting as Three Lions manager in the toilets at Wembley after a depressing defeat against the Germans will be a wound that will never heal.
But Keegan was a man with the rare ability to be popular no matter what he did or didn’t do. In 1996, he took Newcastle supporters on a magic carpet ride. To the Geordie faithful, he was more than just ‘King Kev’. He was the “Messiah.”
When he took over as Manchester City manager in 2001, one of the first things he did was order a decorator to paint the training ground light blue. “We’re not showing off our colors enough,” he says.
Long after he left, Keegan saw potential at the club that would become a dominant force in English football.
His eccentric ways made him popular with players as well as bank managers. Despite his wealth, Keegan would rather make his own sandwiches than pay high prices at gas stations for long car trips.
After returning for his second spell in charge, he had a falling out with the City managers, as well as those at Newcastle.
He took no prisoners and cared little for the situation if he had to leave. And now he’s gone forever. From the game and from life he was enriched with many talents and passions. So without him, football would be an even poorer place.
