LES FERDINAND has called for Newcastle to pay Kevin Keegan the ultimate tribute by naming a stand after him at St James’ Park.
The Magpies legend passed away at the age of 75 earlier today, following a battle with cancer.
The football world is mourning after Newcastle legend Kevin Keegan passed away Credit: Getty
Les Ferdinand wants the Magpies to name a stand after his former boss Credit: Alamy
Newcastle icon Alan Shearer and other big names released emotional statements after the gut-wrenching news broke.
Ferdinand took his career to another level when he joined the Toon and notched 43 goals in 69 games under Keegan.
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The former striker, 59, reckons Newcastle should rename one of their stands in honour of the two-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He told JattvibeSport: “I really do hope they name one of the St James’ Park stands after Kevin because that would be a fitting tribute.
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“What Kevin Keegan did for Newcastle United and the North East region as a whole will never be repeated.
“We will sit here and mourn him but, knowing Kevin, I know that instead he would want everyone to celebrate his life.”
Ferdinand was shocked by Keegan’s character after seeing him enjoy a glittering playing career with the likes of Liverpool and Hamburg.
The St James’ Park favourite added: “He’s the first superstar footballer I know.
Ferdinand had a goal-laden spell under Keegan Credit: PA:Press Association
The former striker is calling for a change to be made to St James’ Park Credit: PA
“I remember watching him on the TV but when you met him, he was so humble, he was so charismatic.
“And he had a nice habit of just making you feel like a million dollars every time you were around him.
“I know how much he means to the North East and to Newcastle but, further afield, we should be paying him homage for what he’s done for football in general.
“My time with him was as a player at Newcastle so I know full well just how much he did for the region.”
Newcastle came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title in 1996 and were runners-up again 12 months later.
Ferdinand conceded failing to be crowned champions is among his biggest regrets while on Tyneside.
The ex-Tottenham marksman admitted: “When I swapped QPR for Newcastle, it might have appeared to be a case of leaving the bright lights of London behind.
“But he somehow made the bright lights of Newcastle seem even brighter, if that makes sense. He certainly had a way with words.
Keegan had spells with Newcastle during his playing and managerial career Credit: Getty
He will be remembered as an all-time great Credit: Reuters
“I think he was hell-bent on playing entertaining football and trying to entertain the paying public.
“The boys from that era will all agree we’re so sad we went so close to the top prize but ultimately weren’t able to secure the title for him.
“We enjoyed every minute of playing under him and he made it that way because of the brand of attacking football he wanted us to play.
“He wanted us to enjoy what we were doing and sometimes, as footballers, when you enjoy what you’re doing you’re going to play your best football, which is what we did the majority of the time.
“I think he’ll go down as producing one of the most entertaining teams that the Premier League has ever seen.
“Normally people don’t remember who finished as the runners-up over the years, but they certainly remember our near miss.
“I don’t know whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing. But for that period of time, Newcastle were everyone’s second favourite team.”
