Condolence books open for Keegan tributes
BBCBooks of condolence have been opened in memory of Kevin Keegan following his death at the age of 75 on Monday.
Newcastle United fans have been invited to sign the books and share memories at St James' Park box office, Newcastle Civic Centre and the city's Central Library.
Although he was not from Newcastle, Geordies claim Keegan as one of their own thanks to the influential stints he had as both a player and manager at the city's football club.
The Union flag will be flown at half mast outside the city's civic centre for the rest of the week.
Mark Mitchell, deputy leader of Newcastle City Council, said: "Everybody in Newcastle knew who Kevin Keegan was, and what he did for the club, and so a lot of people are upset by his passing.
"This is our chance to give people a way to show their respects."
Two books have been opened at the civic centre's Arches reception and at the city Library where they will be available from 08:00 until 16:30 BST week days into early next week.
Action Images/ReutersNewcastle United fan Fred Douglas, 68, was among those signing the book at the civic centre on Wednesday.
"It's devastating. You think you knew [Keegan], obviously you don't, but he has done more for this club than anyone else. He's an icon.
"[Signing the book] means everything to me. I did the same with Bobby Robson.
"You've got to show your respects to these people."
It is hoped the books will be passed on to the club and Keegan's family at an "appropriate time".
Mitchell added: "I still remember in school how excited and happy all my fellow pupils were when Kevin Keegan first came to Newcastle, and he brought a huge amount to the city.
"He was one of these people who really brought Newcastle together and that's why, I think, so many people are so upset by his passing."
Council bosses also requested that fans continue to lay any floral tributes outside St James' Park.
Newcastle United also announced on Tuesday that a memory book had opened at the box office, from 08:00 to 20:00 BST daily.
'Coming home'
Keegan first came to Newcastle as a player at the start of the 1982-83 season and helped the club towards promotion to the First Division.
He announced his retirement at the end of the following season and famously left St James' Park in a helicopter following his testimonial match.
Originally from Yorkshire, when he first signed for the Magpies, Keegan said it "felt like coming home".
His family had deep roots in the area - his granddad, Frank was a County Durham miner and a hero of the West Stanley Pit Disaster of 1909.
Frank made it out alive after an explosion tore through the pit and he went back in to help save the lives of other miners.
Both his granddad and his dad Joe were lifelong Newcastle supporters.
