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Revision as of 03:39, 29 September 2004 by D6 (talk | contribs) (adding Category:1951 births , see WP:People by year)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)(Joseph) Kevin Keegan (born 14 February, 1951) is an English football (soccer) coach and former player. He was born in Armthorpe, Yorkshire. A former England international player, he is currently working for FA Premier League football club - Manchester City F.C. as club manager.
Playing career
Keegan joined Scunthorpe United in 1968 as an apprentice. He was transferred to Liverpool F.C. in 1971, scoring on his debut against Nottingham Forest. He won four League titles, the FA Cup, two UEFA Cups and one European Cup during his time at Anfield. His last game for the club was the 1977 European Cup final against Borussia Mönchengladbach, which Liverpool won 3-1. Keegan did not score, but did win the penalty kick which clinched the game for Liverpool.
Keegan obtained his first international cap in 1972, representing England playing against Wales in Cardiff. His last England game came in the World Cup 1982 as substitute against Spain in Madrid. During his international football career, he won 63 caps and scored 21 goals, and was captain of his country from 1979 to 1982.
Before retiring from playing, he played for several football clubs including German First Division football club Hamburger SV (1977 to 1980), Premier division football clubs Southampton F.C. (1980 to 1982) and Newcastle United (1982 to 1984). He was twice made European Footballer of the Year.
Managerial career
Newcastle
In February 1992, after eight years of retirement and golf in Spain, Keegan returned to the game as manager of Newcastle United. He led Newcastle to promotion to the Premier League as First Division champions in 1993.
Although Keegan was appointed Director of Football in 1994 and agreed a new deal that tied him to the club for next 10 years, he resigned as manager of Newcastle on 8 January 1997.
During Keegan's reign as manager, Newcastle finished runners-up to Manchester United F.C. in the Premier League in 1996. England striker Alan Shearer was transferred from Blackburn Rovers F.C. to Newcastle with a world breaking record of 15 million pounds ($21.21 million).
It was during his time at Newcastle that Keegan had his famous rant on Sky Sports. Manchester United manager, Alex Ferguson (famous for playing psychological games with opponents), had suggested that teams tried harder against Man Utd than Newcastle United. After Newcastle's hard fought victory over Leeds United] in their next match an emotional Keegan was interviewed on Sky Sports. Seeming to be on the verge of tears Keegan said:
- "I think you have to send a tape of the game to Alex Ferguson - isn't that (the Leeds performance) what he wants? You just don't say that about Leeds".
- "I would love it if we could beat them. He's gone down a lot in my estimation. Football in this country is honest. You sometimes wonder about abroad but not in this country."
- "I would love it if we beat them. Love it!".
After this game Newcastle managed to throw away what had previously been seen as an unassailible lead in the Premier League. Keegan's bitter rant is remembered by football fans everywhere and is often seen as the turning point in the season of 95-96.
Fulham
On leaving Newcastle, Keegan was appointed as chief operating officer at Second Division club Fulham F.C., with Ray Wilkins as manager. When Wilkins was sacked as manager in 1998, Keegan took over his coaching role.
English International team
Keegan was named new England coach in February 1999 succeeding Glenn Hoddle. He led the team for a winning start with 3-1 win over Poland to reignite England's Euro 2000 qualifying campaign.
Keegan resigned as England coach on 7 October 2000 after England were eliminated from Euro 2000 at the group stage and lost to Germany in their first World Cup qualifier in the last game ever to be played at Wembley Stadium.
Manchester City
He was appointed manager of first division Manchester City F.C. on 24 May 2001. They were promoted to the Premier League the following year and remain there to this day.
Miscellaneous
Keegan infamously advertised Brut aftershave alongside boxing legend Henry Cooper in the late 1970s. During his career he has also advertised Dentyne chewing gum and Sugar Puffs cereal.
One of the first real celebrities of the game, Keegan has famously never refused an autograph request from a fan.
Keegan is married to Jean and has two daughters. He was awarded the MBE in 1982. He speaks fluent German and Spanish.
Keegan was famous for having a mullet haircut.
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