Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC) is an English professional football team based in Newcastle upon Tyne. The club was elected to the Football League in 1893, and currently plays in the FA Premier League. Newcastle United Football Club is an English professional football team based in Newcastle upon Tyne, nicknamed the Magpies, who currently play in the FA Premier League. ... Royal motto (French): Dieu et mon droit (Translated: God and my right) Englands location (dark green) within the United Kingdom (light green), with the Republic of Ireland (blue) to its west Languages None official English de facto Capital None official London de facto Largest city London Area – Total Ranked... Football (soccer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... This article is about a city in the United Kingdom. ... The Football League logo The Football League (often referred to as the Coca-Cola Football League for sponsorship reasons) is a league competition for English football clubs (though three Welsh clubs also take part) containing three divisions (the Football League Championship, Football League One and Football League Two) that occupy... FA Premier League logo The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays Premiership or just The Premiership in the UK and as the Barclays English Premier League or the English Premier League or the EPL internationally) is a league competition for English Football clubs located at the top...

The Creation (1881 - 1895)

During November 1881, the Stanley Cricket Club of South Byker decided to form an association football club. They won their first match 5-0 against Elswick Leather Works 2nd XI. Just under a year later, in October 1882, they changed their name to East End FC to avoid confusion with the cricket club in the town of Stanley, Co.Durham. Shortly after this, another Byker side, Rosewood FC, merged with East End to form an even stronger side. Meanwhile, across the city, another cricket club began to take an interest in football and in August 1882, they formed West End FC. West End played their early football on their cricket pitch, but later moved to St. James' Park. Football (soccer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... Stanley is a former mining town in County Durham, England. ... County Durham is a county in north-east England. ...

West End soon became the city's premier club. East End were anxious not to be left behind and lured Tom Watson into becoming the club secretary/manager in the close season of 1888 and from that point, never looked back; Watson made several good signings, especially from Scotland, and the Heaton club went from strength to strength, while West End's fortunes slipped dramatically. Motto: Nemo me impune lacessit (English: No one provokes me with impunity) Scotlands location within Europe Scotlands location within the United Kingdom Languages English, Gaelic, Scots Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow First Minister Jack McConnell Area - Total - % water Ranked 2nd UK 78,782 km² 1. ...

The region's first league competition was formed in 1889 and the FA Cup began to cause interest. Ambitious East End turned professional in 1889, a huge step for a local club, and in March 1890, they made an even more adventurous move by becoming a limited company with capital of 1,000 pounds in ten shilling notes. During the spring of 1892, in a season during which their results were at an all time low, and in which they had lost to their bitter rivals, East End, five times, West End found themselves in serious trouble. They approached East End with a view to a take over, the directors having decided that the club could no longer continue. The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ...

What actually happened was that West End wound up, while some of its players and most of its backroom staff joined East End. East End also took over the lease on St. James' Park. By December 1892, they decided to give the club a new name and a new image. At a public meeting, several new names, including Newcastle Rangers and Newcastle City, were suggested, before all agreed on Newcastle United. The FA agreed to the name change on 22nd December, but the new title was not legalised until 6 September 1895, when Newcastle United Football Club Co. Ltd. was constituted.

The First Glory Era (1895 - 1914)

United then developed a side which became Edwardian England's master outfit, but not before the Tynesiders went through a worrying period due to lack of support at the turnstile and lack of money at the bank. But through the help of their directors the club was propped up and they survived to become a force in the game. Tyneside is a conurbation in northern England, covering part of the area of Tyne and Wear. ...

Newcastle started to purchase talented players, especially from Scotland, and soon had a squad to rival all of England. With players like Colin Veitch, Jackie Rutherford, Jimmy Lawrence and Albert Shepherd, the Black'n'Whites had a team of international talent. There was Bill McCracken, Jimmy Howie, Peter McWilliam and Andy Aitken too. All were household names in their day. However, in 1908 they faced the humiliation of a 9-1 home defeat to the once local rivals Sunderland, still the record English home defeat to this day. Colin Veitch was a football player in the early 20th century for Newcastle United. ... Billy or Bill McCracken (Born in Belfast in 1883 , died 1979) was an association football player , who played for the English club Newcastle United from 1904 to 1924, helping them win three League titles and the FA Cup. ... Sunderland Association Football Club (Sunderland AFC or SAFC) is a professional football club, based at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, North-East England. ...

