'Keegan legacy demands a physical tribute': NUFC looking to honour Kevin Keegan's memory

We're still dealing with the tragic loss of one of Newcastle United's most famous faces following the passing of Kevin Keegan on Monday.

Newcastle fans are still flocking to St James' Park to pay tribute to the man who saved Newcastle United from oblivion and launched them into the hearts and minds of every football fan.

Under Kevin Keegan, Newcastle became everyone's 'second club' as Keegan's brand of attacking football and 'we're gonna score one more than you' mentality captivated the football world.

For Newcastle fans, though, it went so much deeper than that. Keegan, a former Newcastle player, knew what the fanbase wanted and he delivered. He got us within touching distance of glory, and he brought home the prodigal son, Alan Shearer. Around Newcastle, Kevin Keegan, the Messiah, could walk on water.

David Hopkinson feels a permanent tribute is required for Keegan

Current Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson has only been in the role for around a year, and the Canadian is already very familiar with Keegan and his legacy. While he'll never quite understand exactly what he means to the fans, it seems clear that he's starting to get it after this week.

Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle outside  St James' Park, Hopkinson confirmed that it is likely there will be a permanent tribute to Keegan in or around St James' Park in the future.

"We've got a statue of Alan Shearer here, we've got a statue of Sir Bobby Robson here. Kevin's impact on this club is extraordinary. 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 at the right time, in conjunction and in consultation with his family."

Naming a stand at St James' Park may be a pointless exercise

There is no rush to make this decision; nobody is going to forget Keegan's legacy without a statue or a stand named after him, and with a decision still yet to be made over the future of St James' Park, it makes sense to wait.

It would be pointless to name a stand after him only for it to be knocked down in a couple of years, so if that's the route they go down, then we hope they save it for the new stadium.

Of course, should they go down the statue route, that can always be moved if/when the new stadium is built.