Kevin Keegan's place in Liverpool FC legend will never be forgotten

Kevin Keegan honoured was honoured on 3rd March 2010 by the Bill Shankly award at Liverpool Echo sports personality of the year night.

KEVIN KEEGAN labelled Bill Shankly his “inspiration” after being presented with the award that commemorated the legendary manager’s legacy.

Given a magnificent ovation by a capacity crowd in the Crowne Plaza as he made his way onto the stage, it was clear a poignant night for one of Liverpool’s greatest players.

Sitting with old sparring partners Tommy Smith, Ian Callaghan, Chris Lawler and Ron Yeats, watching old footage of his playing days and Shankly speaking struck a chord.

Shankly was a father figure to Keegan, whom he signed from Scunthorpe in 1971 and it was clear to see the man who made the Reds number seven jersey famous was humbled.

“It’s a great honour,” said Keegan. “Watching the clips of this guy made us all very emotional. He would have been nearly 97 this year, had he still been with us.

“He was an inspiration to me from the day I first walked into the club. When he left, for me, a little a bit of the club died because he meant that much to everyone.

“It was a very special night and receiving the award made me very proud, particularly when you see some of the people who have won it in the past.”

Keegan followed Shankly into management after his glorious playing career ended but, when asked by Master of Ceremonies Ray Stubbs what pointers he took from his mentor, his reply was predictably sharp and witty.

“Not enough of the winning, that’s for sure, but you can’t have everything!” said Keegan, who now spends his time working as ESPN’s main pundit.

“He respected players, he treated them properly and he always made it clear that the fans were always the most important things about the club.

“Players come and go – look at the table I was sat on. We have all long since left but the club will always be there because of those fans. That’s what makes it so great.”

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MONDAY night had merged into Tuesday morning and a long line of men in tuxedos had formed a queue, waiting patiently to get an autograph or photograph with the special guest.

For some footballers, it would have been an ordeal to have them scampering for cover, one they would have avoided like the plague – but for this individual, it was a case of the more, the merrier.

No matter that he was soon to be confronted by a long journey home in the early hours or that some, thanks to an evening of liquid refreshment, were a lot more boisterous than normal.

Kevin Keegan, quite simply, made sure that nobody who wanted to speak to him at the Crowne Plaza was left disappointed; for 45 minutes, he put his name to menus, napkins, programmes and pieces of paper and struck a succession of poses whenever a camera phone was thrust in his direction.

It was fascinating to watch the scene unfold and it was one that provided a timely reminder about the esteem in which Keegan continues to be held in this city.

When you think about Keegan, many, perhaps, would instantly associate him with Newcastle United, given the two seasons he spent at St James’ Park at the end of his playing career and the two stints he had as a manager.

He is, of course, revered in the North East and is to Newcastle supporters what Bill Shankly is to Anfield regulars, the man who brought light to their darkness, a larger than life character whose impact on the club will stand the test of time.

But hang on a moment. If ever Keegan deserves legendary status at a club, surely it is Liverpool? In some ways, however, there have been occasions – certainly to a younger generation of supporters – when it has appeared as if his contribution in a red shirt has been overlooked or, dare we say, forgotten about. You can perhaps see why.

Kenny Dalglish inheriting the number seven shirt he made famous and becoming the greatest footballer in Liverpool’s history is one reason, his move to Hamburg when the Reds were at the height of their powers another and the affection Keegan has for Newcastle all play a part.

Certain Liverpool supporters have never been able to understand why Keegan moved to Hamburg and could not fathom what challenge he would get in the Bundesliga when Bob Paisley’s side had just become European Champions.

Without being melodramatic, there is no question he broke some hearts.

But if his achievements are in danger of being forgotten about – after all, it is 33 years since he was last employed by the club – that needs changing; you can’t do what Keegan did in red and not figure high up the pantheon of greats.

Look at some simple statistics. 323 games, 100 goals; three league championships, two UEFA Cups, one FA Cup and, best of all, a European Cup winners’ medal. Aside from that, there was the almost telepathic relationship he formed with John Toshack, the energy, the enthusiasm and the commitment. He had it all.

Then he left. Since then, there have been occasions when Keegan has seemed unsure of his place with Liverpool supporters and, when the 1965 and 1974 FA Cup-winning teams convened at Anfield to mark the 50th anniversary of Bill Shankly’s appointment at Christmas, it was amazing to watch his body language.

While his old colleagues formed a line and walked towards the Kop during half-time of the game against Wigan Athletic, Keegan hung back and it appeared as if he felt he didn’t belong when, in truth, he as much as anyone deserved to be there that night to honour the memory of a man who was a father figure to him.

That’s why there was no more appropriate winner of the ECHO’s Bill Shankly award on Monday evening and, hopefully, the ovation he received when he made his way onto the stage – and after the glittering dinner was over – will have provided some reassurance, if it was needed.

Listening to him recount tales of the good old days with Tommy Smith, Ian Callaghan, Ron Yeats Chris Lawler and Gerry Byrne, there was absolutely no doubt that Keegan treasured the time he spent playing for Liverpool and, as a video montage was shown of his greatest moments – and Shankly talking – before he received his trophy, you could see what it meant to him.

It also meant a great deal to many, many others in the room.

That’s why the warmest of welcomes will await him the next time he comes home.

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