The Magpies lifted the League Championship on three occasions and reached five FA Cup finals in the years leading up to World War I in 1914. Geordie fans had enjoyed ten years of being the team everyone wanted to topple. United played a style of football celebrated in the game's history. It was possession football in an entertaining, rousing fashion. From 1889 until 1992, this was the highest division overall of organized football in England. ... Combatants Allies: Serbia, Russia, France, Romania, Belgium, British Empire, United States, Italy, and others Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire Casualties Military dead: 5 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total of dead: 8 million Military dead: 4 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total dead: 7 million The First... This article is about the dialect. ...

Interwar Success (1919 - 1939)

After World War I, the Twenties was just as eventful. The Black'n'Whites lifted the FA Cup at Wembley in 1924 defeating Aston Villa - only the second ever final to be staged at the famous stadium. And a record signing of Scottish international centre-forward Hughie Gallacher made sure United collected another Championship trophy three years later in 1927. Combatants Allies: Serbia, Russia, France, Romania, Belgium, British Empire, United States, Italy, and others Central Powers: Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Ottoman Empire Casualties Military dead: 5 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total of dead: 8 million Military dead: 4 million Civilian deaths: 3 million Total dead: 7 million The First... For the railway station of the same name, see Wembley Stadium railway station Wembley Stadium is the most famous football stadium in the world, located in Wembley, London, England, which is currently being rebuilt, although it is well behind schedule. ... Aston Villa redirects here. ... Hugh Kilpatrick Hughie Gallacher (2 February 1903 in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, Scotland - 1957) was a Scottish football player in the 1920s and 1930s. ...

Famous names continued to pull on the Newcastle striped shirt. Apart from the legendary Gallacher, the Magpies fielded the likes of Neil Harris, Stan Seymour and Frank Hudspeth. Seymour was to become an influential figure for the next 40 years as player, manager and director. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

It was back to Wembley in 1932 to compete in the infamous 'Over the Line' FA Cup final with Arsenal, whereby United won with a goal that should clearly never have been allowed. United won the game 2-1 after scoring a goal following a cross from Jimmy Richardson which was hit from out of play - over the line. There were no action replays then and the referee allowed the goal, a controversial talking point in FA Cup history. Arsenal Football Club (also known as Arsenal, The Arsenal or The Gunners) are an English professional football club based in north London. ... Jimmy Richardson was a footballer best known for playing for Newcastle United FC. He played in the 1932 FA Cup Final at Wembley, in the infamous Over the Line match against Arsenal. ...

Newcastle boasted master players like Sammy Weaver and Jack Allen, as well as the first player-manager in the top division in Scottish international Andy Cunningham. But after glory at the Twin Towers of Wembley, Newcastle's form slumped and by 1934 they had been relegated for the first time in their history. Sammy Weaver was the oldest son of Randy Weaver, killed in a shootout with the US MArshal Service at Ruby Ridge in 1992. ... Jack Allen is a major character in the Christian-themed radio drama/comedy Adventures in Odyssey, voiced by Alan Young. ... Bodger(Cunningham) and Badger Andy Cunningham wrote and played Bodger in Bodger and Badger. ...

Amazingly in the same season as they fell into the Second Division, United defeated Liverpool 9-2 and Everton 7-3 within the space of a week! A rebuilding process took place in the years leading up to the Second World War and by that time former star winger Stan Seymour had been appointed to the Board of Directors. A determined character, he set the foundations of United's next great period. Liverpool Football Club (usually known simply as Liverpool) is an English football club that is based in Liverpool, Merseyside; current holders of the English FA Cup (2006), they are the most successful English football team of all time. ... Everton Football Club are an English football club from the city of Liverpool, founded in 1878. ...

Postwar Success (1945 - 1976)

Former star winger Stan Seymour had been appointed to the Board of Directors just before the outbreak of World War II. A determined character, he set the foundations of United's next great period. Combatants Allies: Poland, British Commonwealth, France/Free France, Soviet Union, United States, China, and others Axis Powers: Germany, Italy, Japan, and others Casualties Military dead: 17 million Civilian dead: 33 million Total dead: 50 million Military dead: 8 million Civilian dead: 4 million Total dead: 12 million World War II...

