Kevin Keegan was remarkable – football is much worse off with him | Football | Sport

Kevin Keegan did things how we wanted to. And look out all those who tried to stop him. Sadly, even someone as stubborn and fiercely determined as Keegan could do little to kick the backside of the stage four cancer, which has now taken his life at the age of 75.

But while Keegan has been taken too soon, those who knew the footballing icon will look back on a life which was as remarkable as it was fulfilling. Keegan the footballer reflected Keegan the man – remarkable. Someone who thrilled millions on the pitch with his genial skills and stellar success. But also someone who could be equally engaging and entertaining off it, too.

A bloke who had the courage to stun the mighty Liverpool by moving to Hamburg. Who took on the legend of Sir Alex Ferguson in one of the greatest title races of all time. Who let his emotions get the better of him more times than he dared to remember.

Someone who could be late for interviews, because he preferred to be out on the training ground teaching those players he managed a thing or two about finishing.

As a player, Keegan did astonishing things. But as a manager, he spent a long time making it his mission to get the recognition for what he was, rather than what he couldn’t be.

His time in charge of England threatened to define him. And he battled like a warrior in a bid to make sure this didn’t happen.

Quitting as Three Lions boss in the Wembley toilets following a depressing defeat to the Germans, would prove to be a scar which never truly healed.

But Keegan was the kind of man with that precious ability to be popular, irrespective of what he did or didn’t do. He took Newcastle supporters on a magic carpet ride in 1996. To the Geordie faithful he wasn’t just ‘King Kev’. He was the ‘Messiah’.

When he became Manchester City manager in 2001, the first thing he did was order decorators to paint the training ground light blue. “We don’t show off our colours enough,” he said.

Keegan could see the potential in a club which, in time and long after he’d left, would go on to become the dominant force in English football.

His quirky ways made him popular with players, not to mention his bank manager. Despite his wealth, Keegan would prefer to make himself sandwiches for a long car journey, instead of paying inflated prices at service stations.

He fell out with City bosses, just like he did with those at Newcastle after returning for a second spell in charge.

He took no prisoners and would care little about the circumstances if he had to walk away. And now he is gone for good. From a game and life he enriched with so much talent and passion. Meaning football will be a much poorer place without him.