Alan Shearer leads tributes to his ‘hero’ and ‘friend’ Kevin Keegan 

Alan Shearer paid tribute to his hero and friend Kevin Keegan following the death of his former Newcastle manager at the age of 75.

Keegan was in charge at St James’ Park when the club paid a then world-record fee of £15million to sign Shearer in 1996.

“My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss,” the former England striker wrote on X.

Shearer, who went on to become Newcastle’s record goalscorer, was a boyhood Magpies fan and grew up idolising Keegan as a player.

Keegan later managed England from 1999 to 2000.

The Prince of Wales, patron of the Football Association, also paid tribute, writing in a personally signed message on social media: “Incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan.

“A truly remarkable footballer and manager who inspired generations with his talent, passion and love of the game.

“Above all, he will be remembered as a kind and generous man.

“Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.” The family of Terry McDermott, who played alongside Keegan at Liverpool and later worked as his assistant manager, released a statement saying they were “heartbroken”.

“Kevin was so much more than a team-mate,” the statement read. “He was a lifelong friend whose warmth, loyalty, humour and passion for football touched so many lives. The memories they shared, both on and off the pitch, will be treasured forever.

“Although Terry’s dementia means he is no longer able to express his feelings publicly, we know how much Kevin meant to him and how deeply this loss would have affected him.” 

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher paid tribute to “one of the greatest players this country has ever produced”, adding on X that Keegan was “one of the most important men in making @LFC what it is today”.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe described Keegan as an “inspiration” and a “friend” who had helped him settle in at St James’ Park.

“Kevin understood better than most the privilege and responsibility of leading Newcastle United,” Howe said.

“He was always willing to share his wisdom, offer encouragement and provide support, and I will always be grateful for that.

“What struck me most was his humility. Despite everything he achieved in the game and his iconic status here, he never sought recognition. He simply wanted to help because he cared deeply about the club and the people within it.” 

England manager Thomas Tuchel said: “I am so sad to hear about the passing of Kevin Keegan. As a young football fan, he was the first England superstar I can remember watching growing up.

“He won every honour possible and to be named the best player in the world twice was an unbelievable achievement. You only need to think how fondly he is remembered by supporters at his clubs to see what a man he was.

“Of course, he also had that special experience of playing, captaining and managing his country. My thoughts are with his family and friends today, and all the fans who loved to watch him play.” Former Newcastle striker Faustino Asprilla paid an emotional tribute to the man who brought him to English football in 1996.

“Kevin wasn’t just a football manager to me — he was the man who introduced me to the Premier League and made me fall in love with the beautiful city of Newcastle,” Asprilla wrote on Instagram.

“Through his passion, belief, and love for the game, he inspired so many people, myself included.

“He taught me that football is about much more than winning. It’s about passion, loyalty, hope, and never giving up. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life, and for that I will be grateful forever.

“Today, Newcastle has lost a true legend, and the football world has lost one of its greatest gentlemen. My heart is heavy, and I honestly can’t put into words how saddened I am by this news.” 

Former prime minister Tony Blair, who was famously pictured playing head tennis with Keegan as New Labour’s rise coincided with Newcastle’s emergence as a genuine force, expressed his sadness.

Blair, a Newcastle fan, said: “Kevin inspired everyone he met, including me. He was just a thoroughly decent man with a strong sense of values and a belief, not only in the game of football, but also in Britain as a nation.

“From the first time I put him in the Newcastle changing room before a match in the 1990s, to the time he took me in hand as the leader of the opposition to teach me how to head the ball, to the social occasions later in life he was the same: an effervescent, never-give-up, irrepressible proud patriot of Britain.” 

Former Newcastle midfielder Rob Lee posted on social media: “Devastating news!! Lost the best manager, person and my hero in one !! RIP Gaffa” Newcastle said in a statement they were unable to open St James’ Park to supporters wishing to pay tribute because of ongoing works.

A statement said “those who would like to leave flowers, scarves or other tributes can do so at the South West Corner of the stadium”.