By the time peace was restored in 1945, Seymour was at the forefront of affairs, manager in all but name. He ensured that the Magpies possessed an entertaining eleven full of stars, a mix of home-grown talent like Jackie Milburn, Bobby Cowell and Ernie Taylor, as well as big signings in the shape of George Robledo, Bobby Mitchell, Joe Harvey, Len Shackleton and Frank Brennan. John Edward Thompson Jackie Milburn, (May 11, 1924 – October 9, 1988), also known to fans as Wor Jackie and the first World Wor in reference to his global fame, was a football player for Newcastle United and England. ... Joe Harvey was Newcastle United manager between 1962 and 1975. ... Len Shackleton, born on 3 May 1922 in Bradford, was a great British footballer of the post-war period. ...

Newcastle returned to the First Division in double quick time. Promotion was achieved in 1948 in front of vast crowds. An average of almost 57,000 at every home game saw United's fixtures that year, a national record for years to come. That was just the start of another period of success.

During the Fifties decade United lifted the FA Cup trophy on three occasions within a five year period. In 1951 they defeated Blackpool 2-0, a year later Arsenal were beaten 1-0 and in 1955 United crushed Manchester City 3-1. The Magpies were known in every corner of the country, and so were their players; 'Wor Jackie' Milburn and Bobby 'Dazzler' Mitchell the pick of a side that was renowned the nation over. The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... Blackpool Football Club is an English football club currently in Football League One. ... Manchester City Football Club is a football club based in Manchester, United Kingdom. ...

Despite having quality players throughout the era, stars like Ivor Allchurch, George Eastham and Len White during the latter years of the decade, United slipped from the First Division in 1961 under the controversial management of ex-Manchester United star, Charlie Mitten. It was a huge blow to the club. Ivor Allchurch MBE (October 16, 1929 - July 10, 1997) was a Welsh footballer. ... George Edward Eastham OBE (born September 23, 1936) is an English former footballer. ... Len White (11 May 1924 - June 1994) was a former English professional football player who played as a centre-forward, most noted for playing at Newcastle United. ... Manchester United Football Club is an English football club, based at Old Trafford Football Ground, Manchester. ... Charlie Mitten (January 17, 1921 – January 2, 2002) was an English football player. ...

An old war-horse returned to revitalise the Magpies in the shape of Joe Harvey, who had skippered the club to much of their post-war success. He teamed up with Stan Seymour to rebuild United and the Black'n'Whites returned to the elite as Second Division Champions in 1965. United then became very much an unpredictable side, always capable of defeating the best, but never quite realising their huge potential until very recently. Joe Harvey was Newcastle United manager between 1962 and 1975. ...

Joe Harvey's side qualified for Europe for the first time in 1968 and stunned everyone the following year by lifting the Inter Cities Fairs Cup; the forerunner of the UEFA Cup. United possessed a solid eleven and Newcastle's tradition of fielding a famous Number 9 at centre-forward since earliest years continued as big Welshman Wyn Davies was prominent along with the likes of Bryan "Pop" Robson, Bobby Moncur and Frank Clark. UEFA Cup logo The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams. ... Wyn Davies (born March 20, 1942) is a former professional Welsh football player. ... Bobby Moncur was a Scottish football player. ... Frank Clark is an English former football player and manager. ...

In the years that followed European success, manager Harvey brought in a string of talented entertainers who thrilled the Gallowgate crowd. Pleasers like Jimmy Smith, Tony Green and Terry Hibbitt. And especially a new centre-forward by the name of Malcolm Macdonald. Malcolm Ian Macdonald (born January 7, 1950, Fulham, England) was an English footballer always known as Supermac. Born in Fulham, London, Macdonald started out as a full back before switching to centre forward. ...

Nicknamed 'Supermac', Macdonald was one of United's greatest hero figures. Brash, arrogant and devastating in front of goal, he led United's attack to Wembley twice, in 1974 and 1976, against Liverpool in the FA Cup and Manchester City in the League Cup. But on each occasion the Magpies failed to bring the trophy back to Tyneside. Liverpool Football Club (usually known simply as Liverpool) is an English football club that is based in Liverpool, Merseyside; current holders of the English FA Cup (2006), they are the most successful English football team of all time. ... The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup, is an English football competition. ...

