“I will love it if we beat them. Love it†even though this quote didn’t come directly after a Manchester United vs. Newcastle United game, every time the two great clubs clash, we’re always reminded of one of the greatest meltdowns of the Premier League era.Back when mind games were not a phenomenon invented by Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson (minus the Sir back then) was cranking up the managerial pressure on his great rival in 1996, which worked to great effect. Kevin Keegan’s Magpies were a joy to watch at the time and looked to be on course for the title, until a late collapse saw the dream fade to dust.Ol’ Keggers was a somewhat unfortunate manager following his glittering playing career, and no matter what was going on, he nearly always managed to find a slapstick way to cock it all up…Let’s all have a look, and a laugh, at some of his best moments…
That rant…
We’ve already touched on it, but there is not better way to kick this off than with Keegan’s famous “love it†decent into madness. Fergie had been ramping up the pressure on the Newcastle boss by claiming that rival sides didn’t try as hard against the North East club, to which the Tyneside gaffer replied to in memorable fashion as his team’s title bid crumbled.
On yer bike… or not!
What should have been a routine appearance on BBC show Superstars in 1976 ended in dusty embarrassment for Keegan. He wobbled all down the straight on his bicycle before his competitive edge let him down… His tone in the interview afterwards is quite frankly amazing!
Lay-by of pain
“It was dark. They threw a massive stone that hit my head but fortunately also hit the pillow as well. Then they hit me with a baseball bat, took my wallet and I tried to get out. Jean and the kids had flown, but I needed to get the car home as well. For a few days I did think, ‘Wow, what have I come back to?’â€
Poor ol’ Keegan upon his return to England after he was attacked in a lay by by three men.
No better in the commentary box
Here are some amazing quotes from the man himself…
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