Newcastle United

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We asked for your memories of Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan after the sad news of his passing was announced on Monday.

Here are some of your replies and stories:

John: He was the greatest English player of his generation and Newcastle were blessed to have him as a player at the end of his career in the 80s, and as an inspirational manager in the 90s. King Kev was a special person who won the hearts of an adoring Geordie nation, and took us to the brink of winning the Premier League in the 1995-96 season. He inspired the players and fans to dream and achieve greatness, and is undoubtedly a legend who will live long in our hearts and minds. He deserves a statue and a stand naming after him. RIP King Kev.

Ali: I was lucky enough to get a ticket for King Kev's final game at Newcastle when the helicopter landed on the pitch and took him away after the celebrations. I was a young teenager at the time and couldn't believe how many grown men around me were crying when the helicopter took off. He was absolutely loved and worshipped.

Ashley: I met Kevin a couple of times, he was always pleasant and happy to chat and give his time to those who had come to see him. He was the reason I fell in love with football and became a Newcastle fan. He truly got the club going in the right direction and even though we didn't win a trophy with him, I would not change it. Thank you King Kev and rest easy.

Colin: What an amazing man! Big heart, took the city to heart. Brought so much happiness and joy to my family! Rest in peace.

Hugo: After watching him score his first goal, on debut, for Newcastle from the Gallowgate End in to which he slotted the ball, I won a competition to play football with Kevin Keegan when he was a Newcastle player. He gifted me a signed copper print of that goal that I still treasure today. Legend.

Sandra: A great player, I was thrilled and proud when he became Newcastle's manager and got us so close to winning the league title. A Geordie legend and a great loss to football.

Jonny: Met him and the whole Newcastle squad in a departure lounge at Newcastle Airport in 1993 on my way to a school skiing trip aged 11. All my classmates had gone round the squad getting autographs and photos but I was running late and last to arrive, so by the time I got to them most of the players had packed up and were moving on. He made them all come back into the room to sign for me because he didn't want me to be the only kid jetting off without a bag full of autographs. It's not just the football he was loved for.

Gary: He was the modern Newcastle United. A generation fell in love with football and the club because of him. He saved the club, he saved us. I don't think you can ever underestimate the impact he had on Tyneside and its people. He may never have delivered the silverware but he gave us hope. He let us dream and that's what football should be.

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Legendary former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has paid tribute to Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75.

Lawrenson worked as a coach under Keegan during his time as Newcastle boss.

"He had time for everybody," Lawrenson told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"You wouldn't say in terms of football that he was completely gifted, but he worked like stink to get himself even better and quicker and everything.

"Just such a lovely lovely man who had time for everybody. It's a very, very sad afternoon.

"What is quite unusual is opposition supporters would actually clap when he came onto the pitch, which they very, very seldom do.

"The way he made himself into a top player was great for all people to see.

"He went to Liverpool. At the start of the season you have a game between potential first-team and the team who will play against them.

"He played in that game against the first team and at the end, Bill Shankly put him in the team and Kevin basically never got out of the team. He got better and better and he was a top footballer, he really was.

"He was then a really good manager. Newcastle really love and loved him. He went there at the right time and he was just great with everybody.

"Keegan did fab at Newcastle. He was just fun as well."

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Kevin Keegan's management trademark was all-out, thrilling attack, with his former Liverpool and Newcastle team-mate Terry McDermott at his side and charismatic chairman Sir John Hall shaping the off-field strategy.

He had initial differences with Hall over transfer cash, prompting another classic Keegan quote when he said: "It's not like the brochure."

Matters were quickly resolved and soon Newcastle were on their way.

Having saved Newcastle from relegation to the third tier, Keegan inspired them to promotion to the Premier League, finishing only behind champions Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers in 1993-94 with goals and creativity provided by strikers Andy Cole and the returning Peter Beardsley.

Cole was sold to Manchester United in a surprise move in January 1995, Keegan famously standing on the steps outside St James' Park to explain the decision to unhappy fans.

The peak of Keegan's reign, along with the biggest disappointment, came in 1995-96 when Newcastle, strengthened by the addition of high-class stars such as Les Ferdinand and David Ginola, moved 12 points clear in the title race, only to squander the advantage to Manchester United.