Down... and up again (1976 - 1984)

At the start of the 1980s, United had declined dramatically and were languishing in the Second Division. Gordon Lee had replaced Harvey as boss, yet he in turn soon gave way to Richard Dinnis and then Bill McGarry. But it was Arthur Cox who steered United back again to the First Division with ex England skipper Kevin Keegan the focus of the side, having joined the Magpies in a sensational deal in 1982. MacGyver - 1980s hero The 1980s decade refers to the years from 1980 to 1989, inclusive. ... Gordon Francis Lee (born 13 July 1934, Cannock, Staffordshire) was an English association footballer and football manager. ... Richard Dinnis was a former professional footballer and manager. ... Bill McGarry was an England international football player and manager of various English clubs. ... Arthur Cox is a former English football manager. ... First International Scotland 0 - 0 England (Partick, Scotland; 30 November 1872) Largest win Ireland 0 - 13 England (Belfast, Northern Ireland; 18 February 1882) Worst defeat Hungary 7 - 1 England (Budapest, Hungary; 23 May 1954) World Cup Appearances 11 (First in 1950) Best result Winners, 1966 European Championship Appearances 7 (First... Joseph Kevin Keegan, OBE (born February 14, 1951 in Armthorpe, Yorkshire) is a former English football coach and player, and one of its all time greatest players. ...

The football inspired by Keegan captivated Tyneside and United stormed into the top division in a style only bettered by Kevin's own brand of football as a manager in the next decade. Alongside Keegan were youngsters Peter Beardsley and Chris Waddle, as well as seasoned campaigners like Terry McDermott and David McCreery. Tyneside is a conurbation in northern England, covering part of the area of Tyne and Wear. ... Peter Andrew Beardsley MBE (born January 18, 1961, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England) was an English footballer who played the game at both domestic and international level for more than 15 years. ... Christopher (Chris) Roland Waddle (born December 14, 1960) was a famous English footballer of the 1980s and 1990s. ... Terry McDermott (born December 8, 1951 in Kirkby, Merseyside) was a talented football midfielder in the great Liverpool side of the 1970s and 1980s. ... David McCreery (born September 16, 1957 in Belfast) was an Northern Ireland football player. ...

Back at the top (1984 - 1989)

One of English footballs greatest talents, Paul Gascoigne or 'Gazza', emerged as a youngster at the club during this period, under manager Jack Charlton (who later went on to take Republic of Ireland to two World Cup finals). Newcastle consolidated their place in Division One but then a period of selling their best players (Beardsley to Liverpool, and Waddle and Gazza both to Tottenham), rocked the club and led to supporter unrest, as did a share-war for control of the boardroom. Paul John Gascoigne, often referred to by his nickname Gazza (born 27 May 1967 in Gateshead, County Durham), is a former English football player, notorious for his colourful character in the game. ... John Jack Charlton OBE (born Ashington, Northumberland, May 8, 1935) was a footballer who spent his whole career in the successful Leeds United side of the 1960s and 1970s and won the World Cup with England. ... The Football World Cup (official name: FIFA World Cup) is the most important competition in international football (soccer). ... Liverpool Football Club (usually known simply as Liverpool) is an English football club that is based in Liverpool, Merseyside; current holders of the English FA Cup (2006), they are the most successful English football team of all time. ... Tottenham Hotspur Football Club is a London football club. ...

Heading towards oblivion (1989 - 1992)

The Magpies tumbled back into the Second Division in 1989 and over the next three seasons found themselves in a perilous state. They had little money, star players headed south and crowds dwindled. Several managerial changes took place - Jim Smith and Ossie Ardiles could not stop the rot. With the club hovering on the brink of a further, potentially catastrophic, relegation Newcastle United needed a saviour. They not only found one, but two, as Sir John Hall and Kevin Keegan joined forces to salvage Newcastle's reputation. Jim Smith, left, with Harry Redknapp Jim Smith (born October 17, 1940) is a former English football (soccer) player and is now working as a coach. ... Sir John Hall (b. ...

The Keegan Revolution (1992 - 1997)

When Kevin Keegan returned to Tyneside to replace Ossie Ardiles as manager on a short term contract in 1992, taking what he claimed to be the only job that could tempt him back into football, United were struggling at the wrong end of Division Two. Sir John Hall had all but taken control of the club and he needed a minor miracle to stop the Magpies from tumbling into the Third Division for the first time in their history.

