Donnelly shared details of how Keegan's arrival at the club shaped his lifelong connection to the team.
"He signed for Newcastle United in 1982, which is when my eldest brother had started taking me to football," he said.
"Him signing for Newcastle was huge news, and that started my rollercoaster love affair with Newcastle United and football," Donnelly added.
Donnelly emphasized Keegan's significance to the broader region beyond his achievements on the pitch. "He was my childhood hero.
When we got the news through last week, I was absolutely devastated," he said.
The broadcaster admitted the personal emotional toll the loss took on him. "I’m not ashamed to say I shed a tear," Donnelly said.
Donnelly recalled the impact Keegan's presence had on local supporters throughout his career. "He just meant so much to the people of the North East," he said.
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"What he gave to us in his energy and enthusiasm and the hope he gave us for our football team," Donnelly added.
Donnelly reflected on the former manager's legacy across the region. "He just meant so much beyond football to the whole region.
He was just such a special man," he said.
The presenter noted his personal encounters with Keegan over the years. "We were lucky enough to meet him on a couple of occasions," Donnelly said.
Donnelly reflected on meeting Keegan as a young boy after winning a contest. "That was the best.
