Kevin Keegan, whose death at the age of 75 was announced yesterday, was more than a very fine footballer and decent manager. He was also a symbol of the changing face of football in the 70s and 80s when players became superstars on and off the field.
As a player he was peerless. Signed by Liverpool from Scunthorpe, this son of a miner went on to win trophy after trophy for them including the club’s first European Cup in 1977, three league titles and domestic cup triumphs.
As players became bigger and tougher, he was the template for those that followed, such as Maradona and Messi, in showing you didn’t have to be a giant to be a star
Liverpool were undoubtedly the best team in England during that period and Keegan was their best player. Just five foot eight inches tall, he was nicknamed Mighty Mouse. Yet he survived ferocious tackles and even had a punch up with Leeds United’s Billy Bremner in a famous scrap on the hallowed Wembley turf during a Charity Shield match.
As players became bigger and tougher, he was the template for those that followed, such as Maradona and Messi, in showing you didn’t have to be a giant to be a star. If his England career had been as successful as his club career he would be up there with the greats. But he was part of England sides that failed to qualify for the World Cups in 1974 and 1978 and never troubled the semi-final stages when they did get through.
