Newcastle United CEO David Hopkinson has indicated the club intends to create a permanent tribute to Kevin Keegan following the legendary former player and manager’s death.
Thousands of supporters have gathered outside St. James’ Park in recent days to pay their respects, with flowers, scarves and messages left at the memorial between the statues of Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer.
Speaking to the BBC, Hopkinson said Keegan’s legacy merits a lasting physical memorial at the club, although any decision
will be made alongside his family once the initial period of mourning has passed.
“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,” Hopkinson said.
“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.”
Hopkinson also reflected on the outpouring of emotion from supporters following Keegan’s passing.
“Kevin’s impact on this community is evident in the faces of everyone here,” he said. “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.”
Calls for Newcastle to honor Keegan with a statue have grown since Monday, with supporters pointing to his transformative impact on the club both as a player and as the manager who twice helped shape its modern history. While Hopkinson stopped short of confirming what form the tribute will take, he made clear the club believes Keegan’s contribution deserves a permanent place outside St. James’ Park.
