Kevin Keegan, the miner’s son who achieved greatness on and off the pitch | OneFootball

Kevin Keegan has died aged 75. According to NY Times, he was diagnosed with cancer six months ago and had remained at work until recently.

A miner’s son from South Yorkshire, Keegan became the only Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or twice. He collected major honours with Liverpool, turned Hamburg into champions, then became a demigod at Newcastle United.

On Tyneside his bond endured, from leaping into the Gallowgate as a player to leading a stagnant club from the Second Division to the 1995-96 title near-miss. A banner at St James’ Park last season hailed King Kev and the Messiah.

His on-air outburst at Sir Alex Ferguson became television folklore, yet by then the damage was already done. With one round left, Newcastle trailed Manchester United by three points, and they finished with only two more goals conceded than the champions.

Keegan’s people skills were remarkable. At book events he insisted on photos, proper chats and even surprise phone calls, believing conversations, not autographs, create lasting memories. He often mocked the modest Ballon d’Or trophy and said team prizes mattered more.

Before Scunthorpe gave him a chance, he worked at the Pegler brassworks and played pub football. His awards came in 1978 and 1979 with Hamburg, and he narrowly missed out in 1976-77 under a different voting system. He later won promotions with Fulham, Newcastle and Manchester City, though England left him feeling inadequate.

Source: NY Times