- Kevin Keegan confirms stage four cancer
- Newcastle United legend hopes for St James’ Park return
- Why Keegan quit as manager in 2008
Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has confirmed that he has stage four cancer, and hopes to return to St James’ Park to salute fans as he battles the illness.
Keegan’s family had opened up about the 75-year-old’s stomach cancer diagnosis in January but the former player gave an update on his progress when speaking at a public appearance at the Tyne Theatre over the weekend.
Quoted by The Mail, he said: “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.”
Kevin Keegan confirms stage four cancer diagnosis
Keegan spent six years as a Liverpool player, winning the First Division three times, and eventually arrived at Newcastle United in 1982. The forward spent two years on Tyneside but eventually returned as a manager in 1992.
He won the First Division with the Magpies in 1993 and went on to finish second in the top flight during the 1995/96 season. Keegan went on to manage Fulham, England and Manchester City before a brief return to the St James’ Park dugout in 2008.
Keegan, who will forever hold a very fond place in the hearts of Magpies supporters, added that he hopes to return to St James’ Park next season to salute the fanbase once again.
He said: “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time…”
It feels likely that Keegan will be immortalised by the club with a statue just like Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer, but the Doncaster-born star wants that to wait until after he passes.
He said: “You will have to wait until I die. My statue is the way people receive me.”
Keegan’s appearance at the Tyne Theatre was the first since his diagnosis was confirmed earlier this year and he talked with host Peter Graves at the 1,100 capacity venue.
A family statement from earlier this year had read: “Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.
“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment. Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.
“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”
Keegan hopes to make Newcastle United return
Keegan is hoping for a proper return to St James’ Park, having left in a sudden manner following his second managerial stint in 2008.
The coach resigned his post after eight months in charge in the September of that year after ‘lengthy talks’ with the board.
Around 200 Magpies supporters were reported to have gathered outside St James’ Park in protest on the night that Keegan left with calls for Mike Ashley to resign.
At the time, Keegan said: “I’ve been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible.
“It’s my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.”
In other news, Newcastle United signing £40m striker will cost Eddie Howe his job.