There were two enduring images of Keegan as glory escaped his grasp, head bowed as Liverpool scored in stoppage time to win 4-3 in an all-time Premier League classic in April - before that tirade aimed at Ferguson.

Alex Ferguson questioned whether Leeds and Nottingham Forest would try as hard against Newcastle as they would against Manchester United - and after a win at Elland Road, Keegan exploded.

His broadside ended with the never-to-be-forgotten quote: "I will love it if we beat them. Love it."

Sadly for Keegan, Newcastle did not.

Some felt Keegan's time at Newcastle never recovered from that crushing blow, but his charisma and the call of home helped England's top marksman Alan Shearer reject Manchester United to make a world record £15m move from Blackburn that summer.

Shearer's debut ended in a 4-0 loss in the Charity Shield to the club he turned down, revenge exacted spectacularly with a 5-0 win at home in the Premier League two months later.

Keegan then stunned Tyneside on 8 January 1997 by resigning, saying in a short statement: "I feel I have taken the club as far as I can."

Tyneside was later overcome with joy and excitement when Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley announced Keegan's return as manager in January 2008.

It was an ill-starred pairing, Keegan resigning after only eight months following differences with Ashley and Newcastle's hierarchy, including his former England player Dennis Wise, who was executive director.

Read more on Keegan's life and career here following his death at the age of 75

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

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Kevin Keegan, who has died aged 75, was one of football's most charismatic and influential figures in a career of many chapters that took him from superstar player to elite manager.

While some may remember him best for his ill-fated reign as England manager, he will rightly be much more celebrated as a world-class player at Liverpool and Hamburg, captaining England, and shining latterly at Southampton and Newcastle United, before becoming arguably the most beloved figure in the Tyneside club's history.

Keegan felt Southampton, even under the shrewd management of Lawrie McMenemy, did not match his ambition so he signed for Newcastle - then in the old Division Two - for £100,000 just before the start of the 1982-83 season.

It was the start of a love affair when Keegan scored on his debut against Queens Park Rangers.

Newcastle were promoted to the top flight in 1983-84, but Keegan announced he would retire at the end of that season, a decision prompted by getting caught by Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson when clean through in an FA Cup third-round tie at Anfield which his old club won 4-0.

In typical Keegan fashion, he felt he had lost a vital yard of pace so it was time to go, leaving St James' Park after a final game, his testimonial against Liverpool, still dressed in his Newcastle kit while he was whisked away by helicopter.

Keegan moved to Spain with his family vowing never to enter management, but on 5 February 1992, almost eight years after his final game as a player, Keegan returned to Tyneside.

Come back to this Newcastle page later for part two of Keegan's obituary

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Former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75, seven weeks after he revealed he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.

One of English football's most decorated players, Keegan enjoyed spells at Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle during an illustrious playing career.

A two-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, he later went on to manage Newcastle, Fulham, England and Manchester City.

In a club statement, Newcastle said: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club's history.

"Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.

"As a player, he brought world-class talent, ambition and belief to St. James' Park, helping to transform perceptions of what Newcastle United could be.

"As a manager, he ignited our city. Kevin gave supporters hope and pride, and led a team whose style, spirit and passion captured the imagination of football fans around the world. He was so much more than an Entertainer.

"Above all that, Kevin forged an extraordinary bond with Newcastle, built on the roots of his father, Joe. He understood our people. He embraced the North East with a passion that was genuine and unwavering, and in return, he earned his rightful place in the hearts of millions.

"Kevin's impact will not be measured by appearances or results. It will live on in the memories he created with club and country, the dreams he inspired wherever he went, and the generations of supporters around the world who fell in love with football because of him.

"Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant of our history, and at the appropriate moment, we will carefully consider how we shape a lasting tribute to Kevin's remarkable life and legacy."

What are your favourite memories of 'King Kev'? Were you fortunate enough to meet him?

Get in touch with your stories here

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Newcastle United have completed the signing of 19-year-old forward Afner Ca.

The teenager joins the club's academy on a free transfer after his contract expired at Levante.

"The project here, the lifestyle, and the club's ambition made this the right move for me," said Ca.

"I'm a forward who likes to find space, link play and work hard for the team.

"Scoring goals is a big part of my game, but my focus is always on contributing to the group, whatever helps the team win."