If Sir John was to transform the near bankrupt club they simply had to survive relegation. Just as before, Keegan's mere presence captivated the region. United's disgruntled supporters became excited, expectant ones over-night. They packed St James Park again and United survived in Division Two on the last day of the season. Hall now turned his attention to a masterplan to develop Newcastle United into one of the superclubs of Europe. Kevin Keegan stayed on as manager and both swung into action.

The club's finances were transformed; St James Park redeveloped into a stadium as good as any, now accommodating over 52,000. Keegan brought in new players, many international superstars. It was the start of a special five years under his guidance.

Spearheaded by the prolific striker Andy Cole and David Kelly, who were ably supported by midfielders Paul Bracewell, Ruel Fox, Gavin Peacock and Rob Lee, and Brian 'Killer' Kilcline (a tough free transfer defender who Keegan later claimed was his best signing) Newcastle secured promotion to the Premier League and then won the First Division Championship, often simply overwhelming opponents along the way (a 7-1 victory over Leicester City being particularly memorable). The Magpies joined the elite for the 1993-94 season and United very quickly became recognised as a serious force, claiming two second place spots and just missing out on the title over the next few seasons. Andy Cole © http://www. ... David Kelly (born 1965) is a retired footballer. ... Paul Bracewell (born 19th July 1962) is a former England international footballer, an excellent midfielder, although his talent was hampered by injuries as the years went by. ... Ruel Fox (born January 14, 1968 in Ipswich, England) is a former football player who played for Norwich City F.C., Newcastle United F.C., Tottenham, and West Bromwich Albion from 1986 to 2002. ... Gavin Peacock (born 18 November 1967 in Eltham, London) is an English former professional football player who played as a midfielder. ... Robert Lee (born February 1, 1966 in West Ham) is an English football player. ... Brian Kilcine (born May 7, 1962 in Nottingham, England) is a former centre-half with Conventry City, Newcastle United, and other clubs, famous for his long hair and moustache. ... In football (soccer), a free transfer involves a team releasing a player once their contract has expired. ... The FA Premier League (often referred to as the Barclays English Premier League for sponsorship reasons) comprises the top 20 football clubs in the league system of English football. ... Leicester City Football Club, nicknamed the Foxes, are an English football team, playing in the Football League Championship. ...

Sir John Hall's millions allowed the club to invest heavily in players, and United's squad became a virtual all international one, containing players from across the globe. Exotic foreign players like David Ginola and Faustino Asprilla, and British stars like the popular and effective veteran Peter Beardsley, striker Les Ferdinand, and later Alan Shearer brought glamour and excitement back to the North East. David Ginola (born January 25, 1967 in Gassin) is a former French international football (soccer) player and also a model. ... Faustino Hernán Asprilla Hinestroza (born November 10, 1969 in Tuluá) is a Colombian football player. ... Peter Andrew Beardsley MBE (born January 18, 1961, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England) was an English footballer who played the game at both domestic and international level for more than 15 years. ... Leslie Ferdinand MBE (born December 18, 1966 in Paddington, London) is an English footballer. ... Alan Shearer, OBE (born 13 August 1970 in Gosforth, Newcastle) is a former English footballer. ...

The first team built up a reputation for playing an attacking, almost cavalier, brand of football under Keegan - their occasionally leaky defence was not a major problem, as the team could almost always score more than they conceded. By Christmas of the 1995 season, Newcastle had built up a seemingly unassailable 15 point lead in the Premier League. Unfortunately this lead proved less secure then Newcastle's supporters, and Keegan himself, had hoped. 1995 (MCMXCV) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Manchester United won the league by four points in the season of 1995/96. The 'mind games' of Manchester's manager Alex Ferguson (who provoked an infamous live-on-TV rant from Keegan), that teams impressive post-Christmas form, or the alteration of Newcastle's direct attacking playing style, and of personnel, that was required to accommodate the mercurial, somewhat unpredictable Asprilla have all been blamed by supporters to explain the devastating capitulation that occurred that season. A more likely explanation is that their lack of defensive nous, coupled with occasional losses in winnable games, proved to be their undoing over the full season. Manchester United Football Club is an English football club, based at Old Trafford Football Ground, Manchester. ... Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson CBE (born 31 December 1941 in Govan, Glasgow) is a Scottish football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United F.C. He has won more trophies than any other manager in the history of English football and been in charge of Manchester United for more...

