"I know what is around the corner - I just don't know where the corner is."

Written by: Resurrection Joe

Joseph Kevin Keegan was born, rather appropriately on Valentines Day 1951, in Armthorpe, in Yorkshire. He was rejected by his local club Doncaster Rovers, but a determined young man, Keegan made his way to the east coast and signed for Scunthorpe United, a move that was to define his career, as Scunthorpe was a known hotbed for young talent. Keegan played 120 times for Scunthorpe, as a winger/midfielder, before he was spotted by Liverpool's Bill Shankly, a prodigious collector of young talent.

Keegan In His Scunthorpe Days

Nicknamed 'Mighty Mouse', Keegan stood only 5 feet 8 inches tall, he was stockily built, fast, agile, brave and athletic. He had a strong work ethic and impressed Shankly with his passion and commitment. The legendary Liverpool manager moved quickly to secure the tiny talent, signing him in August 1971 for a meagre £35,000. The initial intent was to groom him as the long-term replacement for Anfield veteran, Ian Callaghan. Keegan however, had other ideas, he dazzled as a striker, in a pre-season game and Shankly saw his potential. He started Keegan as a striker, in a partnership with the towering John Toshack, the impact was immediate, Keegan scored within 12 minutes of his debut, against Nottingham Forest. He went on to net 3 goals in his first 5 games and the combination, that looked like it been together for years, started to terrorise 1st Division defences.

Keegan With Mentor Shankly, Shankly's Liverpool Side 1971/72, Keegan's Debut

When Keegan arrived at Anfield, Liverpool had won nothing since 1966 but Shankly knew what was required, he set about building a team and was clear what he wanted, he had acquired Ray Clemence (also from Scunthorpe United), Tommy Smith, Emlyn Hughes and Steve Heighway, in Keegan, he had a charismatic and inspirational player, who he described as the man who 'ignited the passion'. Keegan, despite his size, was dangerous in the air, he had a near telepathic relationship with Toshack. During his early seasons at Anfield, his speed of thought and action, the intelligent runs and passes he made, created countless goals for his team-mates and Toshack in particular. Turning and twisting, he wriggled and tortured some of the finest defences in the land, with his selfless running, he created space for Shankly and the team to exploit.

Keegan's stock was rising rapidly, he was capped at Under 23 level in 1971 and was a full international the following year, as Sir Alf Ramsey recognised his talent and potential.

The following season, Shankly secured Liverpool's first honours of the decade. They cruised to a league title, beating an Arsenal side that had secured the Double the season before. Keegan was integral to the success, finishing the season as top scorer. In addition, Shankly brought European glory, by winning the UEFA Cup. Liverpool overcame German European veterans Borussia Monchengladbach, in a 2 legged final, it was Keegan who secured the victory, by scoring 2 goals in the Anfield leg.

League And UEFA Cup Champions Liverpool, Keegan With Captain Emlyn Hughes

The following season was tougher for Liverpool, they narrowly lost their Championship crown, to a strong and relentless Leeds side, managed by Don Revie. The FA Cup ensured that Liverpool didn't finish the season empty handed. Ironically Liverpool began the campaign against the Doncaster side, who had rejected Keegan, he duly rewarded them by netting twice. In a strange symmetry, the campaign ended as it had started, with Keegan netting twice, against a Newcastle United side, as Liverpool easily overcame Newcastle 3-0.

Bill Shankly Leads Out Liverpool, Keegan Holds The FA Cup Aloft

Keegan was to return to Wembley at the start of next season, for the traditional 'curtain raiser'. The Charity Shield marked a new era for both Liverpool and League Champions Leeds. Both teams were led out by new managers, Leeds were under the guidance of new management guru, Brian Clough, Bill Shankly had been replaced by backroom man Bob Paisley. The game was to be a defining moment in Keegan's career. Leeds United had a reputation for being a tough physical side, who would physically intimidate teams. Brian Clough had not been at the club long and his football philosophies had not (and would not) be absorbed. Billy Bremner, midfield warrior and Scottish wrecking ball, had singled out Keegan as the spark for the team, the lynchpin and the key to the game. He set about nullifying Keegan's threat, he became his shadow and kicked him, whether or not he had the ball. A scuffle developed and both Bremner and Keegan were sent off. Keegan clearly and visibly shaken by the ordeal, he threw his shirt pitchside and received the full glare of the British media. Whether he liked it or not, Keegan's face adorned the front and back pages of the majority of British tabloids.

