Newcastle United set to consider Kevin Keegan statue at St James’ Park as CEO speaks out
Newcastle United supporters have called on the club to erect a statue of Kevin Keegan following his passing on Monday.
Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson believes Kevin Keegan deserves a "physical tribute” outside of St James’ Park.
The Canadian also noted that the club - and city - are currently mourning and any final decision would be after consultation with Keegan’s family. Thousands of Toon fans have visited the stadium to pay respects to the legendary former player and manager.
The memorial is situated between the Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer statues where the Gallowgate End meets the Milburn Stand. Naturally, supporters have now called on Newcastle to honour Keegan - who saved the club twice during his professional career.
‘It’s a tough day’ - David Hopkinson
Hopkinson led a Newcastle procession - which included Eddie Howe and Jacob Murphy - to honour the club legend. Speaking to the BBC, the Toon chief recognised Keegan’s influence given the wave of supporters who paid their respects.
“Kevin's impact on this community is evident in the faces of everyone here,” Hopkinson said. “We didn't plan this. These people have shown up to gather, come together and remember him.
“So this is really touching and it's an incredible, spontaneous tribute to him. I was aware of Kevin's impact on football. What he meant to this community, I've learned more about since I took this role coming up on a year ago and relocating to this community.
“You can't really go very far before someone says, ‘Hey, can we tell you about Kevin Keegan?’ Everyone's got a story about him. And that is a story about how Kevin expressed the best of this community. His legacy is a rich one. His life is going to live on. It's a tough day.”
David Hopkinson hints at Kevin Keegan statue
When asked how Newcastle will pay tribute to Keegan moving forward, Hopkinson added: “The hearts, the minds and the faces of everyone here, first and foremost. Clearly, we've got a statue of Alan Shearer here, we've got a statue of Sir Bobby Robson here and Kevin's impact in this club… extraordinary.
“I think it demands a physical tribute. What that means, a statue, a stand… the answer is we haven't determined that yet. It's early for that. We're going to make that determination ultimately and at the right time in conjunction and consultation with the family. We're not on to that today. Today, we're just mourning like everybody else.”