The points lead that Newcastle United enjoyed at Christmas 1995 was one of the largest to be surrendered by any team in the Premiership, and Newcastle never quite looked the same threat again, although they continued to perform, finishing second again the following season. However a lack of success in English and European cup competitions meant that the clubs long long wait for a trophy did not end under Keegan.

Controversy surrounded the club in 1996 when two board members, Douglas Hall, son of Chairman Sir John Hall, and Freddie Shepherd made a series of remarks to an undercover tabloid journalist. They ridiculed Alan Shearer, called the supporters "stupid" for paying through the nose for the cheap shirts they like wearing, and stated that they preferred to do their whoring abroad because the women of Newcastle "are all dogs". Almost unbelievably, Shepherd subsequently became Chairman! To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Keegan's resignation in January 1997 came unexpectedly on the heels of a 7-1 victory for his club, against Tottenham Hotspur, although fans felt it had been brewing for some time, despite a memorable 5-0 thumping of Manchester United in October 1996.

Falling behind the pack (1997 - 1999)

Keegan's replacement as manager was Kenny Dalglish, who it was felt would help solidify the team defensively. In their first season under his guidance Newcastle entered the Champions League, and reached the FA Cup final only to fall to a defeat by Arsenal. However, Dalglish's cautious brand of football proved unpopular with supporters used to Newcastle's previous swashbuckling style; more importantly this cautious style was not producing results. Several unsuccessful transfer deals along with a poor start to the 1998 / 1999 season led to Dalglish being sacked. Kenneth Kenny Mathieson Dalglish MBE (born March 4, 1951, Dalmarnock, Glasgow, Scotland) is a former Scottish international football player. ... Official logo The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for the most successful football clubs in Europe. ... The FA Cup - this is the fourth trophy, in use since 1992, and identical in design to the third trophy introduced in 1911. ... Arsenal Football Club (also known as Arsenal, The Arsenal or The Gunners) are an English professional football club based in north London. ...

Ruud Gullit, a trophy winning manager with Chelsea a few years previously, was put in charge promising to bring back 'sexy football' to Newcastle. The team again started promisingly, and reached the FA Cup final that season. Unfortunately this time around they were to lose to Manchester United. Gullit also made some high profile mistakes in the transfer market (notably, Spanish defender Marcelino and forward Silvio Maric bore the brunt of supporters frustrations). Less forgivably, he also fell out with several senior players, including Alan Shearer, and the club captain Rob Lee, who had been the heartbeat of the team for the previous half decade. A humiliating loss to once arch-rivals Sunderland, and a dreadful start to the 1999 / 00 season prompted his resignation. Gullit was captain of the Netherlands team that won the 1988 European Football Championship Ruud Gullit (born September 1, 1962) was a Dutch star football player of the 80s and 90s. ... Marcelino Elena (born 26 September 1971 in Asturias) is a Spanish professional football player who plays as a defender. ... Silvio Marić (born March 20, 1975) is a Croatian professional football (soccer) player who currently plays for Dinamo Zagreb. ... Sunderland Association Football Club (Sunderland AFC or SAFC) is a professional football club, based at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, North-East England. ...

Back with the leading pack (1999 - 2004)

Veteran ex-England manager, and local boy, Sir Bobby Robson was brought in to replace Gullit. His first job, unthinkable a few years previously, was to ensure Newcastle's survival in the Premiership. This was achieved, at the expense of stylish football, but with Lee and Shearer back onside. Over the next few seasons Robson built up an exciting young squad, as well as getting to an Inter-Toto Cup final against Troyes AC, which they lost on away goals after a 4-4 draw at home. Players such as Kieron Dyer (a Gullit signing), Craig Bellamy and Laurent Robert ensured the team were capable of once again punching their weight in the league. An unlikely Championship challenge almost emerged in the last few weeks of the 2002/2003 season, and Newcastle achieved qualification for the lucrative Champions' League. Sir Bobby Robson Sir Robert William Robson CBE, known as Sir Bobby Robson (born February 18, 1933) is a football manager and former football player. ... The Inter-Toto Cup is a mini tournament which allows clubs to apply to participate in the hope of qualifying for the UEFA Cup. ... Troyes AC, full name Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube Champagne, is a French football club, based in Troyes. ... Image © soccer-europe. ... Image:Bellamy craig nufc profile 2004. ... Laurent Robert (born May 21, 1975 in Saint Benoît, Réunion) is a French left winger who currently plays for Benfica of the Portuguese SuperLiga. ... Official logo The UEFA Champions League is an annual club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for the most successful football clubs in Europe. ...

