Newcastle United fan group Wor Flags paid tribute to former player and manager Kevin Keegan before the win against Manchester United.
The man himself was not there to see St James’ Park pay homage, but there is no doubt that he will be delighted to see how far the club has come under the new ownership.
Kevin Keegan will go down as one of Newcastle United’s best-ever managers, saving the club from relegation in the 1990s before taking them to the Champions League and agonisingly close to winning the Premier League in 1996.
That season was where Keegan’s famous ‘I would love it’ rant was born and replayed for decades.
The 74-year-old has had a bumpy relationship with the club in recent years, however, falling out with former owner Mike Ashley during his second stint as manager. He has only returned to the ground on a very small number of occasions since.
Wor Flags display for Keegan finally took place after delays earlier in the season. There was hope that he would be in attendance for it, but to no avail.
With the iconic display sure to live long in the memory, Newcastle fans have taken to social media to say exactly what they think of it.
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Newcastle United fans on Kevin Keegan flag display
Keegan wanted Newcastle to win the Carabao Cup against Liverpool, as long as his former club won the Premier League. They are 13 points clear of Arsenal with just six games to go, so his dreams could soon come true.
Fans may have to wait until next season to see Keegan back at St James’ Park, but that did not stop them from paying tribute to the man who saved and entertained the club as a player and manager.
The ground had four different tifos and foils in each stand and end, with the East Stand spelling out ‘Keegan’ while the Leazes End had a tifo for his time as a player and the Gallowgate End honouring his time as manager.
Upon seeing the display, Newcastle fans took to X to share their opinions.
“Hope he has seen this. We wouldn’t be who we are without him. King Kev.” said one fan, while another added: “Another cracking display by Wor Flags, this time celebrating the brilliance of Toon legend Kevin Keegan.”
This fan reflected on Keegan’s time at Newcastle, saying: “Kevin Keegan’s efforts both as a player and a manager (twice) should never be forgotten, he saved us from oblivion and we simply would not be the club we are now without him, a true legend.”
“Would have been nice for him to be there but I’m sure he’ll see what this club thinks of him and the love and admiration we have for him. Today was a very special day.” said this proud Newcastle supporter.
Another fan added: “Before the game, we did a tribute to Kevin Keegan and followed it up with a battering of Man Utd in Keegan style.”
Finally, this Newcastle fan said: “There’s only one King Kevin Keegan… that tribute’s got me in tears man.”
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Kevin Keegan was offered return to Newcastle United in 2021
Keegan promised Newcastle their club back one day, they got exactly that in 2021 when a consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley took over from Ashley with financial backing of the PIF.
Immediately after the takeover, Staveley offered Keegan and Alan Shearer roles at Newcastle. The plan was for the pair to become ambassadors.
Unfortunately, Keegan turned down the role and while Shearer has not officially been recognised as one, he is always representing the club on his television and podcast appearances.
The former Newcastle boss’s influence is still felt at the club to this day. Keegan gave Howe advice when he first became manager in 2021, telling him to always be honest with the fans.
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