Kevin Keegan to be awarded Freedom of Newcastle in ‘lasting tribute’ to NUFC icon

Newcastle United icon Kevin Keegan will become the first person to be posthumously awarded the Freedom of Newcastle. The local authority confirmed the honour had been planned earlier this year, but was not formally agreed before Keegan passed away in July following a battle with cancer. Newcastle City Council members are scheduled to officially consider and approve the proposal during a special meeting on November 4.

Keegan scored 48 goals in 78 games as a player for Newcastle before later managing the club during their famous 1990s Entertainers era. By receiving the city's highest civic honour, Keegan's name will be inscribed on the wall of the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre alongside other Newcastle sporting figures including Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Milburn, and Eddie Howe.