Ca scored four goals for Levante's under-19s in his one and only season in Spain last term.

He previously made his senior debut for Portuguese third-division side Amora during the 2024-25 campaign.

Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson said Ca had an "exciting profile" and showed "real growth" over the past couple of years.

"We're committed to adding talented young players who can grow with us," he added. "We're excited to work with him in our development programme."

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Newcastle ended their first week back in training with a 3-0 win over National League North side Darlington.

Joe Willock, William Osula and Sean Neave were the goalscorers in the behind-closed-doors friendly at the Knox.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe fielded two different XIs for each half, with summer signing Sean Steur playing the opening 45 minutes, before new keeper Ewen Jaouen featured in the second half in a team largely made up of under-21 players.

Newcastle continue their pre-season with a friendly at National League outfit Gateshead on Saturday - a game fans can attend.

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We asked for your views on who Newcastle should turn attention to after Aston Villa signed former target Johan Manzambi, and whether missing out on another top target is a worry.

Here are some of your comments:

Graeme: Ruben Neves for Sandro Tonali. Marcus Rashford for Anthony Gordon. Bart Verbruggen for Nick Pope. Let's get moving now!

Richard: The problem with the data-driven recruitment approach favoured these days is that everyone has access to the same data. Unearthing some unknown gem means taking a risk on a player who other teams aren't prepared to chance it on or getting involved in players who everyone is aware of and actively scouting. It's also worth remembering that for every one that Brentford or Brighton seem to discover, there's a raft of others quietly sold on for nowt. My personal pick would be Scot McTominay as he represents very little risk - no acclimation issues and he's only got better during his spell in Serie A.

Mike: Rather than spend vast amounts of money on foreign players, first look to the youth set-up in house and within the club's catchment area. You have to nurture talent, so start on your own doorstep.

Matt: I'd like us to go for Mamadou Sangare of Lens as our Tonali replacement. He could allow Jacob Ramsey and Bruno Guimaraes to play further ahead, protect the back four and chip in with goals and assists. For the more Manzambi-shaped hole, Ibrahim Maza from Bayer Leverkusen. We need a creative right winger (Roma's Matias Soule or Anis Hadj Moussa of Feyenoord), ideally Antonio Nusa from Leipzig to ship off Harvey Barnes, a right-back, a left-back and a goalkeeper. That's the bare minimum! We should also look at central defence and up front.

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Newcastle have already bounced back once this summer.

After Liverpool signed Victor Munoz, Newcastle discreetly pivoted to winger Bazoumana Toure, who completed a £43m move from Hoffenheim.

They will have to bounce back again.

Newcastle had been a little cautious about Johan Manzambi, given the interest elsewhere, and it is understood the club moved on before Aston Villa's push to sign him became public.

There has certainly been a shift in approach in this window.

After qualifying for the Champions League and ending a seven-decade wait to win a major domestic trophy - the EFL Cup in 2025 - Newcastle went toe-to-toe with the league's highest-earning clubs for several star players last summer.

The competition has still been intense for targets this time around, but Newcastle are looking at a different profile.

Should that come as a huge surprise?

Only five Premier League clubs had an older average starting age than Newcastle during a bruising domestic campaign last season, when Eddie Howe's side finished 12th.

Young players need time to develop, but Newcastle have looked to target talents before they potentially become out of reach and cost more than £60m.

It is rather telling Newcastle's three signings of the summer transfer window – Toure, midfielder Sean Steur and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen - were all aged 20 and under, hungry to develop and keen on making the move to St James' Park.

Toure had other offers, but it is understood the Ivory Coast international had wanted to move to Newcastle "for a long time".

Such a desire felt significant given head coach Howe has repeatedly made it clear he wants players who are "desperate" to play for the club.

It will also have struck a chord with Newcastle supporter Colin Mitchell after missing out on Munoz and co.

"With the events of last summer, and the couple of knockbacks we've had so far, it's hard to defend," Mitchell said.

"But deep down the club is still very attractive to the right players, and we only want players who want to play for Newcastle."

Read more from Ciaran

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So, another Newcastle transfer target has ended up elsewhere.

Aston Villa have signed Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi after hijacking his prospective move to St James' Park, which brings with it a painful sense of deja vu.

