Farewell to the last of the few
HE was the “last man standing” as the only surviving member of Newcastle United’s FA Cup winning squad of the early 50s.
Now, sadly, friends and family of football legend Vic Keeble have paid their fond farewells at his funeral.
With heavy hearts, devoted fans travelled from Tyneside to Colchester to attend the service.
And Bill Gibbs, founder of the Fairs Club – set up to remember the Magpies’ glory days – made a speech for his hero and special pal.
Wearing his black and white shirt, Bill, of Wallsend, said: “In many towns in England people talk football on the Saturday and possibly the Sunday. On Tyneside it is seven days a week.
“Legend is a word that is bandied about too frequently now of players who weren’t real legends, but in Vic’s case he was the consummate professional and true legend.
“Tyneside never forgets its heroes. If they do the business on the field, the fans reciprocate with hero worship.
“It has been a pleasure to say these words about my true friend Vic Keeble today and I would just like to sign off by saying thanks for everything you did, the Geordie nation salutes you, sleep well bonny lad.”
Heroes of the game joined with dozens of friends and family members to pay tribute to Vic, who passed away in January aged 87.
Poignant memories were shared at a packed service at Colchester Crematorium.
Starting his career in his hometown of Colchester, Vic scored 78 goals in 114 appearances for The Us between 1947 and 1952.
He moved to Newcastle for £15,000 and played for them in the 1955 FA Cup Final.
He made 104 appearances, scoring 56 times.
Vic, who leaves behind three sons and three daughters, was the last survivor of the 1955 FA Cup-winning side and has a road named after him in Ashington.
Vic also enjoyed a successful spell at West Ham between 1957 and 1960, before injury forced him to quit. Hammers legend and former England star Sir Trevor Brooking was among the well-wishers.
Joining Bill Gibbs were supporters and Fairs Club members Harry Watson, Geoff Tait and Brain Wilkinson, who took a wreath in the shape of the black and white number nine shirt Vic wore when at the Toon.