Newcastle United hero Lee Clark fought through tears during an emotional tribute to his former manager Kevin Keegan after his death on Monday.
The Newcastle, Liverpool, and England legend died aged 75 this week after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in January.
There has been a great outpouring of emotion for the hugely popular player and manager, who was born and raised in Yorkshire, but became a hero on Tyneside and Merseyside.
Clark played under Keegan during his first spell in charge of the Magpies from 1992-97 and has tremendously fond memories of him as a boss and as a person.
Speaking on a popular radio show, Clark had to hold back tears as he described the impact Keegan made on Newcastle, both the club and the city.
‘Very tough last hour, to be honest, when the news broke. It’s a real tough day,’ Clark said. ‘I was lucky enough to witness him revitalise, not just Newcastle United Football Club, but also the city on two separate occasions.
‘Once as a player in the early 80s when I was just a youngster standing on the terraces and then to have him as my boss in the early 90s and he did that again as the manager, was just unbelievable.
Clark, who had two spells at Newcastle, explained how Keegan had a personal connection with his players.
‘He was just a special man. A father figure to the players. We had complete trust in him. Just an absolutely heart-breaking day, to be honest,’ he said.
Clark also spoke about how Keegan invested his time in making him a better player and person.
‘Amazing to work with him every single day and him investing his time to make me better both as a player and a person. I’m just so proud.
He described Keegan as a father figure, not just a manager, who made him feel special as a person and a footballer.
‘It was just little things like that, the way he made you feel as a person and a footballer. And that was everybody, every single player loved him.
Tributes have been paid from a long list of players who played with and under Keegan over his brilliant career on the pitch and in the dugout.
His fellow Newcastle legend, Alan Shearer, kept it simple as he wrote: ‘My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.’
The club posted: ‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.
Keegan was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.
Not in the same legendary status, but certainly a Newcastle cult hero, Faustino Asprilla has fond memories of his time with Keegan.
‘Today is a day I never wanted to see,’ wrote the Colombian. ‘I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin wasn’t just a football manager to me—he was the man who introduced me to the Premier League and made me fall in love with the beautiful city of Newcastle.
‘Through his passion, belief, and love for the game, he inspired so many people, myself included. He taught me that football is about much more than winning. It’s about passion, loyalty, hope, and never giving up.
Keegan won two Ballon D’Ors in 1978 and 1979 and was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation.
His legacy will live on forever, and his impact on Newcastle United and the football world will be remembered for generations to come.
