The football world has been reacting to the sad news of the death of Kevin Keegan at the age of 75 this afternoon.
The ex-Newcastle, Liverpool and England man touched the hearts of all of the clubs he represented, both as a player and manager, leading to an outpouring of emotion from former teams, colleagues and friends from throughout the game.
Among those to pay their respects was former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, who idolised Keegan from the Gallowgate terraces at St James' Park as a child, before later joining the Magpies to play for his hero.
A hero, a manager and a friend
In a brief message, Shearer simply wrote: "My Hero. My Manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss."
Shearer's former teammate Shay Given was another ex-Newcastle player to pay their respects, writing: "It’s hard to put into words what this man meant to to me, an unbelievable player and manager but most importantly an incredible human being, the world has lost one of the greatest."
Keegan's former clubs have been paying tribute too, with Liverpool, where Keegan won three First Division titles, the European Cup, the FA Cup and two UEFA Cups, writing: "His indomitable spirit and remarkable contribution will be forever etched in our history and his legacy will live on."
Newcastle United's statement described Keegan as "more than a legendary footballer and manager" and "the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters" and said that the club was "carefully considering how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin’s remarkable life and legacy".
Hamburger SV, where Keegan won a Bundesliga, as well as two European Player of the Year awards, said they will "always cherish the memory of our former title-winning player and two-time Ballon d’Or winner" while Manchester City, who Keegan managed for four years, described him as: "A transformative manager who brought optimism and vibrancy to City."
Keegan both played for and managed the England national team, with the FA stating they were "incredibly saddened by the news that Kevin Keegan has passed away."
A tribute will be paid to Keegan at Wembley when England host Spain in the Nations League in September.
Touching tributes have also been left by the wider footballing world, including from former Sky Sports commentator Martin Tyler, who said: "Whenever you were given the chance to cover a Newcastle game as a commentator, you knew you were in for a rollercoaster of an evening. It was always special being in his company. He never disappointed. Never."
Ex-Newcastle defender Warren Barton added: "He made you feel like the best player in the world. For me, I owe him everything."
Newcastle United have requested fans wishing to pay their respects with flowers, scarves and other tributes leave them at the South West Corner of the stadium, with a book of condolence to be opened. The scheduled launch of the new away shirt has been postponed until Friday following the news.