Paisley began to blend a new side, it took some time but by the time the 1975-76 season had started, he had got it right. Again led by Keegan and Toshack, his Liverpool side won the league and progressed to the UEFA Cup Final again. They eventually triumphed over an FC Bruges side, with goals in both legs, from Keegan. Keegan was voted Footballer Of The Year in 1976, in recognition of his achievements.

Paisley's Double Winning Side, Keegan And Toshack

Kevin Keegan was rapidly becoming the media's pin up boy, he was the player people wanted to know about. He fronted several major advertising campaigns including road safety, Dentyne chewing gum, Sugar Puffs and 'The Great Smell Of Brut' with British institution and icon, 'Our 'Enry' Cooper. He released pop singles and would be able to include a No 31 on his CV, for 'Head Over Heels In Love'. Most memorably, he took part in the BBC's Superstars series, where sportsmen of all disciplines would compete, in head to head competition. Keegan's appearance was memorable, not for his total commitment and determination.. but for the fact that he careered hopelessly out of control, riding a racing bike, he looked anything but stable on, on a cinder track. The inevitable happened and the nation looked on, as one of its favourite sons, skidded helplessly on the bend and ended up thrown from the saddle and skating across the surface, on his back, in a cloud of dust. When he rose, the watching public, saw with horror, swathes of skin, hanging from his back and legs. He gamely wanted to carry on and insisted on re-racing, finishing an incredible 2nd, bloodied but unbowed. He went on to win the whole tournament, despite his injuries. The nation instantly took him to their heart, for his courage, tenacity and will to win, he was flawed, anyone who saw him wobbling on that bike knew it, but the desire within the man, conquered all, he was brave, up for the fight and 'Britain loves a try-er'.

Road Safety Advert, Keegan Hits The Charts, Keegan's Memorable Superstars Appearance

The 76-77 season, was to be Keegan's last with Liverpool, he had already served notice of his desire to try his luck on the continent, but his ambition for his beloved Liverpool was undiminished. Liverpool began an assault on 3 fronts and Keegan led them from the front. He finished the season as Liverpool's top scorer, Liverpool wrapped up their 3rd title in 5 seasons. They reached the FA Cup Final in Jubilee Year, but narrowly lost a classic final to neighbours and rivals Manchester United. However, their minds may have been on an imminent match in Rome.

English sides had done well in Europe's lesser competitions, but none had secured the top prize, since Manchester United had defeated Benfica at Wembley. Liverpool were looking to address that. They would play old foes, the German side Borussia Monchengladbach, in Rome. The game was to be Keegan's last in a Liverpool shirt, it never dulled his ambition one iota. Keegan ran his heart out on that balmy night in Rome. Leading 2-1, Keegan set off on a mazy run and drew a foul out of German stalwart Bertie Vogts. Keegan had run veteran Vogts ragged the whole game, teasing him and at times, humiliating him. The resultant penalty was coolly dispatched by Phil Neal. Liverpool would bring the European Cup back to England, for the first time in 10 years.

Keegan Teases Vogts, European Cup Final, Keegan Probes The German Defence, Keegan & Clemence Celebrate

Keegan left Anfield after 6 seasons for the German side, Hamburg SV, in that time, he had won 3 League titles, 2 UEFA Cups, an FA Cup and the 'piece de resistance' the European Cup. He cost Liverpool £35,000 and they received £500,000 upon his departure, having scored exactly 100 goals in 323 appearances.

Keegan In Germany

Keegan always one for a challenge, embraced the German culture and instantly slotted into the German side. He played in Germany for 3 seasons and in that time, he helped the Hamburg side win the Bundesliga for the first time. They also progressed to the European Cup Final, narrowly losing to Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest side. Notably, during these 3 seasons, Keegan was to be awarded the European Player Of The Year, twice. He was the first Englishman to win it since Bobby Charlton in 1966 and remains the only British player ever to win it twice.

