![<p>The story of Newcastle United</p>
<p>” msid=”132520210″ width=”” title=”” placeholdersrc=”https://static.toiimg.com/photo/83033472.cms” imgsize=”” resizemode=”4″ offsetvertical=”0″ placeholdermsid=”47529300″ type=”thumb” class=”” src=”https://static.toiimg.com/photo/msid-132520210/ltpgtnewcastle-united-postltpgt.jpg” data-api-prerender=”true”/></p></div>
</div>
<p><span class=]()
Keegan, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, had a superb performance that earned him England captaincy, lifting the European Cup with Liverpool and becoming one of only four Englishmen to win football’s highest honour.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Keegan became a cultural icon of the 1970s. His hairstyle inspired footballers across Europe, while his fame spread to television, music and advertising. He released the single “Head Over Heels in Love,” appeared in aftershave commercials alongside boxing legend Henry Cooper and was featured on television.
Keegan was also one of the first English footballers to move abroad when he left Liverpool for German club Hamburger SV in 1977 after winning the European Cup.
“For the Hamburg fans he remains a favorite, a very special player, and one of the best footballers to wear the rhombus on his chest,” the Bundesliga club said.
His move to Germany was very successful. Keegan won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979 while at Hamburg, helping the club to the Bundesliga title in 1979 before reaching the final of the 1980 European Cup, where they were beaten by Nottingham Forest.
“Hamburger SV will always remember the former champion and two-time Ballon d’Or winner,” added the German club.
Born in Doncaster on February 14, 1951, Keegan started his career with Scunthorpe before joining Liverpool in 1971. Under the legendary manager Bill Shankly, he formed a great partnership with John Toshack, helping the Reds secure a UEFA Cup double in 1973.
During his six years at Anfield, Keegan won three league titles, the FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and the club’s first European Cup in 1977. In that final against Borussia Monchengladbach, he won a penalty which Phil Neal converted in Liverpool’s 3-1 victory.
“His legacy at Liverpool will live on throughout history,” the club said. “He was seen as a hero wherever he went.”
After returning to England from Germany, Keegan joined Southampton, where he finished as the leader of the First Division with 30 goals in the 1981-82 season before moving to Newcastle United, a club he supported through his father.
His tireless work and infectious personality quickly made him a favorite at St James’ Park before he retired in 1984. He returned briefly the following year to make two guest appearances against Australia’s Blacktown.
Internationally, Keegan scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for England. He captained the national team at Euro 1980 and represented his country at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, his only appearance at football’s biggest competition after England failed to qualify in 1974 and 1978.
Keegan later enjoyed a memorable managerial career that spanned from 1992 to 2008. His biggest title win came at Newcastle, where he led the club from the second division to the Premier League title final in the 1995-96 season.
The campaign was noted for Newcastle’s performances, which earned them the nickname “The Entertainers”, and for Keegan’s television breakthrough.
Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson.
“You can tell him now, we’re still fighting for the title. And he has to go to Middlesbrough to get something. And I’m telling you… honestly… I’ll love it if we beat them, we’ll love it,” said Keegan.
Despite leading by 12 points in February, Newcastle eventually finished four points behind Ferguson’s Manchester United.
Keegan also managed Fulham, England and Manchester City. His time as England manager lasted from 1999 to 2000 and ended with a 1-0 defeat to Germany in a World Cup qualifier at the old Wembley Stadium. He informed the Football Association officials that he had resigned from his job while hanging out in the toilet.
He returned to Newcastle in 2008 but resigned after nine months following a breakdown in his relationship with club owner Mike Ashley. He never returned to management, instead staying involved in football through television punditry.
Keegan has left a lasting legacy as one of England’s greatest footballers, a Ballon d’Or winner, an unforgettable manager and one of the game’s most influential figures.
