Kevin Keegan’s shock resignation on this day in 1997

THE black and white half of the region was in a state of shock on this day in 1997.

As the Chronicle front page of January 8, left, declared, Newcastle United’s talismanic manager, Kevin Keegan, had unexpectedly quit.

In his autobiography published last year, My Life In Football, Keegan revealed how his growing disgruntlement with behind-the-scenes goings on at St James’ Park finally led him to walk away.

It was a bitter blow to fans and everyone connected to Newcastle United.

Indeed, as one-time chairman Freddy Shepherd would later say: “It was like losing a family member.”

The Chronicle reported: “They called it Black Wednesday on Tyneside. People cried in the streets or stared at each other in stunned silence.

“Kevin Keegan had quit after five years in charge, having taken the club from the brink of oblivion and the old Third Division to the heights of the Premier League with a style never before seen at St James’ Park.

“RIP Kevin Keegan, Newcastle United manager - February 1992 to January 8, 1997.”

When news of Keegan’s departure broke, the Magpies were fourth in the Premier League with 37 points, having won 11 and drawn four of their 21 games, scoring 38 goals, putting seven past Spurs and five past Manchester United.

Alan Oliver, who reported on United during Keegan’s stint as boss, recalled one of the many dramatic high points of his tenure, the signing of Alan Shearer in July, 1996: “When I broke the story from Bangkok, that Keegan had got his man, there was dancing in the streets of Newcastle.

“I can still recall Keegan - with the sweat literally dripping off his nose after he had taken part in a full practice match - breaking the news to me in the training ground next door to Bangkok’s national stadium.”

Only months later, Keegan was gone. We reported from United’s training ground after the players had been given the news.

“Understandably, many were visibly shaken, but they remained silent as a battery of questions was fired at them from the rest of the Press corps.”

Later, full-back Robbie Elliott recalled how the news was broken before a training session.

“Assistant manager Terry McDermott asked for a bit of hush and explained to us Kevin had left the club. We were all shocked.

“We’d just played Charlton in the FA Cup and there was no hint the gaffer was going to leave. Suddenly we had two days to prepare for a replay without our manager.”

Understandably, many readers of a black and white hue were distraught at losing the man who’d not just brought the pride back to Newcastle United, but had once again made them a feared footballing force.

“Oh Kev what have you done? United will never ever be the same. We all cried for you today. My heart is broken, I feel so sad. You’re just like one of the family, We’re all mad. On football, I mean. You have done your best, we all know. Lots of luck, wherever you go,” wrote one fan.

Meanwhile, another said: “I’ve seen my team brought back from the brink of relegation, made First Division champions, marched into Europe and some of the world’s most exciting players brought to Tyneside.

“Newcastle play exhilarating, entertaining football. I remember what it was like and how it is now. I’m certain Newcastle United fans will wish Kevin and his family every happiness.”

But there were also dissenting voices. One disgruntled supporter blasted: “It is hard to forgive him for the way he walked out and sneaked off to the Florida sunshine. It was unprofessional and let us down. He could, or should, have been allowed to stay to the end of the season.”

Little did we know that Keegan would be back as manager a decade later for a short unhappy spell under the then recently arrived Mike Ashley.

Kevin Keegan remains a Newcastle United legend who, as a player and manager, brought much joy to the club’s long-suffering fans.