Newcastle fans have sent their love to former boss Kevin Keegan after news broke of his admission to hospital
18:15, 07 Jan 2026Updated 18:39, 07 Jan 2026
BLACKBURN, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 08: Newcastle United mananger Kevin Keegan reacts during the 2-1 Premier League defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on April 8, 1996 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Allsport/Getty Images)
Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has been diagnosed with cancer with love now pouring in for the ex-boss and superstar forward.
Ahead of the clash with Leeds tonight, the club issued a statement sending their love to Keegan and his family. A United statement read: “Our former player and manager, Kevin Keegan will undergo treatment after being diagnosed with cancer having been admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. King Kev.
“We’re with you every step of the way. Hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”
A statement from Keegan’s family read: “Kevin was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.
“Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care. During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment.”
Keegan had praised Eddie Howe at the end of last year and said: “He’s rebuilt the club’s connection with supporters through honesty, hard work and a clear style of play. Delivering the first trophy in my lifetime since I was a child shows how profoundly he’s changed the mood around the place.
“For Newcastle to challenge again, they need to keep building on that clarity; smart signings, patience, stability and maintaining their strong culture. With Europe now part of the journey, they finally look like a club moving upwards with real purpose.
“I am absolutely delighted for Eddie because he’s not just a good coach, he understands the identity and emotional heartbeat of Newcastle – something many managers before him struggled with.”
Keegan’s former team-mate and friend John Anderson said from St James’ Park: “The feeling is one of shock really. It is not the type of news you were expecting to hear.
“I am sure every Newcastle United fan sends him all the love and best wishes. Not only did he resurrect this club as a player, he then did it as a manager. He did in the early 1980s and then he did it as manager and produced that team that was everybody’s second favourite team to watch.
“Everybody in the North-East and every football fan will send him all their love and best wishes. It is always a special night here under the lights but with this news I think it will be even more of a special atmosphere against Leeds.”
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