Former England forward Kevin Keegan diagnosed with cancer
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Kevin Keegan enjoyed a stellar playing career, with trophy-laden spells at Liverpool and Hamburg, and was later manager of Newcastle United and England.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Former England and Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a statement from his family released on Jan 7.
The statement, shared by Newcastle, read: “Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms.
“These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment. Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.
“During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy and will be making no further comment.”
Newcastle wished Keegan, 74, “a full and speedy recovery” on X, adding: “King Kev, we’re with you every step of the way.”
During Newcastle’s dramatic 4-3 English Premier League victory over Leeds United at St James’ Park on Jan 7, home supporters chanted for Keegan as the club posted the words “We’re all with you King Kev” on the big screen.
Keegan was signed for Liverpool by Bill Shankly in 1971, winning the English league title three times and the 1977 European Cup during his time at the club.
He also won two UEFA Cups and an FA Cup.
He signed for Hamburg in 1977 and was twice named European Footballer of the Year during his spell at the German club.
There he won the 1978-79 Bundesliga title and reached the 1980 European Cup final.
Keegan returned to England to play for Southampton and Newcastle. Nicknamed “King Kev”, he scored 204 goals in 592 league appearances during his club career.
He won 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals and also captained the team on 31 occasions.
In 1992, Keegan joined Newcastle as manager and they came close to winning the 1995-96 English Premier League, only to miss out to Manchester United.
He then managed Fulham before becoming England boss in 1999, but he resigned the following year, a few months after a disappointing Euro 2000 campaign.
Keegan had a spell as Manchester City manager before making an emotional but short-lived return to Newcastle in 2008.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur paid tribute on Jan 7 to “legendary” former striker Martin Chivers after his death at the age of 80.
Chivers scored 174 goals in 367 appearances for Spurs to be fourth on the club’s all-time list.
He won the UEFA Cup and two League Cups after joining Tottenham from Southampton for a then British record fee of £125,000 (S$216,000) in 1968.
A muscular forward with a lethal eye for goal, Chivers repaid that fee during his successful eight-year spell with Tottenham, also netting 13 times in 24 England appearances.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our legendary former striker Martin Chivers,” Tottenham said in a statement.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to Martin’s family, friends and former teammates at this incredibly sad time.
“Our players will wear black armbands during this evening’s fixture against Bournemouth. Rest in peace, Martin. One of the all-time greats.”
Chivers scored both goals in Tottenham’s 1971 League Cup final win over Aston Villa at Wembley and also netted twice in the first leg of the 1972 UEFA Cup final victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. AFP, REUTERS
