Kevin Keegan awarded Freedom of the City of Newcastle after his death
It is the first time the honour has been given after a person's death
Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has been posthumously awarded the Freedom of the City of Newcastle, the highest honour the city can give.
Newcastle City Council voted unanimously for the award at a special meeting on Wednesday 4th November.
It is the first time the council has given the honour after someone's death.
Kevin and his family were told about the honour in June, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the city.
The 75-year-old died in July.
The award was first brought forward by Cllr Greg Stone.
Tribute from the council leader
Colin Ferguson, leader of Newcastle City Council, paid tribute to the former Magpies player and manager.
Ferguson said: "Kevin Keegan was a legend of the football world, where no matter where you went in the world people knew who he was."
Ferguson said: "You don't have to be a football fan to understand the positive impact he had on the city, bringing so much joy to thousands of fans and putting the sleeping giant of Newcastle United back on the international map."
Ferguson said: "Kevin always had time for people. He would always stop and chat, and make sure that everybody had a chance to talk to him."
Ferguson said: "We were all deeply saddened to learn of Kevin's death in July, and you could see from the enormous amount of tributes left outside St James' Park what he meant to the city and the footballing world."
Ferguson said: "I am pleased that Kevin and his family were aware that we were going to bestow this honour on him."
Keegan's time at Newcastle United
Kevin joined Newcastle United as a player in 1982.
He spent two seasons at the club and scored 48 goals in 78 games.
He ended his playing career on a high by helping secure promotion back to the First Division before retiring.
He returned to the club as manager in 1992.
He helped Newcastle survive relegation to the then Third Division, then won the league title the following season as the club were promoted to the Premier League.
His attacking side, known as the Entertainers, came close to winning the Premier League in 1996.
He left the club in 1997.
After spells managing Fulham, Manchester City and England, he briefly returned to manage Newcastle United in 2008.
Joining the list of honorary freemen
The Honorary Freedom of the City of Newcastle is the highest honour the city can give and is a civic recognition.
Kevin will have his name inscribed on the wall of the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre, alongside the names of other recipients.
Other Newcastle United figures to have received the award include Alan Shearer, Sir Bobby Robson, Jackie Milburn and, more recently, Eddie Howe.
The club itself was awarded the Freedom of the City in the 1990s after celebrating its centenary year.