Kevin Keegan Tells Fans He Is Fighting Stage Four Cancer
Former Newcastle United manager and England captain Kevin Keegan has disclosed that he is dealing with stage four cancer, speaking publicly about his condition during a weekend appearance at the Tyne Theatre in Newcastle.
The 75-year-old, who announced in January that he had been diagnosed with cancer, appeared in good spirits during a brief video before his first public appearance to reminisce about his career. According to a report by The Mail, Keegan told the audience: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.”
Keegan also revealed his intention to return to St James’ Park for the first time since his departure in 2008 to say a proper goodbye to Newcastle supporters. “I want to say goodbye,” he told the audience. “I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time.”
Keegan first took charge of Newcastle United in 1992, guiding the club from the old Second Division into the newly formed Premier League. During the 1995-96 season, his team came within touching distance of the league title, finishing second to Manchester United after leading by 12 points in January. He left St James’ Park in January 1997.
After a brief stint at Fulham, Keegan became England manager in 1999, taking over following Glenn Hoddle’s departure. He resigned from the England post in October 2000. He made an emotional return to Newcastle in 2008 but lasted only eight months following reported tensions with the board and then-owner Mike Ashley.
Following the news of Keegan’s diagnosis in January, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe paid tribute to the former boss. Speaking after a 4-3 comeback victory over Leeds United on the night the announcement was made, Howe said: “That team that he created was incredibly special and is still talked about – and quite rightly so – for what it achieved and how it played and the entertainment that it gave everybody.”
Howe added: “Of course the news before the game really shook us all, I think. Kevin, with what he did here as a player and as a manager, is a truly iconic person. I want to pay tribute to him, really, and just hope he’s okay and send him all our love.”
Keegan earned 63 caps for England during his playing career and won the Ballon d’Or in 1978 and 1979 while at Hamburg. As a player, he also represented Liverpool, winning three First Division titles, two UEFA Cups, and a European Cup.
Neither Keegan nor his representatives have released further details regarding his treatment or prognosis.