Kevin Keegan: From superstar footballer to elite manager

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Gifted, charismatic and passionate amid highs and lows - Keegan obituaryImage source, SportImage caption, Kevin Keegan is arguably the most beloved figure in Newcastle United's history for his deeds as player and managerByPhil McNulty Chief football writerPublished1 hour agoKevin Keegan, who has died aged 75, was one of football's most charismatic and influential figures in a career of many chapters that took him from superstar player to elite manager. While some may remember him best for his ill-fated reign as England manager, he will rightly be much more celebrated as a world-class player at Liverpool and Hamburg, captaining England, and shining latterly at Southampton and Newcastle United, before becoming arguably the most beloved figure in the Tyneside club's history. Keegan revived Newcastle's fortunes as a player before carrying the Geordie nation with him on a thrilling ride as manager, first by taking the club back into the top flight, then delivering a magnificently entertaining team that challenged for the highest honours - even if they ultimately fell short.

His time at Newcastle will also be recalled for his infamous "I will love it if we beat them" TV outburst aimed at Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson as Newcastle's 12-point lead in the 1995-96 title race evaporated - but the unconditional love the Geordies felt for Keegan was never diluted. Keegan's career was a reflection of himself. He was hugely gifted, honest, decent, hard-working and emotional.

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There were highs and lows, but the positivity and vibrancy he brought made him a cherished figure. From Anfield dustbin to superstardom Figure caption, Keegan scores double to inspire Liverpool to 1974 FA Cup final winBorn in Armthorpe near Doncaster, Keegan came to Liverpool manager Bill Shankly's attention when playing more than 100 games for Scunthorpe United, sitting on a bin outside Anfield while the Iron's legendary Scottish boss Ron Ashman finalised one of the all-time great bargains as the 20-year-old was transferred for £35,000 in 1971. Keegan was regarded by some observers as simply a hard-working player who made himself great through sheer grit and determination.

The initial assertion was correct, but he was much more than that. Shankly, not one to knowingly undersell his players, told Keegan within a fortnight of arriving at Liverpool that he would play for England. The new signing scored on his Liverpool debut on the opening day of the 1971-72 season against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, a scruffy finish set up by John Toshack.

It was the start of a beautiful football relationship with Liverpool as well as with the Welshman. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Keegan scored twice in Liverpool's 1974 FA Cup final win against Newcastle at Wembley, but was sent off there three months later in the Charity ShieldTheir almost telepathic partnership - a classic "big man, little man" combination - was even put to the test on television.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.