Kevin Keegan, Newcastle and England great, diagnosed with stage four cancer
England and Newcastle United great Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with stage four cancer.
Stage four is the most advanced stage of the illness, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body.
The 75-year-old’s family disclosed his cancer diagnosis in January through a statement, and Keegan spoke publicly about the news for the first time at a live event on Sunday.
The former England captain scored 21 goals in 63 games for his country, before managing the side between 1999 and 2000.
Newcastle, the club with whom Keegan is perhaps most closely associated and where he is known as “King Kev”, following two seasons at St James’ Park as a player and two spells as a manager, wrote on social media after the announcement: “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.”
Keegan won three First Division titles with Liverpool during the 1970s and twice won the Ballon d’or while at Hamburg.
After playing for Newcastle between 1982 and 1984, he returned to St James’ Park as a manager between 1992 and 1997, where he led the club to promotion back to the top flight and almost won the Premier League title in 1995-96.
“They said they had an absolute top doctor for fighting what you have got, which is stage four cancer,” Keegan said on stage at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, in quotes carried by the BBC.
“So I went to meet him. He’s a Liverpool supporter so I knew I wouldn’t walk alone. He said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate’. I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ’33 per cent’. I thought it would be 80 per cent, 90 per cent. 33 per cent!
“I’m still here at the moment.”
Keegan began his playing career at Scunthorpe United and made almost 600 league appearances for six separate clubs, also representing Southampton and Blacktown City in Australia. As a manager, he also had spells in charge of Manchester City and Fulham, before briefly returning to Newcastle in 2008.