Football enthusiasts are coming together to raise funds for a statue in honor of Kevin Keegan at the place where he kickstarted his career before passing away due to cancer. The intended sculpture is set to be located in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, where the two-time Ballon d’Or winner commenced his journey, making over 100 appearances, before transferring to Liverpool in 1971 for £33,000. David Beverley, the vice chairman of The Iron Trust supporters group leading the initiative, expressed that the statue would serve as a fitting tribute to the renowned “King Kev,” who later achieved legendary status in football.
Keegan, who passed away at the age of 75, had an illustrious playing career, representing clubs such as Hamburg, Southampton, and Newcastle, in addition to earning 63 caps for England, including 31 as the captain. His accomplishments included clinching three league Division One titles, the European Cup, two UEFA Cups, and the FA Cup with Liverpool. Notably, Keegan also secured back-to-back Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg, making him one of the select few English players to achieve this feat twice.
Despite transitioning into management roles with England, Newcastle, Fulham, and Manchester City, Keegan maintained his ties with Scunthorpe, visiting the club regularly to support fundraising efforts. His most recent visit was in December last year when he attended a National League match, engaging with fans and sharing his passion for the club. Following Keegan’s passing, current players and staff paid tribute with a minute’s applause and floral tributes at the Attis Arena, where a book of condolence now stands as a permanent tribute to his enduring connection with Scunthorpe United.
Visitors, such as Steven Plumtree and Jamie Benson, have expressed their heartfelt farewells in the condolence book, emphasizing Keegan’s lasting impact on the local community. The Iron Trust is spearheading the fundraising campaign to erect a memorial statue in Scunthorpe, calling upon supporters of various clubs to contribute towards honoring King Kev’s remarkable football legacy. To donate to the cause, interested individuals can access the fundraising page by clicking the provided link.
