27/07/2026
After the sad passing of Kevin Keegan, Mr Coulthard would like to share his memories of the day that Special K surprised everyone, especially Mr C, when he turned up at our school meeting.
KEVIN KEEGAN MAKES A SURPRISE VISIT TO
WENSLEYDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL IN BLYTH
If you were there it is an occasion you could never forget – Thursday 26th November 1992 – when Kevin Keegan, Terry Mc.Dermott and Sir John Hall visited Wensleydale Middle School to present me with a special award known strangely as ‘Magpie of the Month.’
I knew that Charles Harrison from Metro Radio was coming to record our school meeting that day and I had prepared an agenda accordingly. Of course, I was the only adult who did not realise what was about to happen.
Not long into this so-called recording, Charles interrupted me and asked me who I would most like to see come through the door at the far end of the hall, and I replied, “Felicity Kendal”. In response, amidst lots of laughter, he hinted that I was successful with one initial, that being ‘K’ and then to my complete surprise into the hall came Kevin and the rest of the guests from NUFC, with my wife Gillian and my brother Hugh.
There then followed an unscripted 30 minutes or so during which Kevin read out one of the many children’s letters which had been sent to NUFC by plotter in chief Mrs Trudi Eadington. I was then handed the microphone and was in my element as I paid tribute to Kevin who had been a key figure in reviving our club’s fortunes, firstly as a player wearing number 7 and currently as manager. He had been my hero throughout those years and now, still suffering from shock, I was able to lead everyone in the hall in a loud shout-out of ten “Keegans”.
I did of course receive my black blazer complete with the club badge on the breast pocket – I often wondered why it fitted so well?! The photograph of me wearing my Magpie of the Month jacket standing next to Kevin and Sir John and amongst the children at the front of the hall has become legendary.
Two days later my wife Gillian and brother Hugh accompanied me as guests at the club for a home match – Newcastle United 4 Cambridge United 1. Before the game we were treated to lunch and my brother and I visited the home dressing room and met the players, before I went onto the pitch and received my jacket for the second time, this time from Sir John Hall. After the game we all spent time in the Director’s Boardroom where we mingled with various NUFC celebrities and chatted informally with KK himself.
So there you have it. Two marvellous occasions with the man himself – charismatic, genuine and so friendly. For me, there will never be anyone quite as special in football as Kevin Keegan.
May he rest in peace.