It was just a few weeks ago that the Magpies lost out on another top target, Victor Munoz, who opted to join Liverpool.

Newcastle have targeted Manzambi, Munoz, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, Benjamin Sesko and James Trafford in the past 12 months - but all ended up elsewhere.

This summer, Sandro Tonali has already left for Tottenham and fellow central midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with Arsenal.

The big question is: can the Magpies pivot to another promising target, as they did with Bazoumana Toure after their Munoz interest fell through?

So, over to you. Who should Newcastle turn attention to now? What areas still need strengthening? And how worried are you by another transfer target ending up elsewhere?

Let us know here

Ciaran Kelly
Newcastle United reporter

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Even when Newcastle were in relegation trouble in 2022, the hierarchy at the time sold a dream to Bruno Guimaraes that they could be a "big power".

Now, though, the Newcastle captain has intimated he wishes to join Arsenal, who have yet to make contact with the club.

As adored as Guimaraes is on Tyneside, does the 28-year-old have the patience to help lead a new era at Newcastle as the captain of a young group who will take time to flourish?

Does Guimaraes feel this is potentially the last chance he would have to win a Premier League title or the Champions League if Arsenal come to the table?

In the past 12 months he has watched Alexander Isak move to Liverpool and Anthony Gordon join Barcelona.

Newcastle, fresh from a Uefa settlement, have also sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham in a deal worth up to £100m which will enable them to significantly reinvest within the game's financial rules.

Tonali left Newcastle to link up with fellow Italian Roberto de Zerbi, but he will also command far bigger wages because of Spurs' higher revenues despite also missing out on Europe.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire says there have been a variety of "pull factors" that Newcastle have had to contend with.

"The opportunity to play for clubs of the stature of Barcelona or to play in London is very attractive to players," he said.

"With Newcastle not competing in Europe this season, that could be a contributory factor. The Champions League is the biggest tournament in terms of club football for a player and that's an attraction.

"The other issue is wages. Guimaraes is handsomely paid at Newcastle, but they can't match Arsenal's wages.

"Arsenal can pay £300,000 a week, which will be close to twice what he is on at present. If you're 28 and looking at a four-year contract, you do the sums and that becomes very attractive."

The challenge for Newcastle is to prove that this can still be a "very attractive" project in its own right.

Not only to Guimaraes but future signings too.

Read more of Ciaran's article

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With pre-season officially in full swing, we asked you to tell us what you're looking forward to about club football returning.

Here are some of your replies:

Phil: Nothing, unfortunately. The team has lost two big players already, with our biggest one also being touted with a move. Other players are being talked about as well. The team is being decimated. If there's one thing to look forward to, it is the end of the transfer window.

Norm: Goals!!! We missed them last year!

Paige: I can't wait to see if our transfer window will really have an impact on our performances. I do think last season could have been a one-off and next season could be different with the new signings.

Chris: As a Newcastle fan, I'm most looking forward to the opening of the Fantasy Premier League, where I'll actually be able to see some signings take place!

Mark: I already can't wait for the season to end. It's embarrassing how the club is being made a mockery of in the transfer market, especially with the owners that we have. Keeping Bruno Guimaraes, making three or four more signings and a new stadium announcement would be what is needed to make most of us excited.

Debbie: I'm looking forward to seeing if the confidence shown by Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga at the World Cup can be developed at Newcastle.

Newcastle are in talks with Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, 25, and with fellow Englishman James Trafford, Manchester City's 23-year-old goalkeeper. (Mail - requires subscription), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Newcastle's transfer business should not be held against Eddie Howe, says BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck.

The Magpies are coming to terms with the sales of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer, 12 months on from a tricky transfer window before the 2025-26 campaign.

On BBC Radio Newcastle, one fan wrote in to state: "It's very difficult to sell the club if you're selling your best players. Gordon's gone, Tonali's gone, there's speculation around Bruno. They're your three best players. If you were selling them and you're trying to bring other players into the football club and they see that, they think hang on a minute what direction are you going in? You expect me to come?"

Raisbeck considered the fan's view and said: "I think they've got good money for Tonali and Gordon and those two leaving, certainly Gordon, was always factored in. It was always the expectation that would happen which gives them greater scope to reinvest the money and they have spent some so far and shown a willingness to spend more on Manzambi.

"It's not Eddie Howe's fault that players are not coming. He doesn't lead negotiations. Although he gets a lot of criticism, and I think he understands why, based on last season, he has a proven track record at Newcastle and Bournemouth and probably at Burnley as well, although he was only there for 18 months, of improving individual players.

"Look at the Newcastle players he inherited, some are still there, and some who have come in and moved on. He has made them better players. I think that's an attraction for young players because he has improved so many.

"When you look at a shift in recruitment, maybe he is the right sort of manager because he can get a lot out of players, he can make them better. Along with the coaching staff he's shown that."

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here

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Newcastle's Dan Burn says he is "very proud" of England's World Cup campaign, but Wednesday's semi-final exit to Argentina will "haunt me for a while".

Burn was brought on in the 82nd minute alongside fellow defender Nico O'Reilly with the Three Lions 1-0 up, but could not perform similar heroics to those seen in previous rounds as the World Champions scored two late goals.

"Gutted," Burn told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"Very proud of what we've done, this World Cup. I think it's just small margins that will haunt us for a while. I think we were so close to doing it and we were probably too passive after we've scored which is frustrating.

"Normally we would have liked to have seen that out but they've got quality and they created chances and scored."

England manager Thomas Tuchel is coming under fire for his tactics. After his side took the lead they opted to sit back and defend, using defensive substitutes and switching to a back five, rather than chasing a second goal.

Asked what his instructions were when coming on, Burn added: "Much of the same as what I've done before to be honest.

"To be honest I feel like we played like we were a man down for some of it. I feel like we were too passive but we know that they've got quality. We're comfortable defending our box but players found too much space which hasn't happened in the previous games.

"Frustrated but very very proud of what we've done. But, I feel like we could have done it. The lads are gutted, it's not a nice place to be. It'll be a while before you can reflect and really see what we did in this tournament.

"I thought we had the quality to go all the way so that will haunt me for a while."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar is feeling "excited" and "ready to go" after recovering from an ankle injury and a subsequent foot infection which has kept him out of action since January.

The 34-year-old, who signed a one-year contract extension in June, is preparing for his ninth season at St James' Park and is looking to build on his 251 appearances for the Magpies.

"It is great to be back," Schar, who is the club's second-longest serving squad member, told club media, external. "The first days of pre-season are normally not the best because you have testing, but it is always nice to see everyone.

"After not being with the team for a long time, starting training again is a good feeling.

"I was very pleased to sign my contract extension. I don't have to say what the club means to me; it was always my first choice to stay here so I'm glad we found an agreement and we got it done early.

"It has been a difficult time with my injury and my foot so I was glad I could really focus on coming back, knowing what was going to happen this year and being ready for day one.

"There was unfinished business. I feel I am still able to add something to the team. I've worked really hard and I'm ready to go.

"Hopefully I can try to enjoy this season. I'm going to need some time to adapt after being out for such a long period of time, but I feel confident in my body and myself. I'm going to use this pre-season to come back as strong as possible."

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Newcastle.

Here are some of your comments:

Lee: Switzerland midfielder Johan Manzambi would be a replacement for Sandro Tonali. Box-to-box, dynamic and young. Realistically, somewhere in the region of £50m could secure his services. Lewis Miley and him would be a good foundation to build on as they are both so young.

Phil: We need a new goalkeeper and, after the last couple of games, I would try to sign Norway's Orjan Nyland. We also need a new midfielder, but I couldn't say who to go for as we will be inevitably priced out of a move or another club will sign them at the last minute.

Andrew: Sign John Stones. He is at an age where he might agree to a minor salary cut and he would bring experience and talent, albeit for the last couple of years of his career. He would thrive under Eddie Howe, while being a free transfer.

Simon: Charles De Ketelaere of Belgium. He plays across the front line, as a right winger, number 10 or second striker. He has the physical power and aggressive pressing required for Newcastle's high-intensity system. His goals and assist against the USA prove he thrives under elite pressure. He would be available at a decent price too, compared to buying from the Premier League.

James: Gilberto Mora of Mexico. He is an incredible talent normally reserved for Real Madrid. He can be a useful weapon now and sold on for a fortune later. This is the exact profile of player we are looking for now.