WATCH: Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson lay wreaths for Kevin Keegan

Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson paid their respects to Kevin Keegan at St James' Park on Tuesday.

On Monday, Newcastle United hero Kevin Keegan sadly lost his short battle with stomach cancer.

The football world was rocked by the announcement, with Newcastle United fans all over the world left devastated by the heartbreaking news.

Players and club officials past and present have paid their respects via social media posts and press releases as the club postponed Tuesday's launch of the new away kit, instead dedicating the south west corner of St James' Park as a shrine to the former player and manager, allowing fans time to come to the stadium to leave flowers and tributes to the 75-year-old.

Eddie Howe and David Hopkinon attended the King Kev 'shrine' today

Newcastle's CEO David Hopkinson, along with manager Eddie Howe, attended St James' Park today to lay wreaths along with the rest of the tributes that are building up along the famous stadium steps.

In a post on X, Newcastle United confirmed that Jacob Murphy also left a shirt with 'Keegan 7' printed on the back.

"Eddie Howe, CEO David Hopkinson and Steve Harper lay wreaths in memory of Kevin Keegan. ❤️ 

A 'Keegan 7' shirt was left by Jacob Murphy and Eddie's coaching staff were also present to pay their respects to King Kev at St. James' Park."

The opening game of the season has taken on a new look

It only seems fitting that Newcastle's opening game of the season at St James' Park is against Liverpool, another of King Kev's former clubs.

Originally, it felt like this game was building up to be a grudge match following last summer's sale of Alexander Isak and this summer's hijack of Victor Munoz, but now we feel that the mood may be slightly different with both clubs united by a love of Kevin Keegan.

While nothing has been communicated yet, we'd be amazed if this game passes without a tribute to the great man in some form.