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Touching Distance: Kevin Keegan, The Entertainers & Newcastle's Impossible Dream
At the start of February, 1992, Newcastle United were facing relegation to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history. They were also facing bankruptcy. St James’ Park had been neglected, the club’s best players had been sold.
In a daring move, Newcastle appointed Kevin Keegan as manager. Keegan, the two-time European Footballer of the Year, had played for the club between 1982 and 1984. He had been out of football since.
His appointment as manager was as big a shock as when he arrived as a player.
Exactly four years after Keegan’s return to the North east of England, Newcastle were top of the Premiership, nine points clear of Manchester United, having played a game less.
It would turn out to be one of the most memorable seasons in the modern history of English football. Keegan’s side would play a unique brand of football and become known as the Entertainers. They would take part in a game at Anfield that became widely recognised as the best the Premier League has ever seen. Keegan would also famously square up to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Touching Distance tells the story of that remarkable season, through the highs and the lows of a truly dramatic campaign. It also traces the seeds of the revival back to Keegan’s first spell as a player, to his return and the dramatic impact he had on a football club, its supporters and an entire region.
Touching Distance talks to the people who made it happen, the players, the coaching staff and the board and relives a truly momentous period for the club. It is a story of hopes and dreams and when, for Newcastle United, anything seemed possible.
In a daring move, Newcastle appointed Kevin Keegan as manager. Keegan, the two-time European Footballer of the Year, had played for the club between 1982 and 1984. He had been out of football since.
His appointment as manager was as big a shock as when he arrived as a player.
Exactly four years after Keegan’s return to the North east of England, Newcastle were top of the Premiership, nine points clear of Manchester United, having played a game less.
It would turn out to be one of the most memorable seasons in the modern history of English football. Keegan’s side would play a unique brand of football and become known as the Entertainers. They would take part in a game at Anfield that became widely recognised as the best the Premier League has ever seen. Keegan would also famously square up to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Touching Distance tells the story of that remarkable season, through the highs and the lows of a truly dramatic campaign. It also traces the seeds of the revival back to Keegan’s first spell as a player, to his return and the dramatic impact he had on a football club, its supporters and an entire region.
Touching Distance talks to the people who made it happen, the players, the coaching staff and the board and relives a truly momentous period for the club. It is a story of hopes and dreams and when, for Newcastle United, anything seemed possible.
- GenresFootball
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 25, 2017
A thoroughly enjoyable wallow is NUFC nostalgia. This book is more than just a procession through the 95/96 season, what makes it stand out are the interviews and really interesting background pieces on all the key people from that era. It's possibly not of as much interest to people who aren't Newcastle fans but I would imagine anyone who was following football at that time would enjoy it.
Deservedly nominated for the prestigious Cross Sports Book Awards 2016 in the 'new writer' category
Deservedly nominated for the prestigious Cross Sports Book Awards 2016 in the 'new writer' category
August 4, 2016
For those of us who were blessed enough to live through this era this is essential reading. It re-opens the barely healed wounds and hurts. However, it also serves as a great reminder ( if one is needed) just how brilliant we were. These were halcyon days and we were an outstanding team. It reminds me of hope, it reminds me of my early twenties. It reminds me why I still want a Kevin Keegan tattoo.
May 24, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read about a thoroughly enjoyable time to support Newcastle United. There are moments that hit you with that feeling of ‘what if?’ as the club went agonisingly close to winning the league. I don’t see this as opening any old wounds of hurt, as I don’t have any! It was of course disappointing to come so close, but we’d come so far in such a short space of time. From the old Division 2 relegation dogfight and perilous finances that could have killed the club off, to challenging for the Premier League title within 3 years. The journey along the way was a club rebuilding itself and a city uniting behind it, driven by a team playing a fast-paced, ultra-attacking game. It’s an era to be celebrated, not mourned. Hardy brilliantly captures the spirit and energy of that time.
February 19, 2025
Covers Newcastle's early 90s rise from the second tier to within touching distance of the Premier League title, the format is based around chapters for individual players and the narrative jumps around a little bit but there's lots of good material here as well as original interviews with the heroes of the era.
September 11, 2021
Brilliant book about a brilliant team. Very well put together and highly engaging.
October 6, 2016
Superb.
There are some sections lifted direct from players autobiographies, but the rest is so good that it is easily forgiven.
Takes you back to a golden age and captures the times really well.
There are some sections lifted direct from players autobiographies, but the rest is so good that it is easily forgiven.
Takes you back to a golden age and captures the times really well.
October 8, 2020
Only for for Newcastle United interested ;)
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews