I'm honoured: Shearer recalls Keegan's impact on Newcastle

[Getty Images] Former Newcastle and England captain Alan Shearer said “I’m so honoured to have known him” as he reflected on the death of Kevin Keegan on Monday, contrasting his personal gratitude with the flood of tributes that have celebrated Keegan’s legacy as both player and manager.

Shearer’s career at Newcastle began when Kevin Keegan, then manager, paid a world‑record £3.6 million to bring him from Southampton in 1996. The transfer linked the two men professionally and cemented a bond that would later see Shearer captain both club and country while Keegan oversaw England.

Keegan’s own résumé spans success as a prolific forward for Liverpool and Hamburg and as a manager who guided Newcastle to the 1996 Premier League title race. He later took charge of the England national side, a period that coincided with Shearer’s tenure as England captain.

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Following the announcement of Keegan’s death on Monday, tributes poured in from former players, colleagues and fans, highlighting his influence on English football. The outpouring noted his dual legacy as a charismatic player and a visionary manager who shaped Newcastle’s modern identity.

Shearer said, “He was my hero. He was my manager. For Newcastle and England. He was my friend. A man everyone loved. For his passion. For his energy but most of all for his friendship.” He added, “He loved football and he loved Newcastle more than anything. I’m so honoured to have known him. We will miss you Kevin.”

BBC Radio Newcastle’s Matthew Raisbeck recorded a tribute on BBC Sounds, describing Keegan as one of the most significant figures in the club’s history. Raisbeck unearthed archival audio from the Keegan era, reflected on the manager’s upbringing and explained why his move to the Magpies felt like ‘coming home’.

The juxtaposition of Shearer’s intimate gratitude and the widespread acclaim underscores how Kevin Keegan’s passion resonated both within the dressing‑room and across the footballing world, leaving a legacy that will endure beyond his passing.