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GoFundMe page launched for memorial statue to honour Kevin Keegan

By AsiaEurope


A GoFundMe page has been launched for a memorial statue to honour Kevin Keegan, who last week died aged 75 after a battle with stomach cancer.

His diagnosis was announced by his family back in January, with an update given in June by Kevin himself, revealing his cancer was stage four.

“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kevin Keegan has passed away at the age of 75.

“Kevin had been battling cancer and was surrounded by his wife and daughters in his final moments.

“A double Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin was a much loved husband, father and grandfather.

“The family would like to thank Kevin’s incredible medical team for all their support. “This is a hugely difficult time and they are requesting space and privacy.”

Tributes have been paid from the football world, the community, those who knew and loved him, the display. at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park says it all.

Scunthorpe United Supporters Trust, ‘The Iron Trust’, is fundraising for a Kevin Keegan memorial statue at the birthplace, in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire.

The GoFundMe page read: “The Iron Trust is fundraising for a Kevin Keegan memorial statue at the birthplace of his glittering career, in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire.

“We are raising funds to commemorate the great, late, Kevin Keegan, following the sad news of his passing on the 20th July, aged 75, with a people’s memorial and statue to be located in Scunthorpe, the home of the Iron, the club at which Kevin began his football career.

“Kevin left Scunthorpe United for Liverpool in 1971, and went on to play for Hamburg SV, Southampton and his beloved Newcastle United. Kevin’s career would reach even greater heights with 63 caps for England and two Ballon d’Or wins.

“The Iron Trust invites fans of Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburg SV, Southampton and Newcastle, as well as football fans around the world to donate towards a lasting memorial at the birthplace of King Kev’s extraordinary football career.”

But since then, a further update has emerged from Iron Trust: “The Iron Trust is delighted to announce that, following a productive and positive meeting with the Board and club officials at Scunthorpe United, we have received the club’s full support and endorsement to proceed with plans for a permanent memorial to Kevin Keegan at the Attis Arena.

“Both parties agree unanimously that Kevin Keegan’s contribution to Scunthorpe United is woven into the fabric of our club’s history, and we believe it is only fitting that his legacy is recognised with a lasting tribute for generations of supporters to enjoy.

“From the outset, we have set our sights high. Our ultimate ambition is to commission a statue that truly reflects Kevin’s significance to Scunthorpe United and the wider footballing world. We recognise, however, that a project of this scale would require a substantial fundraising effort and come at a significant cost.

“With that in mind, discussions between the Iron Trust and Scunthorpe United have also explored a number of alternative memorial options. While our primary objective remains a statue, we are committed to ensuring that, whatever the outcome of the fundraising campaign, Kevin Keegan will have a permanent place of honour at the Attis Arena.

“The exact form that memorial takes will ultimately depend on the level of support we receive, but supporters can be assured that Kevin’s remarkable legacy at Scunthorpe United will be commemorated in a fitting and lasting way.

“The Iron Trust looks forward to sharing further details on the fundraising campaign and how supporters, businesses and the wider football community can become involved in helping us achieve our ambition.

“Together, we have the opportunity to create a tribute worthy of one of the greatest figures ever associated with Scunthorpe United.”

Scunthorpe paid tribute, a statement on their website read: “Everyone at Scunthorpe United is devastated to hear of the passing of former player Kevin Keegan at the age of 75.

“A member of the club’s hall of fame, Keegan started his career with Scunthorpe after coming through the youth ranks before breaking into the first team and surpassing 100 appearances for United between 1968 and 1971, scoring 24 times during his three-year stint at the Old Show Ground that saw him attract attention from Bill Shankly’s Liverpool side.

“Keegan was considered one of the best players of his generation and enjoyed a stellar playing career, making almost 750 club appearances, lifting the First Division trophy three times with Liverpool and winning the Ballon d’Or back-to-back in 1978 and 1979 while playing for Hamburg in the Bundesliga.

“Following his illustrious playing career, Keegan would go on to establish himself as one of the very best England had to offer, having stints as England manager as well as being boss of Newcastle United, Fulham and Manchester City.

“With a constant smile on his face, Keegan returned to the Attis Arena in late 2025 to witness the matchday atmosphere once again, giving the Scunthorpe players a pre-match team talk using his inspirational demeanour, before taking time to speak to each and every person he encountered, highlighting his brilliant personality.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to all of “King Kev’s” family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”

He last visited the Iron in Decem- ber when Scunthorpe played Tamworth in the National League. Fittingly, the hosts came from behind to win 3-1 in the National League fixture.

Scunthorpe co-owner Michelle Harness spoke on when he visited Glanford Park in December: “As a special thing, he came with me to the players’ dressing room and Kevin did the pre-match talk.

“That was inspiring for them. A lot of the players know everything he has done in football. He was the iconic player of the club and he told me he always watched the results or looked for our results on a Sunday.”

The club paid respect outside the stadium, with members of the first-team squad, coaching staff and club officials taking a moment, applauding.

Floral tributes were also laid in his honour before players and club officials signed the book of condolence, reflecting on Kevin’s lasting impact on the football club and the wider Scunthorpe United community.

In the first five days of the GoFundMe page launched for a memorial statue to honour Kevin Keegan, 86 donations have seen £3,110 raised of the £50K target.

Tributes paid as family confirm Kevin Keegan has died at the age of 75







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