Shearer leads tributes to 'hero' and 'friend' Keegan

Alan Shearer paid tribute to his hero and friend Kevin Keegan following the death of his former Newcastle manager at the age of 75.

Keegan was in charge at St James' Park when the club paid a then world-record fee of £15 million to sign Shearer in 1996.

"My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss," Shearer wrote on X.

Shearer, who went on to become Newcastle’s record goalscorer, was a boyhood Magpies fan and grew up idolizing Keegan as a player.

Keegan later managed England from 1999 to 2000.

The family of Terry McDermott (above,r), who played alongside Keegan at Liverpool and later worked as his assistant manager, released a statement saying they were "heartbroken".

"Kevin was so much more than a team-mate," the statement said. "He was a lifelong friend whose warmth, loyalty, humour and passion for football touched so many lives. The memories they shared, both on and off the pitch, will be treasured forever.

"Although Terry’s dementia means he is no longer able to express his feelings publicly, we know how much Kevin meant to him and how deeply this loss would have affected him."

Current Newcastle boss Eddie Howe described Keegan as an "inspiration" and a "friend" who had helped him settle in at St James’ Park.

"Kevin understood better than most the privilege and responsibility of leading Newcastle United," Howe said.

"He was always willing to share his wisdom, offer encouragement and provide support, and I will always be grateful for that.

"What struck me most was his humility. Despite everything he achieved in the game and his iconic status here, he never sought recognition. He simply wanted to help because he cared deeply about the club and the people within it."

England manager Thomas Tuchel said: "I am so sad to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan. As a young football fan, he was the first England superstar I can remember watching growing up.

"He won every honor possible and to be named the best player in the world twice was an unbelievable achievement. You only need to think how fondly he is remembered by supporters at his clubs to see what a man he was.

"Of course, he also had that special experience of playing, captaining and managing his country. My thoughts are with his family and friends today, and all the fans who loved to watch him play."

Former Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne, who played under Keegan at Manchester City, spoke of his ex-manager's care and empathy for the players under his charge.

"He played a big part in my career when I was at Man City," Dunne said on Inside Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.

"I remember him even coming around to my house to have a chat, to try and talk things through, to make sure that I was in the right frame of mind.

"He had that ability to take himself away from the football and look after the person, which was hugely important.

"We had the, I suppose, the humbling moments of us thinking we're the famous footballers and then we'd walk into a room with Kevin Keegan behind us. Everyone wanted to speak to him. Everyone loved him."

Former Newcastle striker Faustino Asprilla (above, l) paid an emotional tribute to the man who brought him to English football in 1996.

"Kevin wasn’t just a football manager to me — he was the man who introduced me to the Premier League and made me fall in love with the beautiful city of Newcastle," Asprilla wrote on Instagram. "Through his passion, belief, and love for the game, he inspired so many people, myself included.

"He taught me that football is about much more than winning. It’s about passion, loyalty, hope, and never giving up. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life, and for that I will be grateful forever.

"Today, Newcastle has lost a true legend, and the football world has lost one of its greatest gentlemen. My heart is heavy, and I honestly can’t put into words how saddened I am by this news."

Former Newcastle midfielder Rob Lee posted on social media: "Devastating news!! Lost the best manager, person and my hero in one !! RIP Gaffa"

Newcastle said in a statement they were unable to open St James’ Park to supporters wishing to pay tribute because of ongoing works.

A statement said "those who would like to leave flowers, scarves or other tributes can do so at the South West Corner of the stadium".

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