Kevin Keegan asks for Newcastle United "goodbye" at St James' Park

There aren't many people as universally adored around Newcastle United as Kevin Keegan.

Kevin Keegan was already popular on Tyneside after his spell as a player at the club propelled him to hero status.

Then Keegan was hailed as the messiah during his first stint as manager at Newcastle, and even though the manner in which he left the club rubbed plenty of fans up the wrong way, he was still regarded as a hero.

When he returned for a second spell in the dugout, Newcastle fans were overjoyed, but it quickly soured, and that was the biggest catalyst for the Mike Ashley hatred after he undermined Keegan at every turn before he walked away.

Keegan vowed never to return to St James' Park while Ashley was in charge, and even after the takeover, Keegan hasn't returned as he didn't want to distract from what Eddie Howe is doing.

Keegan is in good spirits despite a cancer diagnosis

However, after receiving a cancer diagnosis, that looks set to change next season.

Kevin Keegan made an appearance in Newcastle on Sunday night speaking to an audience as he's done so often, but as the Daily Mail reports (from behind a paywall, mind), there was a slightly different atmosphere this time around.

Keegan spoke about his diagnosis and confirmed that he has stage four cancer, but it doesn't seem to have got him down, as the report says he was on top form last night.

King Kev wants St James' Park return 

It now looks as though Keegan will make a return to St James' Park next season, as long as Eddie Howe is okay with it he says, as he didn't get to say goodbye the last time he left.

"I want to say goodbye. I didn’t get the chance when I left the club last time…"

After it was mentioned that he would likely have a statue to stand alongside those of Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer, Keegan insisted that they wait.

"You will have to wait until I die. My statue is the way people receive me."

Stage four is a scary diagnosis, but it's fantastic that he seems to be in such great spirits and is making plans for next season.

We're sure the 75-year-old will keep fighting and is receiving the best treatment possible.