The 2002/2003 season was a particularly colourful one for Newcastle on the European stage. In the first group stage, Newcastle lost their first three matches in a row, then, in an astonishing reversal, shocked Italian giants Juventus 1-0 at St James' Park. They then controversially beat Dinamo Kiev 2-1 in Newcastle before winning the crucial last match, away to Feyenoord, 3-2 in injury time, with striker Craig Bellamy scoring the injury time winner. With Dinamo Kiev losing at home to Juventus, Newcastle progressed to the second round. Juventus Football Club (Latin for Youth, pronounced yoo-VEHN-toos) is one of Italys oldest and most successful football clubs, based in Turin. ... Feyenoord Rotterdam is a popular Dutch football club from the city of Rotterdam. ... Image:Bellamy craig nufc profile 2004. ... FC Dynamo Kyiv is a professional football club from the Ukrainian capital, Kiev (Kyiv). ...

That same striker Craig Bellamy was later involved in an on-pitch brawl with Internazionale defender Marco Materazzi. Bellamy was sent off, and was punished further by a three-match ban. Compounding the disaster for Newcastle was the suspension of influential captain Alan Shearer for a similar incident, although the punishment was just a two-match ban. Newcastle went on to lose 1-4 at home. Internazionale Milano Football Club is an Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, which plays in the Serie A. It is more commonly known as Inter, and often named Inter Milan in foreign countries. ... Marco Materazzi (born August 19, 1973 in Lecce) is an Italian football (soccer) defender, who currently plays for Serie A club Internazionale. ...

Shearer returned in the fourth game in the 4-team group, scoring all three goals in a 3-1 demolition of Bayer Leverkusen at home. Despite a superb performance against Internazionale in the famous San Siro, only to draw 2-2, Newcastle lost at home 2-0 to Barcelona and dropped out of the Champions League. This article is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... FC Barcelona is a polideportivo that operates a number of sports teams in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. ...

The 2003/2004 season saw Newcastle drop out of the Champions League at the first hurdle, they beat Partizan Belgrade 1-0 away from home, but then lost 1-0 at St James' Park and were eliminated via the penalty shootout. This defeat dropped Newcastle into the first round of the UEFA Cup. Newcastle reached the semifinals of the UEFA Cup in the 2003/2004 season, defeating NAC Breda, FC Basel, Vålerenga, Mallorca and PSV along the way, before eventually being knocked out by Olympique Marseille 2-0 on aggregate. For the SOKO SA.342 Partizan helicopter, see Aérospatiale Gazelle. ... NAC Breda is a Dutch football club from Breda. ... FC Basel (short for Fussballclub Basel) is a Swiss football club based in Basel. ... VÃ¥lerenga I.F. is a Norwegian football club from Oslo, founded in 1913, and the current champions of Norway. ... Real Club Deportivo Mallorca is a Spanish football team from Palma de Mallorca. ... Philips Sport Vereniging (English: Philips Sports Union), widely known either as PSV or PSV Eindhoven, is a sports club from Eindhoven, the Netherlands. ... Olympique de Marseille is a football team that plays in Ligue 1, the top level of the French Football League, based in Marseille. ...

Newcastle finished 5th in the Premiership at the end of the 2003/2004 season, which ensured qualification for the UEFA Cup once again for the 2004/2005 season.

Another Setback (Since 2004)

After nearly five years in charge, Sir Bobby Robson was dismissed on August 30, 2004 following a poor start to the 2004-05 season and alleged discontent in the dressing room. A split had grown between Robson and the club owners when they had made a number of high-profile signings, apparently without consulting him - in particular that of Patrick Kluivert. He was further undermined by the club's high profile, but futile, offer for Wayne Rooney who instead moved to Manchester United. Robson later stated his dismay at the tendency for overpaid young players to demand all the perks without proving themselves on the pitch. Events during the ensuing season, on and off the pitch have gone a long way to confirm Robson's assessment. Robson was later given a £1 million severance payment. August 30 is the 242nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (243rd in leap years), with 123 days remaining. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Patrick Kluivert (born July 1, 1976 in Amsterdam) is a Dutch international football striker who currently plays for Valencia in the Spanish First Division. ... Wayne Mark Rooney (born 24 October 1985 in Liverpool, England) is widely considered to be one of the leading young talents in world football - in September 2005 he was selected by his fellow professionals as the inaugural FIFPro World Young Player of the Year. ...

