The king has met the prince and the succession plan is now ready.
Eddie Howe is not inclined to make public appearances, especially not 48 hours before the visit of Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. Just as rare was seeing him in a suit, shedding the second skin of his Newcastle tracksuit.
But here was an exception for what he believes is an exceptional man, and the crowd that still listens to Kevin Keegan is a testament to that. Howe might as well have been in the audience if he wasn’t on stage.
“I just had to come and meet King Kev,” Howe announced, coming face to face with his predecessor for the first time since becoming Newcastle boss two years ago. ‘If you’re in my position you have to understand the club you work for and the important people in its history.
“Graeme Jones, one of my coaches, speaks so highly of you. He explained to me what Kevin means to Newcastle. It’s an absolute honor to share the stage with you, so thank you.”
Newcastle icons Eddie Howe (R) and Kevin Keegan (L) met at 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 enjoyed a strong start to their European season
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United at the Tyne Theater – 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 as a coronation.
“I’m watching from a distance and just thinking, ‘Wow,’” Keegan began, turning to Howe. ‘I know what it is like in this city, I know what you experience. But if you continue like this, your life will never be the same again.
“The great thing about Eddie is that we really wanted someone who understands what this club is, and now we have him. I feel like I have my father’s club back, it’s like a new life. Your club is in fantastic hands because this man gets Newcastle United.’
Howe called Keegan on the first day of his job, but only now do we know what was said.
“He asked if I had any advice and I said tell the fans what you can do, be honest with them,” Keegan revealed. ‘For years that has not been the case at this club.
‘We’ve had some tough times, like the sale of Andy Cole, when you might have to go down the stairs at St James’… (Keegan addressing angry fans after selling Cole to Manchester United in 1995). So I would advise you not to sell your best player and go down the stairs!
‘But you know, Eddie, you have a very special club here and who knows where it will end up. That’s the beauty of it. This club hasn’t won anything for so long. The opportunity is here for you now and so far I have to say you’re doing a fantastic job.’
Keegan was Newcastle boss for five years between 1992 and 1997 before returning briefly in 2008
Howe took over a team in 19th place and, after surviving comfortably, they finished fourth last season. They now top a Champions League group that includes Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan.
“I knew it would be a life-changing moment,” he said, referring to Keegan’s comment and revisiting his decision to take the job. ‘Really, I thought, ‘Wow, my life will never be the same.’ It was something I had to take. That’s why I called Kevin, because I wanted his unique insight into what the role would be, and what I needed to do right away to try to generate positivity.
“But every time you go to work, you need a dream, a goal. Like Kevin said, I would love to be the guy who brings home a trophy 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 can still win the Premier League. You have to dream, and the supporters here are dreaming now. That’s what you gave them.
“When we did what we did with The Entertainers, it took the whole city by storm. That’s what it does in places like this. You don’t have that in London. It happens here. I’m kind of a supporter now, I’m going a bit crazy. I really want you to win something. It’s not easy, but you’re doing the right things, Eddie.’
There was also humor in it. As Howe discussed the rotation of strikers Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, Keegan interjected: “I could never imagine telling Alan Shearer that there was someone playing in his place. Les Ferdinand always scared me too, so I just decided to play against the two of them!’
Howe later gave credit to his team and downplayed his own influence when a fan shouted, “Eddie, you did it!” Without you there is no team!’
Keegan commented, “Good to see your agent back there.”
Over their shoulders, they watched the goals together from Newcastle’s 4-1 dismantling of PSG this month, each greeted with thunderous cheers. Returning to the crowd, Howe opened the invitation for Keegan to return to St James’, something he has never done for a match since leaving the club as manager for the second time in 2008. Would Keegan come back?
The Magpies will take on Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday evening
‘Certainly. What I’m afraid of is him inviting me to a game and you losing. Just keep winning and you’ll be glad I’m not coming! But I do want to come back, I just don’t want to infringe on what’s happening. I was watching the Sheffield United game and said to Jean, “Look, they’re 3-0 up”. Jean said: “That’s eight!” My eyes go! I said, “You’re kidding!”.’
The king then lowered the curtain that evening. He looked almost in tears.
“I’m at the end of a phone call if you EVER need me for anything,” he said, reaching out to touch the shoulder of the younger man’s black suit jacket. ‘If you win the Champions League or the Premier League and you still have a game to go, I will come back! Now it’s your turn, I’ve had my turn. And if you enjoy it as much as I do… wow.”
Howe’s job now is to finish what Keegan started. Only then will he inherit the throne.