Keegan Flybe plane to protest at NUFC troubles
Sep 9 2008 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
Kevin Keegan with his image on the side of a Flybe plane
THE level of unrest following Kevin Keegan’s resignation reached sky high yesterday as an airline revealed plans to protest over the turmoil at Newcastle United.
When low-cost airline Flybe named one of its fleet after Kevin Keegan in the summer, it was a token of respect for the man who was expected to take Newcastle United soaring back to the dizzy heights of the Premier League summit.
However, as Newcastle United nose-dived into turmoil with Keegan’s resignation last week, the airline has been looking into ways of using the plane – registration KKEV – as a vehicle for protest.
Chief commercial officer Mike Rutter, born in Dunston and a Newcastle United supporter, said the company was considering ways to show its disapproval at the recent goings-on at St James’s Park.
“We are looking at ways to protest by either painting a black armband on the plane or giving it a black nose cone.
“We honoured Kevin because he is a legendary footballer and a legend in Newcastle. He has taken a principled stance and we will continue to honour him.”
Mr Rutter said the idea for the black nose cone was inspired by British Airways which gave a gold nose cone to the plane which transported the British Olympic team home from Beijing.
‘The Kevin Keegan’, which also features a picture of Keegan from his playing days at St James’s Park, was financed by a firm based in Hamburg where he enjoys legendary status from his time in Germany.