Kevin Keegan plans farewell visit to Newcastle after stage four cancer diagnosis

Kevin Keegan has announced he wants to return to Newcastle United for a farewell to supporters, after publicly addressing his stage four cancer diagnosis for the first time at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle on Sunday.

The former England captain and manager, widely known on Tyneside as King Kev, received a standing ovation as he spoke candidly about his illness and the treatment he is undergoing. “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got. Which is stage four cancer,” Keegan told the audience. “He was a Liverpool supporter so I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone.”

Keegan’s family had revealed his diagnosis earlier this year. After what he described as a “really tough time,” he was well enough to make the public appearance in the city he has long called home. Stage four is the most advanced classification of cancer, indicating the disease has spread beyond its original site to other parts of the body.

He explained that the diagnosis came as a consequence of a car accident that required surgery. His oncologist outlined a treatment approach, though the odds were sobering. “The doc said, ‘Kevin, this new treatment, I’ve got a tremendous strike rate’. I said, ‘What’s your strike rate?’ He said, ‘33%’. I thought it would be 80%, 90%. 33%! I’m still here at the moment.”

Keegan has not returned to St James’ Park since winning his constructive dismissal case against the club in 2009, and he made clear that a visit to say goodbye to supporters is something he wants to do. He was, however, characteristically modest about the prospect of a statue in his honour at the ground. “You will have to wait until I die, I’m afraid,” he said. “My statue is the way you receive me.”

Newcastle United responded with a formal statement expressing their “heartfelt support” and “warmest wishes” to Keegan and his family. “Kevin holds a unique and cherished place in the history of Newcastle United, and in the hearts of our supporters,” the club said. “Kevin will always be warmly welcomed at St James’ Park and we hope to see him again soon.”

Keegan’s playing career spanned Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle, during which he won three league titles, two UEFA Cups, the FA Cup and the European Cup with Liverpool in 1977. He subsequently moved to Hamburg and was twice named European Footballer of the Year. He later managed Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City.