Graeme Souness replaced Robson on September 13, two days after the Magpies' match against Souness' former club Blackburn Rovers. After initial good results, the team soon became mired in the bottom half of the table, remaining there for the rest of the season, and opinions on Souness are mixed among fans. Graeme Souness when he was manager of Newcastle United Image © soccer-europe. ... September 13 is the 256th day of the year (257th in leap years). ... Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. ...

Following a training ground spat, Newcastle have been forced to let go one of their main assets Craig Bellamy, while their dip in performance due to the absence of Shearer through injury has worried the fan base. Despite the heavy investment of the last ten years in high profile transfers and the benefit of Alan Shearer, Newcastle is conspicuous in having failed to secure a major title. There is also such a growing gap between teams like Newcastle and the top flight of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea that it is unlikely the club will succeed in the near future.

In November 2004 Club Chairman Freddy Shepherd again caused controversy, stating there was no debt owed by the 'elite' clubs of the Premiership to the rest of The FA—but with his own team underperforming this was somewhat ironic as well as inappropriate. 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In April 2005, Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer came to blows during a Premiership match against Aston Villa, in an incident later described as 'the blackest day' by Shepherd. Bowyer was fined six weeks' wages (about £200,000), and both players received playing bans by The FA. The event overshadowed the announcement that Alan Shearer had extended his playing contract for a further year, and was to take up a coaching role with the club. 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Image © soccer-europe. ... Lee David Bowyer (born January 3, 1977 in Newham, London) is a professional football player who currently plays for FA Premier League side Newcastle United. ... Aston Villa redirects here. ...

Newcastle had won the home leg of their UEFA cup Quarter final against Sporting Lisbon in April, but were comprehensively outplayed during the away match and lost 4 - 1, in the process suffering several injuries. In the same week they played Manchester United in an FA Cup semifinal at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. The scoreline, again 4 - 1, reflected the one-sided nature of the encounter. This left the Intertoto Cup as the team's only route into European competition in the 2005/06 season. During this campaign a rift opened up between Souness and Shepherd with the Manager complaining that an already thin squad after a poor transfer season (the promised major signings having not materialised) was not up to the challenge. Sporting Clube de Portugal (pron. ... Manchester United Football Club is an English football club, based at Old Trafford Football Ground, Manchester. ... The Millennium Stadium (Welsh: Stadiwm y Mileniwm) in Cardiff is the national stadium of Wales, used primarily for rugby union and association football. ... The Norman Keep, Cardiff Castle. ... The UEFA Intertoto Cup is a summer football competition for European clubs that have not qualified for one of the main UEFA competitions (the Champions League and the UEFA Cup). ...

In July 2005 rumours circulated that the club was being stalked with a new buyer but this later emerged to be the Shepherds consolidating their interests. In August 2005 they were eliminated from the Intertoto Cup after a 4-2 aggregate loss to Deportivo La Coruna, which left the club out of European competition for the 2005/06 season. 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In August 2005, the club signed Michael Owen for a record £17 million from Real Madrid, surpassing the previous £15 million Newcastle paid to Blackburn Rovers for Alan Shearer, in what was arguably the biggest transfer since then. This transfer was seen by many as unlikely because Owen's former team, Liverpool were thought to be his next destination. 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... For other people named Michael Owen, see Michael Owen (disambiguation). ... Real Madrid is a Spanish sports club best known for its football team which is ranked as The 20th Centurys Best Club by FIFA. They play their home games at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. ... Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. ... Liverpool Football Club (usually known simply as Liverpool) is an English football club that is based in Liverpool, Merseyside; current holders of the English FA Cup (2006), they are the most successful English football team of all time. ...

Late February 2006 manager Graeme Souness was fired from his position as manager, and ex West Ham manager Glen Roeder was put in charge as caretaker until a new manager was appointed. After guiding the team from 14th place, to 7th place by the end of the season, Roeder was given the job on a permenant basis with a two year contract. Glenn Roeder, (born December 13, 1955), is an English football manager and former player. ...