Positive Kevin Keegan health update issued as NUFC legend set for public return

The news of Keegan's illness resulted in a major outpouring of love from Newcastle fans and the football world back in January after the former star and manager announced he'd suffered ongoing abdominal symptoms. However, Keegan's friend Pete Graves has announced that Keegan is feeling better and ready to meet supporters once again at a major event at the Tyne Theatre on May

Sky Sports presenter Graves, who will host the May event, said: "The King is back in Newcastle in May in just five weeks at the Tyne Theatre.

"Kev has been going through a really tough time. He's been very poorly but the great news is he has responded well to his treatment and he is feeling a lot better. He is not out of the woods yet, but he is feeling strong enough to come out and see people, see his fans and tell his stories and relive wonderful memories, which he enjoys doing so much.

A statement from Newcastle, on behalf of Keegan's family, had read: "Kevin Keegan was recently admitted to hospital for further evaluation of ongoing abdominal symptoms. These investigations have revealed a diagnosis of cancer, for which Kevin will undergo treatment.

"Kevin is grateful to the medical team for their intervention and ongoing care.

"During this difficult time, the family are requesting privacy, and will be making no further comment."

Back then the news broke on the night that Newcastle beat Leeds United 4-3 at St James' Park in a match many felt was the perfect tribute to Keegan. That night Eddie Howe had said: "The team that Keegan created was truly special, and it is still talked about.

"We're always trying to be that team, we want the supporters on the edge of their seats. Today was us at our thrilling best without playing at our best. The news before the game shook us all up. We want to pay tribute to him and send him all our love."

Since then there have been calls for a statue of Keegan to be erected at the stadium with Alan Shearer saying to Chronicle Live: "I would love it if Kevin Keegan got a statue at St James’ Park. I think if there was ever another statue to be built at Newcastle, then it would have to be for Kevin Keegan after what he's done for the football club. I mean, jeez, Eddie can't be far away as well.

"But what Kevin did for Newcastle, I don't think anything that we're doing now would have been possible if it wasn't for Kevin after what he did, and the choices that he had, but he then came to Newcastle as a player, he was my hero.

"I watched his very first game at Newcastle as an 11 or 12-year-old and then got to work with him both at Newcastle and with England. So yeah, I’m like every Newcastle fan; a huge, huge, huge fan of Kevin Keegan.

"Kevin ranks as one of the biggest modern Newcastle legends we have ever had. I mean, both as a player and a manager, for what he achieved and the football that he played, and some of the players that he bought in.

"Of course, he went so close to winning the league with Newcastle and as a player, I mean, it was unbelievable. For him to come and play at Newcastle and do what he did, he was like the Pied Piper, he had hundreds of kids chasing after him and I was one of those kids trying to get his autograph, so it was great to also work with him within Newcastle and England."

Tickets for Keegan's return on May 31, when the football season will be wrapped up, are available now.