Kevin Keegan's spine-tingling message to Eddie Howe - A must-read ahead of Dortmund clash

On Monday night, Eddie Howe met Kevin Keegan for the very first time, with the pair on stage at the Tyne Theatre to mark the launch of Pete Graves' brand new book - ?Here to Compete.'

The Mail's Craig Hope has released quotes from what looked to be a memorable night for all in attendance, where one Newcastle hero met another in Howe.

As ever, Keegan's words were powerful, packed with emotion and absolutely brilliant as he spoke honestly and openly to Howe; who he couldn't praise enough as the pair sat together on stage.

Here's what King Kev had to say, hailing his impact, life-changing decision to take the job and recalling a phone call from the 45-year-old just after he arrived on Tyneside:

?I?m watching on from a distance and just thinking, ?Wow?. I know what it?s like in this city, I know what you?re experiencing. But you keep going like this and your life will never be the same again.

?What?s lovely about Eddie is that we?ve been dying to get someone who understands what this club is, and you've got him now. I feel I?ve got my dad?s club back, it?s like a new life. Your club is in fantastic hands, because this guy gets Newcastle United.?

?He asked if I had any advice and I just said tell the fans what you can, be honest with them,? revealed Keegan. ?For years and years that?s not been the case at this club.

?We?ve had a few tough times, like the sale of Andy Cole, when you might have to go down the steps at St James?? (Keegan addressed angry fans after selling Cole to Manchester United in 1995). So, I would advise you not to sell your best player and go down those stairs!

?But you know Eddie, you've got a very special club here and who knows where it might end. That's the beauty of it. This club hasn't won anything for such a long time. The chance is there for you now and, so far, I've got to say, you're doing a fantastic job.

'When we did what we did with The Entertainers, it picked the whole city up. That?s what it does in places like this. You don?t get that in London. It happens here.

'I?m like a supporter now, I?m getting a bit crazy. I desperately want you to win something. It?s not easy, but you?re doing all the right things, Eddie.?