Keegan opted to return home after the 1980 European Cup Final, surprisingly choosing Southampton, as his destination. His arrival sparked a resurgence in Soton's form, Keegan himself being the top scorer in the League in the 1981-82 season and Southampton finishing runners up to Liverpool in the 83-84 season. Keegan received an OBE in 1982, for his services to English football. Keegan also picked up the Players Player Of The Year in 1983.

Keegan In His Southampton and Newcastle Days

Keegan went on to play for Newcastle United and was adored by the 'Toon Army'. In 1994 he would lead them back to the top flight. He played 85 times for Newcastle before retiring, scoring 49 goals. On the last day of the season, he flew out of St James' Park, in a helicopter, still wearing his kit, having scored in his final appearance, waved off by the Geordie faithful.

Keegan, During His England days

He left football, for a life in Spain in 1984. Keegan won 63 England caps and captained the side on 31 occasions, scoring 21 goals.

Keegan was to re-emerge 8 years later, in 1992, the call had come from Newcastle, they were in trouble again, floundering near the foot of Division 2. The following year, he would lead out of the wilderness and back to the Promised Land, he would take them to promotion and a return to top flight of football.

Keegan's managerial approach was similar to his playing days, he was refreshing, attacking and true to his football heritage. Brought up under the tutelage of football grandees, like Shankly, Paisley, Ramsey and Greenwood, Keegan's teams were open, honest, attacking and intelligent.

Keegan At The Helm At Newcastle With Liverpool Old Boys Lawrenson and McDermott

Keegan gained a reputation for attacking football, he compiled a side at St James' Park, which featured Geordie Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, Gallic wideman David Ginola and Rob Lee. Keegan's passion, honesty and integrity were commendable assets that were a credit to the man. Unfortunately, they were his undoing in the 1995/96 season. Keegan's side were rampant, playing cavalier attacking football, they were the division's top scorers, yet Keegan wanted to entertain more, he recruited Columbian wildcard, Faustino Aspirilla and attempted to play with 3 strikers, long before it had become fashionable again. Alex Ferguson's Manchester United had eroded their 12 point lead and the Scottish maestro was about to light the blue touchpaper. Ferguson had suggested that teams played harder against his United, than Keegan's, that incensed Keegan. Following a hard won victory, a post match interview started normally, then an emotional, tired and angry Keegan, unravelled before the nation's eyes.

"When you do that with footballers like he said about Leeds... I've kept really quiet, but I'll tell you something, he went down in my estimation when he said that - we have not resorted to that. But I'll tell ya - you can tell him now if you're watching it - we're still fighting for this title, and he's got to go to Middlesbrough and get something, and... and I tell you honestly, I'd love it if we beat them, love it!"

Newcastle folded and so did Keegan, not for the first time, he skidded on the final bend and came home second. Manchester United took the title and Keegan walked away, devastated and wounded. His passion and vision had gotten the better of him.

Kevin Resurfaces At Fulham

He re-emerged at the helm of Mohamed Al Fayed's Fulham side, and guided them to the top flight in 1999, playing open and attacking football. His passion and enthusiasm for the game, caught the eye of The FA. A successor was required for Glenn Hoddle and Keegan was their man. He was a passionate and enthusiastic, he was the public's overwhelming choice, proudly patriotic and charmingly endearing. He was given the post to manage his national team.

Keegan Takes The Helm Of The National Side

Unfortunately, the job proved too great, accusations of tactical naivety and passionate distraction, led to Keegan walking away after a humiliating defeat to Germany, in the final game at Wembley.

Keegan continued his management career at Manchester City, leading them back into The Premiership, however he retired from football during the 2004-5 season.

In 2002, Keegan was an Inaugural Inductee of the English Football Hall Of Fame, in recognition of his impact on the game, both as a player and a manager.

Throughout his career, Kevin Keegan played with a refreshing love of the game. He was and is, a true believer in the purest essence, that the game is supposed to be entertaining, enjoyable and cherished. He has had success wherever he has gone, with his infectious charisma and unwavering tenacity. He defined and sparked a seminal Liverpool side, under two legendary managers. He conquered Europe with Liverpool and latterly, in his own right. He was emotional and committed, which is a trait that should not be criticised. He never wanted to settle for second best and his boyish naivety and effervescent enthusiasm, should not be quenched, by an increasingly cynical football world.

Keegan loved the game and the game loved him.