Newcastle and Liverpool are in discussions over how best to mark Kevin Keegan’s life when they meet for their opening fixture of the new Premier League season.
The Reds, with whom Keegan rose to prominence as a player, are due at St James’ Park, where he established himself as a folk hero first on the pitch and then in two spells as manager, on Sunday, August 23.
Both Tyneside and Merseyside have paid tribute to the former England striker, whose death at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer was announced on Monday, and the two clubs will come together to do the same as the new campaign gets under way.
A statement on the Magpies’ official website read: “The opening Premier League match of 2026/27 sees Newcastle United hosting Liverpool – where Kevin made 323 appearances between 1971 and 1977.
“To ensure his memory is marked fittingly before the game, the club is in communication with Liverpool and will work closely with supporter groups, including its Fan Advisory Board, the Newcastle United Supporters Trust and Wor Flags, as well as the Premier League, to shape tributes.”
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In the meantime, Newcastle’s men’s, women’s and Under-21 teams will wear black armbands in memory of Keegan throughout their pre-season campaigns.
A minute’s silence will be held before the first-team’s game at Gateshead on Saturday, while during their trip to Bristol City – the first club against whom the then-new Magpies boss took charge in February 1992 – Keegan’s image will be shown on the stadium’s screens in the seventh minute, a reference to the shirt number he wore during his distinguished career.
Similar tributes will take place during the Visit Malta Weekender in August, during which the men will face Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg and the women Inter Milan.
In addition, the club will consult Keegan’s family as they consider options for a permanent memorial.
The statement read: “The club will consult with Kevin’s family at the appropriate time before communicating further with supporters on any plans for a permanent tribute.”
