Former England manager Kevin Keegan dies aged 75 after cancer battle
Former England forward and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75 following a battle with stage four cancer.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner’s family announced in January that he had been diagnosed with the illness and was beginning treatment.
He had recently attended a Newcastle United event in June, indicating to supporters that he was responding well to medical care.
A glittering playing career
The legendary forward is widely regarded as one of the finest English players of his generation.
He made nearly 750 club appearances, lifting the First Division trophy four times during a highly successful spell with Liverpool.
The prolific attacker then secured back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979 while starring for Hamburg in the Bundesliga.
On the international stage, the talismanic striker scored 21 goals in 63 caps for his country.
Managerial highs and heartbreak
Seven years after hanging up his boots, the former Liverpool star took charge of a struggling Newcastle side in February 1992.
He masterminded a dramatic escape from relegation before guiding the Magpies into the Premier League in his first full season at the helm.
The charismatic coach came agonisingly close to delivering the club’s first top-tier title since 1927 during the 1995-96 campaign.
Despite holding a 12-point lead over Manchester United at one stage, a late-season collapse saw his side finish second.
The intense pressure culminated in an infamous television interview aimed at Sir Alex Ferguson following a crucial victory at Leeds.
“I’d love it…”
That passionate post-match outburst unfortunately characterised his time at St James’ Park for many supporters.
Leading the national team
He stepped up to manage England between February 1999 and October 2000.
His tenure featured a disappointing group-stage exit at Euro 2000 after frustrating defeats by Portugal and Romania.
The former national boss ultimately resigned minutes after a 1-0 defeat to Germany in the final match played at the old Wembley Stadium.
Final spells in the dugout
A subsequent spell at Manchester City brought promotion to the Premier League as Division One champions in 2002.
He initially announced his retirement three years later, before making a brief, eight-month return to Tyneside in 2008.