Keegan honoured by Shankly gong

Kop legend Kevin Keegan spoke of his delight after receiving the prestigious Bill Shankly award at the Liverpool Echo Sports Personality of the Year event earlier this week.

The former Reds striker, who was signed by Shankly from Scunthorpe in 1971 and went on to make 323 appearances for the club, admits he felt humbled to win the gong named after the legendary Anfield boss.

"It's a great honour," said Keegan. "Watching the clips of this guy made us all very emotional. He would have been nearly 97 this year, had he still been with us.

"He was an inspiration to me from the day I first walked into the club. When he left, for me, a little a bit of the club died because he meant that much to everyone.

"It was a very special night and receiving the award made me very proud, particularly when you see some of the people who have won it in the past."

Asked what qualities he tried to take from Shankly into his own managerial career, Keegan replied: "Not enough of the winning, that's for sure, but you can't have everything!

"He respected players, he treated them properly and he always made it clear that the fans were always the most important things about the club.

"Players come and go - look at the table I was sat on. We have all long since left but the club will always be there because of those fans. That's what makes it so great."

Video: Our Keegan tribute>>