Kevin Keegan planned last St James' Park visit to see fans before cancer death

Kevin Keegan, the England and Newcastle United legend, had been planning a final return to St James’ Park for supporters before his death from cancer at age 75. He was expected to be a special guest at the start of next season, at the August 23 opening match against his former club Liverpool. Keegan had previously told an audience on Tyneside that he did not want a statue, but he still aimed to see the “Toon army” once more. After his passing, fans gathered at St James’ Park to pay tribute, including family members and lifelong supporter Joe Black, whose son and six-year-old grandson also joined. The article also quotes Sir Alex Ferguson, who said Keegan re-energised Newcastle, describing their era and listing players David Ginola, Faustino Asprilla and Philippe Albert as part of his impact.