When Eddie met Kevin! Keegan and Howe – the King and Prince of Newcastle – discuss the lofty ambitions of the high-flying Magpies… and even talk up their chances of Premier League or European glory

• Eddie Howe has continued to make history with Newcastle throughout 2022-23 
• The Newcastle boss linked up with a Magpies legend to discuss the club’s future 
• Follow Mail Sport’s Champions League WhatsApp channel for the breaking news 

The King has met the Prince and the succession plan is now in place.

Eddie Howe is not prone to public appearance, especially not 48 hours before the visit of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Just as rare was it to see him suited and shedding the second skin that is his Newcastle tracksuit.

But here was an exception for what he believes is an exceptional man, and the crowds who still flock to listen to Kevin Keegan bear testament to that. Howe might well have been in the audience if not on stage.

‘I just had to come and meet King Kev,’ announced Howe, face to face with his predecessor for the first time since becoming Newcastle boss two years ago. ‘When you’re in my position, you have to understand the club you’re working for and the important people in its history.

‘Graeme Jones, one of my coaches, speaks so, so highly of you. He has explained to me what Kevin means to Newcastle. To share the stage with you is an absolute honour, so thank you.’

Newcastle icons Eddie Howe (R) and Kevin Keegan (L) linked-up during a recent event

Together, they discussed Newcastle’s recent success and their potential under Howe

Howe led Newcastle to a Champions League spot last season and has managed to ensure the Magpies produced a strong start to their European campaign

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United at the Tyne Theatre – just around the corner from St James’ Park – to mark the launch of ‘Here to Compete’, a new book by Pete Graves, it felt as much like a coronation.

‘I’m watching on from a distance and just thinking, “Wow”,’ began Keegan, turning to Howe. ‘I know what it’s like in this city, I know what you’re experiencing. But you keep going like this and your life will never be the same again.

‘What’s lovely about Eddie is that we’ve been dying to get someone who understands what this club is, and you’ve got him now. I feel I’ve got my dad’s club back, it’s like a new life. Your club is in fantastic hands, because this guy gets Newcastle United.’

Howe rang Keegan on day one in the job, but only now do we know what was said.

‘He asked if I had any advice and I just said tell the fans what you can, be honest with them,’ revealed Keegan. ‘For years and years that’s not been the case at this club.

‘We’ve had a few tough times, like the sale of Andy Cole, when you might have to go down the steps at St James’… (Keegan addressed angry fans after selling Cole to Manchester United in 1995). So, I would advise you not to sell your best player and go down those stairs!

‘But you know Eddie, you’ve got a very special club here and who knows where it might end. That’s the beauty of it. This club hasn’t won anything for such a long time. The chance is there for you now and, so far, I’ve got to say, you’re doing a fantastic job.’

Keegan spent five years, between 1992-97, as Newcastle boss before briefly returning in 2008

Howe took over a team in 19th and, after surviving comfortably, they finished fourth last season. They are now top of a Champions League group including Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.

‘I knew it would be a life-changing moment,’ he said, referencing Keegan’s comment and revisiting his decision to take the job. ’Genuinely, I was like, “Wow, my life is never going to be the same again”. It was something I had to grab. That is why I rang Kevin, because I wanted his unique insight into what the role was going to be, and what I needed to do straight away to try and generate positivity.

‘But whenever you go into any job you need a dream, a goal. Like Kevin said, I would love to be the man who brings a trophy home for the supporters.’

Howe was told by his predecessor that he can win the Champions League or Premier League

Keegan, the eternal romantic, said: ‘You could still win the Champions League, you could win it. You could still win the Premier League. You have to dream, and the supporters up here are dreaming now. That’s what you’ve given them. 

‘When we did what we did with The Entertainers, it picked the whole city up. That’s what it does in places like this. You don’t get that in London. It happens here. I’m like a supporter now, I’m getting a bit crazy. I desperately want you to win something. It’s not easy, but you’re doing all the right things, Eddie.’

There was humour, too. As Howe discussed the rotation of strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, Keegan cut in: ‘I could never imagine telling Alan Shearer someone was playing instead of him. Les Ferdinand used to scare me as well, so I just decided to play the two of them!’

Howe was later giving credit to his team and playing down his own influence when a fan shouted: ‘Eddie, you did it! Without you there is no team!’

Keegan noted: ’Good to see you’ve got your agent at the back there.’

Over their shoulder, they watched together the goals from Newcastle’s 4-1 dismantling of PSG this month, each greeted with a thunderous cheer. Turning back to the audience, Howe opened the invite for Keegan to return to St James’, something he has never done for a game since leaving the club as manager for a second time in 2008. Would Keegan come back?

The Magpies will take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night

‘Definitely. What I’m scared of is he invites me to a game and you lose. Just keep winning and you’ll be delighted I’m not coming! But I do want to come back, I just don’t want to infringe on what is happening. I was sitting watching the Sheffield United game and I said to Jean, “Look, they’re 3-0 up”. Jean said, “That’s eight!”. My eyes are going! I said, “You’re kidding me!”.’

The King then brought the curtain down on the evening. He looked close to tears.

‘I’m at the end of a phone if EVER you need me for anything,’ he said, extending his hand onto the shoulder of the younger man’s black suit jacket. ‘When you win the Champions League or the Premier League and you’re clear with a game to go, I’ll come back then! It’s your turn now, I’ve had my turn. And if you enjoy it as much as I did… wow.’

Howe’s job now is to finish the one Keegan started. Only then will he inherit the throne.

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