I’m really excited to start our Premier League season here today against Liverpool, but first I must pay tribute to Kevin Keegan on a day where everyone inside the stadium will come together to celebrate his life and incredible achievements in football.
I haven’t been at the club for long, but I’ve already heard so many amazing stories and memories about Kevin’s time here as a player and manager. He made a phenomenal impact on this club and is a huge source of inspiration for anybody who has the privilege of following in his footsteps, which I am so honoured to do.
It’s clear he was more than just a football manager – a true gentleman who had time for everybody and made our supporters believe that anything could be possible.
I have nothing but admiration for Kevin’s approach to football. He had a special playing style where he wanted not only to win, but also to entertain. It will be emotional before kick-off and I know that the supporters of both clubs will do a fantastic job in showing the world how much Kevin meant to all of us.
Today is the day I have been waiting for since I arrived at the club just over two weeks ago. I sampled St. James’ Park for the first time last weekend with our two friendly matches and I was already very impressed with the crowd and the atmosphere, but I know that today will be a totally different level and I can’t wait to see the stadium at its best.
When everybody sticks together and we show that we are all in on the pitch, we can make St. James’ Park a place where teams hate to come and play.
Last week we confirmed that Dan Burn will be our captain this season, and Joelinton will be our vice captain. It was a very easy decision to give Dan that responsibility. He already played and behaved like a captain, now he has the armband to make it official. Dan is a natural leader, a very important player for us and somebody who knows exactly what it means to represent Newcastle United. That is so important in what we are trying to build. Joe is also a valuable leader and somebody with a big role this season – he’s an experienced player who always shows maximum commitment in everything he does, on and off the pitch.
This week we welcomed Amar Dedić to the club - a player I know very well from working together in Austria and somebody who knows the style of football we want to play, with a lot to offer at both ends of the pitch.
He’s improved a lot since those days and it’s been really nice to reunite with him here in Newcastle. I’m confident he will be a popular player with our supporters once they see how much he will fight for the shirt.
Finally, thank you for all of the support and positive wishes so far. I have been made to feel so welcome in Newcastle, which has made it really easy for me to settle here and focus on my work. I hope we can make you proud today.
Howay the Lads!
Matthias Jaissle.
Today’s issue of UNITED is dedicated to Kevin Keegan, celebrating his incredible life and career.
Inside is over 30 pages of tributes to King Kev, looking back at his humble beginnings at Scunthorpe, to glory with Liverpool and the lasting legacy he leaves at Newcastle.
Those who knew him recall their memories of Kevin, while Culture Club looks at his impact away from the football pitch.
Elsewhere, there is an exclusive Lewis Miley interview, as the local lad reflects on his road to recovery from injury, and playing alongside brother Mason for the first team.
UNITED is on sale around St. James’ Park before kick-off, priced at £3.50.
