Kevin Keegan breaks silence on cancer diagnosis after being confined to bed | Football | Sport

In 1992, Keegan embarked on his first managerial role with the Magpies, steering them into the Premier League and agonisingly close to the 1995/96 title, ultimately falling short to Manchester United. Following his departure from St James’ Park in January 1997, a short spell at Fulham ensued before he assumed the England manager’s position in 1999, having initially accepted the role after Glenn Hoddle’s exit.

Keegan made a poignant return to Newcastle in 2008, but lasted just eight months amid friction with the board and owner Mike Ashley.

Yet the 75-year-old appeared in good spirits in a short video ahead of his first public outing over the weekend at the Tyne Theatre, where he reflected on his career.

During that public engagement, Keegan is reported as saying by the Daily Mail: “They said we have a top doctor with this new way of fighting what you have got.

“Which is stage four cancer. He was a Liverpool supporter so I went to meet him. I knew I wouldn’t be walking alone, if you know what I mean.”

Keegan, who admitted that at times he has been confined to his bed because of the illness, also disclosed he intends to return to St James’ Park for the first time since his departure in 2008 to bid a fitting farewell to the club’s supporters.

He told the audience: “I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time…”

Speaking following Newcastle’s 4-3 fightback against Leeds United on the evening, Keegan revealed he had been diagnosed with cancer, Eddie Howe paid homage to the former England manager.

He said: “That team that he created was incredibly special and is still talked about – and quite rightly so – for what it achieved and how it played and the entertainment that it gave everybody.

“We are always trying to be that team, we want to entertain, we want the supporters here to be on the edge of their seats.

“Sometimes, unfortunately, we can’t always guarantee that, but today I thought that was us at our thrilling best without playing at our very best.

“But of course the news before the game really shook us all, I think. Kevin, with what he did here as a player and as a manager, is a truly iconic person. I want to pay tribute to him, really, and just hope he’s okay and send him all our love.”