Nick Parrott

I work for the BBC as a sports journalist on the News Channel. Personal account. @sheffjournalism graduate and @UniShefCareers Mentor of the Year 2021.

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

Hi @NickPollard2 could you follow me please so I can send you a DM? Thanks

[Henry Winter @henrywinter]

One of the many reasons why Kevin Keegan is special is that he makes other people feel special, and that's a great gift. Keegan is a footballing great who wears his greatness lightly. He’s King Kev and a man of the people. He's never forgotten his Doncaster roots, indeed is very proud of them, and the work ethic inherited from his father and grandfather, both miners.

A work ethic that propelled Keegan to the top. The great smell of Brut - and sweat. That was Keegan the player. He maximised every last ounce of his talent. That's one of the many reasons he's always been so respected. Another of the many reasons why there is such an outpouring of love for Keegan, and so many messages of support as he undergoes treatment for cancer, is that as a footballer he reached for the stars with his feet firmly on the ground.

Keegan is one of the greatest footballers in English and European history, a European champion with Liverpool, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner at Hamburg, a much-loved Newcastle United player and manager, and whole-hearted in his work with England as player and manager. Diego Maradona asked for his shirt after an Argentina-England game in 1980. Keegan played against Pele, George Best and Johan Cruyff. And yet he’s as down to earth as they come. In fact, he often sends himself up.

He cares for people. I went to interview him once at Maiden Castle, Durham, where Newcastle were training at the time and Keegan was the manager of the Entertainers. He sent a message to say he’d come to the pavilion for a chat when training was finished. Great. I might get an early train home. A member of Newcastle’s staff mentioned that Kevin might take a while because this was a day when fans were allowed in to watch.

He stepped off the pitch, and spent around an hour signing autographs, chatting away, never rushing people, just making them feel special. He dropped to his haunches so he could talk to one kid in a wheelchair, making eye contact, and having a proper chat. It meant the world to this kid that Keegan cared. He reached the pavilion, changed, and gave me 20 minutes of his time. He’s incredibly generous with his time. And there have always been so many demands on it.

He tells the story that his determination to sign every autograph and meet every picture request dates back to a moment when, as a kid, he was snubbed by a Doncaster Rovers player. Keegan had waited after a Rovers game, politely approached his favourite player, and got knocked back. He’s never forgotten the hurt he felt. So he makes sure he fulfils every autograph request – no matter how long the queue.

I hosted a talk with Keegan at the Cheltenham Literary Festival in 2018. He was promoting his autobiography so was obviously going to be accommodating. But, typically, he went above and beyond. Smartly suited, Keegan arrived so early that only the security guy was there. Keegan patiently chatted away with the security guy, asking him about his job, where he lived, just being friendly because that is Kevin Keegan for you. Interested in people. Good to them.

Later, when the talk to the audience finished, Keegan headed into the Waterstones’ tent to sign books. The queue was huge. The Festival was closing for the night but Keegan stayed two hours to make sure everyone had their copy signed or their shirt. One lady had her Liverpool jacket signed (below). Keegan not only signed but had a joke and a laugh and a picture with them all.

On Boxing Day, Keegan was at Scunthorpe United, his first club, promoting non-League football. He joined in the carols and got behind the bar, pulling pints, helping out, spreading laughter. Because that’s what Kevin Keegan does – spreads joy. And that’s one of the many, many reasons people are rooting for Kevin Keegan at this challenging time.

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@TheBishF1 @lxznr One of the most amazing people I've been fortunate enough to meet as well. His autobiography is also one of the best books I have ever read. You will literally cry reading one page and belly laugh reading the next one. A remarkable man in many ways.

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

Bet you can't guess which Quality Street sweet the owner of this #Ferrari likes best

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@TheBishF1 Happy anniversary!

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

His name is #Rio and they're dancing in the stands! 🎤#LFC

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@howdenlocaluk @ooheaven

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

Here's the iplayer link https://t.co/7cxnkZLuDy

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

Great #athletics article by my colleague @DanOgunshakin worth a few minutes of your time or a bit more as there's also a great video on BBC iplayer https://t.co/dt857Wn5u9

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@Wickes @SamsungUK @ooheaven

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@MitreSports Reds

[Mitre Sports @MitreSports]

#WIN TWO TICKETS TO THE FA COMMUNITY SHIELD.
We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see Palace take on Liverpool at Wembley.

To win:
✅ Follow @MitreSports
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[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

French minister apologises to #LFC fans https://t.co/eUZFvgeJsA

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@JacquiMorganF1 I thought they might win the league after they smashed City...

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

Is that really Declan Rice? Haven't seen two free kicks that good in one game in my whole life #ARSRMD #UCL

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

I still wouldn't be surprised if Real win 4-0 next week #ARSRMD #UCL

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@JacquiMorganF1 Talk about stepping up on the big occasion

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@reallycerys @TheAthletic Congratulations

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

RIP Eddie Jordan. A remarkable man who I was fortunate enough to cross paths with through work on a few occasions. There was never a dull moment with Eddie. A man with so much energy he was like a human fire cracker and always having a laugh. An #F1 legend https://t.co/We5XVPEzIq

[Nick Parrott @NickParrottTV]

@NBoycott @TheAnfieldWrap Newcastle giving out scarves created an impressive wall of black and white