I got promoted with Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United - his impact on the club and city was like no other
Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has sadly passed away at the age of 75.
Former Newcastle United midfielder Liam O’Brien has hailed the transformative impact Kevin Keegan had on the club and his career.
O’Brien joined a struggling Newcastle side from Manchester United in 1988 for £250,000 and became a central figure at the club as The Magpies bounced back from relegation in 1989 to become one of the forces of English football under Keegan.
Reacting to the news of Keegan’s passing, O’Brien told The Gazette: “It's devastating. For everybody involved, family obviously, the whole of Newcastle, all the fans. It's a sad day today. One of the good ones is gone, you know.”
Keegan already had legendary status at Newcastle as a player but became one of the most important figures in the club’s history during his spell as a manager. And O’Brien was there to witness the transformation first hand.
“When he first came into the club, the club was on its knees at the time. Obviously, he was a great player for the club, and he didn't want to see the club going down [to the third division].
“[Appointing him] was a masterstroke. The club needed someone like him - someone who loved the club and the fans. The whole city needed a lift, to be honest with you. You have to live in Newcastle to understand how fanatical they are. Every house is full of Newcastle fans.
“Keegan had no experience as a manager, so it was a big risk for him, but he came in with clear ideas, what he wanted done and where he wanted to take the club.
“We eventually stayed up that [1991/92] season and then went on to better things. He just gave belief to all the players that were there and made you feel 10 feet tall.
“It's such a sad day for all involved, it is. When I heard the news there earlier on, I shed a tear. I still have a picture of him and me together at Newcastle on my mantelpiece and I look at it every day. It's always the good ones that go.”
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