Kevin Keegan will be posthumously awarded the Freedom of the City, Newcastle's highest civic honour, the club has announced. The Newcastle City Council will vote on the award at a special meeting on Wednesday, which would be the first posthumous award of its kind in the city's history.
Club CEO David Hopkinson confirmed the plans, describing Keegan as a foundational figure for the modern club. "Kevin Keegan will always be, quite simply, one of the most important, influential and beloved figures in the history of Newcastle United," Hopkinson said.
The honour recognises Keegan's profound impact both on and off the pitch. He joined Newcastle United when the club was in the Second Division, scoring many goals and helping secure promotion back to the top flight. He later returned as manager, leading the club into the Premier League and captivating fans with an attacking style of play that brought global attention to the team and the city.
Council decision pending
The formal proposal will be put before councillors. Council leader Colin Ferguson nominated Keegan for the honour, and Keegan was informed of the decision shortly before his death. If approved, Keegan will join an exclusive group of Newcastle United figures to have received the Freedom of the City, including Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Milburn and current manager Eddie Howe.
The award itself is an honorary status that involves having the recipient's name inscribed on the wall of the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre. The club itself was awarded the Freedom of the City in the 1990s following its centenary celebrations.
A lasting legacy
Keegan's legacy continues to resonate at St James' Park, where the current team sits in the Premier League with points from matches. That position, built on a recent away win at Crystal Palace, reflects the competitive standards Keegan helped establish. The team's recent form will be tested next when they face Manchester United in their next fixture. Supporters have continued to pay tribute, with flowers, cards, shirts and scarves left outside the stadium following his passing. A public display of these tributes will be held at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.
The Keegan family stated that Kevin "always shared his love for Newcastle United, Geordies and the city. The council's final vote on the historic honour will take place two days later.
The original report is at newcastleunited.com
