Kevin Keegan spotted in Newcastle ahead of Wor Flags display vs Manchester United

The tribute was supposed to be unveiled before the 3-3 draw with Liverpool in December. However, the fan-led group postponed the Keegan love-in and opted for a different message.

The change of plan came amid a turbulent run for the Magpies, with just two wins from nine Premier League games. Keegan is now set to receive his pre-game eulogy on Sunday when Newcastle welcome Man United to St James’ Park.

Regarded as one of the most important figures in the club’s history, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner earned promotion as a player when his career was entering its twilight years. Once retired, Keegan ended an eight-year exile from football to return as Newcastle manager.

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The legendary figure dragged the Magpies from the brink of the third tier to within a whisker of winning the Premier League title. A roller-coaster ride became defined as the “Entertainers” and remains a beloved era on Tyneside.

Keegan came back for a third time in 2008 but a nine-month spell ended in disaster following failed Mike Ashley promises. Since the Saudi-backed takeover in October 2021, there have been murmurings of the former Toon boss returning.

He vowed to do so once Newcastle won a trophy - a feat they achieved at Wembley last month. As it stands, there is no indication Keegan is set to witness his Wor Flags display first-hand when Man United arrive on Sunday.

That is despite him being in the city this weekend as he attended a function at the Grand Hotel in Gosforth. At the event - which was hosted by local grassroots club Blyth Town - Keegan reiterated that he will make an appearance at St James' Park soon.

By soon, could he mean this weekend? NewcastleWorld understands that to be unlikely - although it would be one way to raise the roof before a clash against his biggest rival as Toon boss.

Kevin Keegan previously threw support fully behind Eddie Howe

“Where you are so lucky here now (is that) you have a guy (Howe) in charge of your football club who gets it,” Keegan told a fundraiser for NSPCC at Gosforth Park Hotel. “He really does get it. You have not had that for a long time. Forget Mike Ashley, he's not worth talking about.

“But it was 10 years where this club went absolutely nowhere. This guy now (Howe) who you’ve got, if they support him (will deliver success). Don’t give up on him.

“I was with Eddie Howe at the theatre, and we discussed for 20 minutes all things Newcastle United. From that minute on, before that, I was convinced, but I was convinced that this guy (Howe) would take you where you want to go. So support him.”

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