With Newcastle United in a turmoil and seemingly on their way to the Championship, things were not nearly the same in the 90s. We take a look at how things changed slowly for the worse for the Toon army over the past 30 years or so.
Newcastle United is a big club in English football. They have a decorated history, some great players have played for the club, and a passionate set of fans who make St. James’ Park a tough place to visit. For them to be struggling this way just doesn’t feel right. The glory days of Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and Kevin Keegan are far behind them as the club looks desperately for a solution.
The 90’s: Newcastle United ‘Entertain’ and push Man United for the title
The Magpies weren’t part of the league in its inaugural season. They got promoted in the 1993/94 season and immediately gave us a glimpse of what was to come. The strike partnership of Andy Cole and Peter Beardsley was prolific as Newcastle finished third under the management of Kevin Keegan. Newcastle were the entertainers that season and even outscored Man United, despite finishing 15 points behind them.
Two seasons later, they went from strength-to-strength and went 12 points ahead of Man United. But they let that lead slip and ended the campaign four points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. It was a big setback, but it didn’t deter them – they signed Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers to go the extra mile. But despite dishing out a 5-0 humiliation to Man United, Newcastle only finished seven points behind them, ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool only on goal difference.
The 2000’s: Title challengers to European places, Mike Ashley, and relegation
Any chance Newcastle would add their first First Division title since 1927 evaporated in those two seasons. Keegan departed in the 1997/98 season, and neither Kenny Dalglish, nor his successor Ruud Gullit could save the club as the Geordie spent a few seasons in midtable. That changed with the appointment of Bobby Robson, who guided Newcastle to fourth, third and fifth placed finishes and into Champions League knockout rounds.
Robson was sacked in spite of the uplift and was replaced by Graeme Souness. In 2005/06, Newcastle finished seventh and Alan Shearer retired as the club’s and Premier League’s record goal scorer. That was the beginning of a downfall for the club which resulted in relegation in 2008/09.
After finishing seventh in 2006, they finished in midtable until relegation. New owner Mike Ashley took over in 2007. Kevin Keegan was brought back in 2008, but he publicly criticised the board for not supporting the club financially. Not even the returning Shearer (as temporary manager) could save Newcastle from a heart-breaking relegation in 2009.
In 2009, Mike Ashley put the club up for sale for a short while. But they secured promotion in the 2009/10 season under Chris Hughton.
2010 – Present: Slide continues after one final nostalgic ride
Hughton enjoyed a strong start to the 2010/11 season, but was sacked in December. Alan Pardew took over for a final joyous ride for the Geordie, before the most recent slump started. Pardew’s Newcastle secured Europa League qualification with a fifth-placed finish in 2011/12, their highest since Bobby Robson days. In 2014/15, Pardew was sacked and the following season, they were relegated again despite a 5-1 win over Spurs on the final day.
Fans turned against Mike Ashley for his lack of resources, though the club bounced back straight away. Since then, they have dodged a few bullets, and have somehow managed to retain their Premier League status. In October this year, fans gathered around St. James’ to celebrate the departure of Mike Ashley, as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought the club for 305 million pounds.
But that joy was also short-lived as the form barely improved, and Newcastle find themselves joint-bottom. No one has conceded as many as the Magpies, and only goal-difference is keeping them above Norwich. All clubs around them have played fewer games than them. With tough fixtures coming, things look bleak for Eddie Howe and co.
And this is how, Newcastle United, who were a genuine force when the Premier League began, slowly transformed into relegation fodder. Unless things change quickly, an ugly relegation is awaiting the club come-May.