Newcastle United has announced plans to establish a permanent physical memorial for former player and manager Kevin Keegan at St James' Park, following his death on July 20 at age 75 after a battle with stage four cancer.
Chief Executive Officer David Hopkinson said the club will consult with Keegan's family to determine the final form of the tribute, which could include a statue or stand naming.
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"Clearly, we've got a statue of Alan Shearer here, we've got a statue of Sir Bobby Robson here and Kevin's impact in this club… extraordinary," Hopkinson said.
Hopkinson noted that the decision would proceed at an appropriate pace once the immediate period of mourning concludes.
"I think it demands a physical tribute. What that means, a statue, a stand… the answer is we haven't determined that yet.
It's early for that.
We're going to make that determination ultimately and at the right time in conjunction and consultation with the family," he said.
Outpouring of Tributes
The announcement follows an immense outpouring of emotion outside St James' Park, where thousands of supporters left shirts, scarves, cards, and floral tributes between the statues of Robson and Shearer.
"Kevin's impact on this community is evident in the faces of everyone here," Hopkinson said.
The club confirmed that floral tributes will be recycled into soil conditioner for academy pitches, while non-perishable mementoes will be preserved and stored, with potential plans to incorporate shirts and scarves into a giant commemorative flag.
