Newcastle manager Eddie Howe pays tribute to Kevin Keegan

Eddie Howe, who has managed Newcastle United since 2021, described Keegan as a man of "incredible warmth and generosity" and thanked him for the support he provided after Howe arrived at St James' Park.

Keegan died on July 20 surrounded by his family following a battle with cancer.

The former England captain enjoyed one of the most successful playing careers of his generation.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was born in Amersham (Image: Jordan Pettitt)

After starting out at Scunthorpe United, he joined Liverpool, where he won nine major trophies between 1971 and 1977.

A move to German side Hamburg followed, with Keegan winning the Ballon d'Or, football's most prestigious individual award, in both 1978 and 1979.

He later played for Southampton and Newcastle United before retiring.

At international level, he scored 21 goals in 63 appearances for England.

File photo dated 26/05/79 of Kevin Keegan. Former Newcastle and England manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, his family have announced in a statement. Issue date: Monday July 20, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Peter Robinson/EMPICS Sport/PA Wire (Image: Peter Robinson/EMPICS Sport/PA Wire)

Keegan also enjoyed a memorable managerial career.

He took charge of Newcastle in 1992, helping the club avoid relegation to the third tier before securing promotion to the Premier League the following season.

His exciting Newcastle side of the mid-1990s, known as "The Entertainers", became one of the most popular teams in English football, as they just missed out on the Premier League title in 1996.

Following spells with Fulham, England and Manchester City, Keegan returned to Newcastle for a second spell in 2008.

Paying tribute, Howe said he was "devastated" by the news of Keegan's passing.

He said: "Like everyone connected with Newcastle United, I was devastated to hear the news that Kevin has passed away.

Kevin Keegan as Manchester City in 2003, with goalkeeper David Seaman following the latter's arrival from Arsenal (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

"Kevin was an inspiration to me as a young player and, I'm honoured to say, a friend whose guidance and support meant a great deal in recent years."

The Newcastle manager also reflected on the impact Keegan's teams had on him long before he entered management.

He said: "Long before I ever dreamed of becoming a manager, I was captivated by his Entertainers team.

"They played with courage, freedom and excitement.

Keegan as Man City boss with the Championship trophy in May 2002 (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)

"They made people fall in love not only with football, but with Newcastle United."

Howe added that Keegan's influence became even more significant after he took over at Newcastle.

"He showed me incredible warmth and generosity. He had already given so much to this football club, yet he immediately made me feel welcome," he said.

Tributes at St James' Park, Newcastle for former Liverpool star and Newcastle and England manager Kevin Keegan who has died aged 75. Picture date: Monday July 20, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder. (Image: Owen Humphreys)

Describing Keegan's legacy, Howe said the former manager's "passionate, positive, fearless" spirit remains part of Newcastle's identity and will continue to inspire future generations.

He concluded: "Thank you, Kevin, for everything. Rest in peace."