Kevin Keegan's family 'truly overwhelmed' as funeral plans confirmed
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NewsLiverpool NewsLiverpool FCThe former Liverpool player was battling stage four cancerThe family of former Liverpool player Kevin Keegan said they are "truly overwhelmed" by the outpouring of support following his death aged 75. Tributes have poured in from across the football world since it was announced on July 20 that the former Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle United striker had died following a short battle with stomach cancer.A private funeral will take place in the coming weeks, while Newcastle United will later hold a memorial service to honour a man who was revered on Tyneside both for his achievements on the pitch and in the dugout.A statement from the Keegan family, shared by the League Managers Association, read: “Following the devastating news of Kevin’s passing, we would like to thank the vast number of people who have expressed condolences and shared their memories of Kevin in recent days.“As a family we have been truly overwhelmed by the volume of tributes and are grateful for them all.“We will be holding a small private funeral in the coming weeks and request ongoing privacy and respect whilst we navigate this extremely difficult period as a family.“Details of a memorial service hosted by Newcastle United that will take place at a later date will be communicated in due course.”The family have also requested, in lieu of flowers, donations to two charities close to Keegan's heart.They have set up a Go Fund Me Page asking for donations to the Christie Charity, which funds enhanced services, pioneering research, education and additional support services for cancer patients and their families, and Football Families for Justice, a charity set up by World Cup winner Nobby Stiles’ son John to support former players suffering from neurodegenerative diseases caused by heading the ball.Keegan is one of the most decorated English players of all time, winning the Ballon d'Or twice.He made 85 appearances for Newcastle before returning to manage the club, first in 1992.
His second stint in the dugout was in 2008.Despite his revered status, Keegan insisted he didn't want a statue at St James' Park. My statue is the way people receive me."Anyone wishing to donate to the charity can do so here.For the latest news and breaking news visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/news Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by signing up to our daily and breaking newsletter.
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