John Flathers

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

@LizKershawDJ Fabulous @LizKershawDJ I studied law @UniversityLeeds 1981 - 1984.Andy was our ENTS secretary.The first band I went to see at the Refectory was @simplemindscom "New Gold Dream" tour.Always grateful to Andy.Can still picture him going to the cashpoint oddly!

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Proud moment for #Sheffield as the #WorldSnookerChampionships commits to the City.Well done to all those involved especially #SheffieldCityCouncil #BarryHearn and #theGovernment

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Ticket bought for the first night of #EPiCMovie this Friday 20th Feb 2026 at IMAX.Can't wait to see Baz Luhrman's take using newly discovered film from #Elvis at his peak in 1970 and interviews given by him.Nothing like the real thing.

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

What a wonderful day after some cold and grey days up north.Just walking through #wellingtonplace on the way to watch @LUFC defeat @Arsenal (well got to be optimistic) #marchingontogether

[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.

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Fabulous concert from @Amy__Macdonald at #sheffieldcityhall last night.Didn't know what to expect.Thought she was so talented with great musicians around her #amymacdonald

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

This was said 4 yrs ago! #Ashes2025

[Fox Cricket @FoxCricket]

"When I go on an #Ashes tour away, I know I'm going to get two days off at the end of the game to sight see" 😆

@gilly381 on why he would want to be 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

📝 Blog: https://t.co/QNWOp3cChg
🔢 Match Centre: https://t.co/YQvMyAnH6R

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Loving the resurgence of the tie and suit in the commentary box #Ashes @7Cricket @bbctms @SkySports Doesn't everyone look so smart #tiepreservationsociety

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Two fabulous memories for two fabulous albums @keaneofficial #strangeland and #Hopesandfears Hope their next album follows this standard #sovereignlightcafe

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

An enjoyable hour listening to @GylesB1 tell the fascinating story behind #AAMilne at the #Queensreadingroom festival @ChatsworthHouse The festival is in its third year and was created by #QueenCamilla

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Recommend watching "VJ Day80 - we were there" on BBC2.Brave men and women fighting the Japanese which continued after the war in Europe had ended.Very powerful and emotional.Remember them on Friday at midday #VJDay80

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

All change in #LeedsCityCentre.Soon #TGJones will roll off the tongue in the same way as #WHSmith I am sure.

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

A vivid and touching memory @aliceokeeffe in @thetimes as we approach the 20th anniversary of #theLondonBombings #7/7 The devastation below ground and leaving the station a survivor,the light and fresh air and getting on with the (extra) ordinary day.Fate.

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

The great pianist #AlfredBrendel passed away today.A favourite of mine from a young age.We have his music to enjoy.A special talent.

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

What a morning @runforall #Leeds10k A fabulous event as always.Leeds city centre alive at 8am and the wonderful support along the route.Delighted to make it round in 55 (but could have done better!)

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Bruce is at Anfield #brucespringsteen #theboss

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Enjoying listening to @elaine_paige looking back on 60 years of her wonderful career with @ZoeTheBall on @BBCRadio2 produced by @jessrickson .Remember Elaine @SheffieldLyceum in Piaf in 1993 before the West End.Brilliant

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

Millhouses Park #Sheffield on #EasterSunday Wonderful isn't it?

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

On the way to the match with hope and excitement #ALAW #lufc #leedsunited

[John Flathers @johnflathersIM]

On #RSD25 managed to get #Keane release celebrating their wonderful Hopes and Fears tour last year.What a joyous year following @keaneofficial Cant wait to play it and relive the experience