Kevin Keegan’s ‘overwhelmed’ family release heartfelt statement following football world’s gushing tributes for England legend after his death – and set up charity fundraiser in his honour
Kevin Keegan’s family has thanked everyone for their condolences following the death of the England legend.
Last month, Keegan died aged 75 after a battle with stomach cancer. He left behind his wife, of 51 years, Jean and their two daughters Laura Jane, 47, and Sarah Marie, 43.
News of the Liverpool and Newcastle hero’s illness broke in January, and in June he revealed that he had stage four cancer – meaning it had spread to other parts of the body.
Since his death, tributes have poured into Keegan’s family as the football world pays their respects.
And speaking about the amount of support they have received, the grateful Keegan family revealed they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by it all.
A statement from the Keegan family, issued by the League Managers Association, read: ‘Following the devastating news of Kevin’s passing, we would like to thank the vast number of people who have expressed condolences and shared their memories of Kevin in recent days.
Kevin Keegan’s family has thanked everyone for their condolences following his death in July
Keegan pictured with his wife, Jean, who was by his side when he died last month
‘As a family we have been truly overwhelmed by the volume of tributes and are grateful for them all. We will be holding a small private funeral in the coming weeks and request ongoing privacy and respect whilst we navigate this extremely difficult period as a family.
‘Details of a memorial service hosted by Newcastle United that will take place at a later date will be communicated in due course.’
A private funeral is due to take place in the next few weeks, while Newcastle will later host a memorial service for a man who was revered both as a player and as a manager on Tyneside.
The family have also requested, in lieu of flowers, donations to two charities close to the two-time Ballon d’Or winner’s heart.
They have set up a Go Fund Me Page asking for donations to the Christie Charity, which funds enhanced services, pioneering research, education and additional support services for cancer patients and their families, and Football Families for Justice, a charity set up by World Cup winner Nobby Stiles’ son John to support former players suffering from neurodegenerative diseases caused by heading the ball.
Keegan made his name at Liverpool in a glittering playing career. He won 63 England caps and also managed Fulham and Manchester City.
He guided Newcastle to the Premier League during the first of two stints at St James’ Park and came close to lifting the title, only to be pipped by Manchester United.
Keegan started his career at Scunthorpe before being signed for Liverpool by Bill Shankly in 1971, going on to win the First Division title three times as well as the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup twice and the 1977 European Cup.
Keegan was twice named European Footballer of the Year while at German club Hamburg and returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle before retiring as a player in 1984.
He won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals, playing at the 1982 World Cup and was also later captain of the national team.
In 1992, Keegan made his first step into management at his former club Newcastle, guiding them into the Premier League and to within touching distance of the 1995-96 title only to miss out to Manchester United.
After leaving St James’ Park in January 1997, a brief stint at Fulham followed before he became England manager in 1999, having initially taken on the job following Glenn Hoddle’s departure.
Having overseen a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign, Keegan resigned on the back of defeat by Germany at Wembley Stadium, the last match at the national stadium before it was rebuilt.
After England he managed Manchester City for four years before then returning for a brief spell at Newcastle.
