Members will vote on the motion during a special council meeting on Wednesday, 4 November. If approved, it will mark the first time Newcastle City Council has awarded its highest civic distinction posthumously. Following approval, Keegan’s name will be permanently inscribed on the wall of the Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall alongside fellow honorary freemen. 

Keegan will join an exclusive group of awardees, including other Newcastle United figures Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Milburn and more recently Eddie Howe. The club itself was awarded the Freedom of the City in the 1990s after celebrating its centenary year. 

Council Leader Cllr Colin Ferguson originally nominated Keegan for the honour in June. Keegan and his family were informed the following month of the decision to recognise his outstanding contribution to the city. Sadly, he passed away in July before the award could be considered in public and formally presented. 

‘ONE OF THE CITY’S GREATEST ICONS’ 

David Hopkinson, Newcastle United’s CEO, said: “Kevin Keegan will always be, quite simply, one of the most important, influential and beloved figures in the history of Newcastle United. 

“His impact on our club, our city and generations of supporters is immeasurable. As both a player and manager, he helped shape some of the most memorable chapters in our history and created a bond with Newcastle that leaves a true legacy. 

“The proposal to make Kevin an Honorary Freeman of Newcastle, the highest civic honour, is a fitting recognition for one of the city’s greatest icons.” 

‘FOREVER A HERO’ 

Cllr Colin Ferguson, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “We were all deeply saddened to learn of Kevin Keegan’s death in July, and you could see from the enormous amount of tributes left outside St James’ Park what he meant to the city and the footballing world. The stories that have been shared about Kevin and the impact he made have been inspiring and show just how much he was loved not only by our city, but across the world. 

“You don’t have to be a football fan to understand the impact that Kevin had on the city, on both occasions at a time when it was needed the most. 

“As a player, he helped put Newcastle United and the city back in the spotlight, with a two-time Ballon d’Or winner joining a then Second Division side. And then as a manager, he brought so much joy to thousands of fans with his style of play, with people from around the world falling in love with the team. 

“Kevin will forever be a hero to Newcastle United supporters for his achievements and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. The proposal to posthumously bestow the Honorary Freedom of Newcastle on Kevin is a fitting tribute to everything he gave to our city, and I hope council members will support it when they consider the motion." 

‘AN INCOMPARABLE BOND WITH NEWCASTLE’ 

In a statement, the Keegan family said: “Kevin always shared his love for Newcastle United, Geordies and the city, captivating us with stories told with his infectious smile. 

“Seeing the tributes brought those stories to life for Kevin’s grandchildren, showing them how deeply their grandfather was loved in return. It also allowed us a quiet moment to reflect on many fond memories of Kevin’s incredible career and the incomparable bond he shared with Newcastle.” 

Newcastle United will place supporter tributes to Kevin Keegan on public display at Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art this weekend (31 October – 1 November), giving fans and the wider community an opportunity to reflect on the life of a North East icon. Full details – HERE.