King Kev reaches new heights

Jul 4 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

NEWCASTLE manager Kevin Keegan will be flying high next season, whatever happens on the pitch.

He was popping the champagne corks yesterday on a new plane named after him by low-cost airline Flybe.

The aircraft, named ‘The Kevin Keegan’ with the registration ‘KKEV’, also features a picture of Keegan from his playing days at St James’s Park.

Unveiled at a ceremony at Newcastle Airport, Keegan was greeted on the runway by Flybe bosses, a group of children who had won a competition to meet him and a dozen regional and national sports reporters looking for the latest scoop on new signings.

The Newcastle boss refused to answer questions from the hacks, but did speak of his pride that he now has his own personalised jet. Flybe said the aircraft has been financed by a firm based in Hamburg, where Keegan enjoys legendary status from his time in Germany, when he was twice named European Footballer of the Year.

He said: “The day I signed I flew in from Southampton almost to this very spot.

“It’s a very proud day for me and my family. The connection with Hamburg makes this even more special.”

Mike Rutter, Flybe’s chief commercial officer, said: “With our services from Newcastle International Airport and work in the community, we felt drawn to make our own special contribution to one of this country’s sporting heroes and an icon to the people of Newcastle.”