Newcastle United hero Lee Clark fought through tears during an emotional tribute to his former manager Kevin Keegan after his death on Monday.
The Newcastle, Liverpool and England legend died aged 75 this week after being diagnosed with stomach cancer in January.
There has been a great outpouring of emotion for the hugely popular player and manager, who was born and raised in Yorkshire, but became a hero on Tyneside and Merseyside.
Clark played under Keegan during his first spell in charge of the Magpies from 1992-97 and has tremendously fond memories of him as a boss and as a person.
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Speaking on BBC 5 Live, Clark had to hold back tears as he described the impact Keegan made on Newcastle, both the club and the city.
‘Very tough last hour, to be honest, when the news broke. It’s a real tough day,’ Clark told the BBC. ‘I was lucky enough to witness him revitalise, not just Newcastle United Football Club, but also the city on two separate occasions.
‘Once as a player in the early 80s when I was just a youngster standing on the terraces and then to have him as my boss in the early 90s and he did that again as the manager, was just unbelievable.
‘A very, very sad day today, this city will be in mourning for a long time, they’ve lost a special person.
‘They always say…sorry I’m getting a bit emotional…they always say that no one person is bigger than a football club, but if there was ever one person who was close to that with Newcastle United, it was Kevin Keegan.’
Clark, who had two spells at Newcastle, explained how Keegan had a personal connection with his players.
‘He was just a special man. A father figure to the players. We had complete trust in him. Just an absolutely heart-breaking day, to be honest,’ he said.
‘Amazing to work with him every single day and him investing his time to make me better both as a player and a person. I’m just so proud.
‘He wasn’t just a manager, he was a father figure. When my first child was born, my son, him and his family bought gifts for my son.
‘It was just little things like that, the way he made you feel as a person and a footballer. And that was everybody, every single player loved him.’
Tributes have been paid from a long list of players who played with and under Keegan over his brilliant career on the pitch and in the dugout.
His fellow Newcastle legend, Alan Shearer, kept it simple as he wrote: ‘My Hero. My manager. My friend. Sleep easy Boss.’
The club posted: ‘We are devastated to learn of the passing of Kevin Keegan, one of the most iconic, influential and deeply loved figures in our club’s history.
‘Kevin was more than a legendary footballer and manager. He was the beating heart of Newcastle United for generations of supporters.’
Not in the same legendary status, but certainly a Newcastle cult hero, Faustino Asprilla has fond memories of his time with Keegan.
‘Today is a day I never wanted to see,’ wrote the Colombian. ‘I am absolutely heartbroken to hear of the passing of Kevin Keegan. Kevin wasn’t just a football manager to me—he was the man who introduced me to the Premier League and made me fall in love with the beautiful city of Newcastle.
‘Through his passion, belief, and love for the game, he inspired so many people, myself included. He taught me that football is about much more than winning. It’s about passion, loyalty, hope, and never giving up. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life and for that I will be forever grateful.
‘Today, Newcastle has lost a true legend, and the football world has lost one of its greatest gentlemen. My heart is heavy, and I honestly can’t put into words how saddened I am by this news.
‘Thank you, Kevin for everything you gave to Newcastle United, to football, and to fans like me. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace, Kevin Keegan. You will never be forgotten.
‘My deepest condolences and all my love go to Kevin’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him during this incredibly difficult time.’