Kevin Keegan, a significant figure in Newcastle United‘s history, had two distinct periods as manager at the club. His first tenure, marked by an attacking style of play, saw the club rise from battling relegation to the third tier to competing at the top of the Premier League. His second spell, however, was brief and ended due to disagreements.
During his initial time as manager, Keegan, with Terry McDermott by his side and Sir John Hall overseeing off-field strategy, guided Newcastle to promotion to the Premier League. The team finished behind Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers in the 1993-94 season, showcasing an exciting, goal-scoring brand of football with players like Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley.
A notable moment occurred in January 1995 when Andy Cole was sold to Manchester United. Keegan addressed unhappy fans outside St James’ Park to explain the decision. The 1995-96 season represented both a peak and a disappointment, as Newcastle, bolstered by new signings such as Les Ferdinand and David Ginola, held a significant lead in the title race before Manchester United ultimately claimed the championship.
This period also included a memorable 4-3 loss to Liverpool in April, and Keegan’s impassioned response to comments from Alex Ferguson, famously stating, “I will love it if we beat them. Love it.” Despite this, Newcastle did not win the title that season.
The arrival of Alan Shearer, who rejected Manchester United for a move from Blackburn, marked another high point. Shearer’s debut resulted in a 4-0 loss in the Charity Shield against the club he declined, but Newcastle later secured a 5-0 home victory against them in the Premier League two months later. Keegan’s first managerial spell concluded on 8 January 1997, when he resigned, citing that he felt he had taken the club as far as he could.
Second stint and other ventures
Keegan’s return to Newcastle as manager was announced in January 2008 by owner Mike Ashley, generating considerable excitement among supporters. However, this second period was short-lived, with Keegan resigning after only eight months due to differences with Ashley and the club’s hierarchy, which included executive director and former England player Dennis Wise.
Beyond his football career, Keegan was also known for his passion for horse racing. He was an avid fan and co-owned Funfair Wane, a dual Ayr Gold Cup winner, with his wife, Jean, who bred the horse. Adrian Nicholls, who rode for Keegan, described him as an “icon across the world.”
Funfair Wane’s first Ayr Gold Cup victory occurred in 2002 under Adrian Nicholls, with the horse regaining the title two years later when ridden by Paul Doe. Keegan also had horses with his former Southampton team-mate Mick Channon, who became a trainer after retiring from football. Additionally, Keegan managed the European team at the Shergar Cup in 2000, leading his side to victory at Ascot.
Keegan’s playing career included winning the First Division title three times, the UEFA Cup twice, and the European Cup once with Liverpool. He also earned two Ballon d’Or awards while playing for German side Hamburg. He managed the England national team between February 1999 and October 2000, as well as Fulham and Manchester City.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
Harry Loxley is a Senior Football Correspondent at NewsGB.org. He spent his early career reporting East Midlands football. He focuses on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Derby and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Derby, he watches non-league and runs a fan podcast. “Good football writing follows the people, not just the points.”