| Bth | 21/10/59 | Builth Wells | Wales |
| P/H/W | Midfielder | 5ft 9in | |
| Jnd | 20/02/92 | Everton | Free |
| Deb | 22/02/92 | Barnsley (H) | D2 |
| Dep | 18/06/93 | Blackpool | Free |
| A/G | 46 (2) | 6 |
Irish international midfielder Kevin Sheedy was Kevin Keegan’s first signing when he arrived on a free transfer from Everton in February 1992. Aged thirty-two, he signed an initial fifteen-month contract.
He had been at Goodison Park for almost ten years but was on the transfer list and playing in the Reserves. He accepted a wage cut and passed up a testimonial to get first-team football. Everton manager Howard Kendall said “I don’t think I have ever seen anyone with a better left foot”.
It was a very astute signing as not only was he a very talented player but he brought a wealth of top-class experience and a winning mentality.
His magical/educated left foot was also ideal for set-piece situations which had brought him many goals over the years. And although he lacked pace he more than made up for it with skill and footballing intelligence.
As he had been out of favour at Everton, it took the Welshman a few games to get his confidence back and to adjust to the hurly-burly of a Division 2 relegation battle.
But he gradually settled and his composure on the ball, wonderful left foot and awareness of other players meant that he played a significant part in United’s ultimate survival.
Providing balance on the left of midfield Sheedy was an integral part of United’s promotion winning side. His ability to partake in quick passing movements suiting Keegan’s tactics perfectly.
However, Keegan was always looking to improve the squad and in March 1993 he bought another left-sided midfielder, Scott Sellars, just as Kevin was succumbing to a hamstring injury. He lost his place in the side and was told he could leave at the end of the season and joined Blackpool in June.
Although he was born in Wales he also qualified for Ireland as his father hailed from County Clare. He won 46 caps in all and was still a member of their side when he came to Tyneside, playing his last game in February 1993.
After showing great promise for Hereford he was signed by Liverpool in 1978, but the wealth of talent at Anfield restricted him to just 5 appearances and 2 goals in four years. He crossed Stanley Park to Everton and played a major part in the hugely successful side of the mid-eighties. Although he suffered a number of absences through injury he made 356 appearances for the Blues, scoring an impressive 97 goals.
Although he missed some games through injury he played an important part in balancing United's midfield, however he lost his place to new signing Scott Sellars in March.
Joined Newcastle in February 1992 on a free transfer. He played in all but one of the remaining games and scored the goal that earned a draw at Grimsby.
Painting by Piotr