Newcastle United and Liverpool are planning a tribute to Kevin Keegan at their Premier League opener. Newcastle United's men's, women's, and under-21 teams will wear black armbands during pre-season matches to honor Keegan, who led the club to Premier League promotion in 1992-93 and a second-place finish in 1995-96. A minute's silence will be observed before Newcastle's friendly against Gateshead this Saturday.

During the 15th and 16th August friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg respectively, Keegan's photograph will be displayed on screens at St James' Park in the seventh minute, referencing his iconic number seven shirt. The women's team will observe the same tribute against Inter Milan on August 16th, allowing fans to join a minute's applause for the former England captain and manager. Newcastle is consulting with Keegan's family regarding permanent tribute plans.

Keegan recently revealed he was battling stage four cancer. His family announced in January that he was undergoing evaluation for abdominal symptoms. A statement on behalf of the family confirmed he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife and daughters. Keegan had a distinguished playing career with clubs including Scunthorpe United, Hamburg, and Southampton, and also managed Newcastle, Fulham, England, and Manchester City.