Kevin Keegan, OBE is one of the most recognisable figures in both English and international football. Keegan spent the former part of career as an exceptional player for a number of teams; Liverpool, Hamburg and Newcastle included. He later became a manager, at one point taking charge of the England national team. He has been described as “arguably the first superstar English player to attract the modern media spotlight.” Kevin Keegan is available for bookings for private and corporate appearances and brand endorsements through London based booking agency MN2S.
Keegan began his career when the fourth division club Scunthorpe United, at an amateur game, spotted him at the age of 16. He debuted for the team against Peterborough United and in no time at all had become a regular starter in the first team – he managed to score 18 goals in 124 games for the club. This kind of performance was what caught the eye of Geoff Twentyman, and Keegan was once again scouted, this time for Liverpool F.C. He would make a memorable debut for the club at Anfield when he scored against Nottingham Forest after only 12 minutes.
His skilful play saw manager Bill Shankly move him from a midfield position to that of a centre forward, where he formed a winning alliance with striker John Toshack, the success of the pair inviting comparisons to superhero duo Batman and Robin. In 1973, the pair would help Liverpool on their way to winning their first League Championship in seven years – as well as securing the UEFA Cup. Although Keegan was a consistent scorer for the club, it would be a few years until they achieved trophy success once more. However in 1977, when they did, it was with an incredible and unprecedented ‘treble’, winning the League Cup, the European Cup and the League Championship.
Keegan left the club that same year in pursuit of a career abroad, and he was flooded with offers from clubs all over Europe. After 323 appearances and 100 goals for Liverpool, Keegan moved to Hamburg SV and was touted as a ‘saviour’ for the club. Although the club had a slow start, they soon picked up momentum, and Keegan’s role was recognised when he received the France Football European Footballer of the Year award in 1978. The following season saw Keegan fully gel with his team and they went on to win the Bundesliga title for the first time in almost two decades. Keegan went on to receive European Footballer of the Year once again.
In 1980 Keegan moved to the relatively small club of Southampton, prompting international surprise and much excitement amongst Southampton fans. During his tenure with the club Keegan continued to dazzle on the pitch, and by the beginning of 1982, Southampton resided at the top of the First Division rankings. It was during this transformative period that Keegan was awarded his OBE for his services to Association Football. Keegan would spend the rest of his playing career with Newcastle United. A hero with the Newcastle supporters, he once more elevated his team, promoting them from the Second to First Division in 1984 and scored 48 goals in 78 matches.
Eight years after his retirement, Keegan would return to Newcastle in a managerial role in 1992. He arrived at a time of crisis, as the club was facing relegation to the third division, but was able to bring the club back from the brink, and they were tipped to finish high in the new Division One for the 1992-1993 season. The result was unprecedented: Newcastle finished champions of the league and were promoted to the Premier League. Keegan worked with the team until 1996, and continued his coaching duties with Fulham, Manchester City and, in 1999, the England national team.
Keegan remains a legend in the sport not only because of his exceptional skill, but also because of his unfailing ability to elevate the performances of those he played with, or indeed, manages. His contribution to football is extensive and poignant and is one that is unlikely to ever be forgotten. To enquire about booking Kevin Keegan, please contact a talent agent at MN2S Talent Agency.