Newcastle United supporters will be given the opportunity to share their memories of Kevin Keegan after Newcastle City Council announced plans to open public books of condolence following the football icon’s death.
The former Newcastle player and manager died at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer, with the news announced on Monday.
As part of the city’s tribute, the Union flag outside Newcastle Civic Centre will be flown at half mast from Wednesday for the remainder of the week.
Two books of condolence will also be made available for members of the public to leave messages and memories of the man affectionately known as “King Kev”.
One book will be placed at the Civic Centre’s Arches reception and another at Newcastle City Library.
The Civic Centre book will be available from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays until early next week. The City Library book can be signed during normal opening hours, including extended Thursday evening access.
Newcastle United has also announced that a separate memory book will be available at the St James’ Park box office from 8am to 8pm daily.
Supporters wishing to leave floral tributes have been encouraged to continue doing so outside St James’ Park.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle Henry Gallagher described Keegan as a figure whose influence stretched far beyond football.
Henry Gallagher, a Newcastle United season ticket holder, said Keegan had brought a renewed sense of pride and excitement to the city during his time at the club. “He has a lasting legacy for the whole of the city, not just for the football club,” he said.
“I remember on matchdays when he was manager you would wake up in the morning with butterflies in your stomach because you knew something was going to happen that day. It was just fantastic.”
He added that one of Keegan’s defining qualities was the time he made for supporters.
“Looking at all the comments people have made about him, they all say the same thing – that Kevin always had time for people. He would always stop and chat and make sure everybody had a chance to talk to him.”
Henry Gallagher said Keegan helped put Newcastle back in the national spotlight and made supporters feel the club belonged among England’s elite once again.
Reflecting on the former manager’s impact, he said: “He brought such joy to our city. When he came here it was like we were taken notice of again and it was brilliant.”
The Lord Mayor also suggested Newcastle United’s opening Premier League fixture against Liverpool, another club closely associated with Keegan, could become a fitting celebration of his life and legacy.
For many supporters, Keegan remains one of the most influential figures in the club’s history, both as a player and as the manager who inspired one of Newcastle’s most memorable eras.
