Minute silence to be observed for Kevin Keegan ahead of Gateshead friendly on Saturday

Newcastle United will take on Gateshead at the Gateshead International Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 12:30pm.

This will be Newcastle's first game since the death of Toon legend Kevin Keegan on Monday, and Gateshead has confirmed that a tribute will be paid to the great man.

Newcastle's first competitive game following the former manager's passing will be the Premier League opener against Liverpool at St James' Park. An apt fixture if ever there was one.

It has already been confirmed that Wor Flags are looking to do a display to honour Kevin Keegan for this game, and we'd be surprised if the club doesn't do something alongside their efforts.

Gateshead confirm Keegan tribute

Meanwhile, Gateshead FC has confirmed via X that they will honour the great man with a minute's silence ahead of kick-off on Saturday.

"Gateshead and @NUFC  will pay their respects to Kevin Keegan at Saturday's match at the GIS.

"Both teams will observe a minute's silence ahead of kick off in Kevin's memory, and will wear black armbands throughout the match as a mark of respect for a man revered on Tyneside."

Kevin Keegan's memory will live on

We've no doubt that Keegan's name will be sung around the stand on Saturday by those fans in attendance, and that's a theme we expect to see continue for quite a while.

It has been almost 17 years since Sir Bobby Robson passed, and we still hear his name ringing out around St James' Park at times. Heroes are never forgotten.

David Hopkinson has already confirmed that plans are afoot for a permanent tribute to Kevin Keegan, but they will not be rushing into a decision on what that will be.