Newcastle and Liverpool are joining forces to pay tribute to a true giant of the game - Kevin Keegan. The Premier League's biggest stage will be ablaze with emotion this weekend as the Magpies welcome the Reds to St James' Park for their season opener on Sunday, 23rd August at 16:30 BST.
Keegan is etched in the memories of both clubs like a masterpiece on the canvas. His playing career was a work of art - six years of triumph at Liverpool that yielded three league titles, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups, and the FA Cup. He then brought his Midas touch to Newcastle, where he first donned the black-and-white jersey in 1982 for two seasons, before going on to guide the club to Premier League promotion in 1992-93 and a historic second-place finish in the 1995-96 top flight.
Speaking exclusively, Newcastle United confirmed they're working hand-in-hand with Liverpool to ensure Keegan's memory is honoured appropriately. The Magpies will collaborate closely with supporter groups and the Premier League to create a fitting tribute that does justice to their beloved former skipper and manager.
The Toon Army will don black armbands during pre-season, while a minute's silence will be observed before Eddie Howe's men face Gateshead in an away friendly this Saturday. Keegan's image will be displayed proudly on screens at St James' Park in the seventh minute - a nod to his iconic number seven shirt - during Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg clashes on 15th and 16th August. The same seventh-minute applause will be observed when the women's team faces Inter Milan on 16th August, giving fans a chance to come together in remembrance.
A painful loss for football and his family, Keegan's passing at 75 has left an unfillable void. His courageous battle against stage four cancer, which had spread, will never be forgotten. From Scunthorpe United to Hamburg, Southampton, Fulham, the England national team, and Manchester City, Keegan's illustrious career was a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the beautiful game.