United's Premiership collapse in 1995/96 was seen mainly as a failure to defend at crucial stages of the game therefore it came as no surprise that £15 million was spent on another centre-forward. Keegan had been ready to quit, but the capture of Shearer re-kindled the spirit of both manager and fans.

The season started badly with a four goal defeat to Man United in the Charity Shield at Wembley followed by two defeats in the first three Premier games.

Seven League wins on the trot culminating in the 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United suggested that confidence had returned. However United's form deteriorated again and Keegan resigned withouth so much as a goodbye.

Kenny Dalglish replaced him and after a stuttering start which brought exits in both the FA and UEFA Cups some fans were getting on Dalglish's back with one even offering him the shirt off his own.

However United became harder to beat and they gradually climbed the table until they reached second on the final day of the season which earned them a place in the Champions League for the first time.

The Magpies once more finished as runners-up to Manchester United, but this was a significantly different campaign to 1996/96. Newcastle finished 7 points behind Manchester United who amassed less points than Newcastle did last season and only sneaked into second-place on the last day of the season.

Although Newcastle lost two of the first three games they followed up with 7 wins in a row culminating in the famous 5-0 win over Manchester United. They led the table.

Then came a downturn as the next seven Premiership games brought 4 draws and 3 defeats as injuries to Shearer and then Ferdinand disrupted the team.

Although Newcastle bounced back to thrash Tottenham and beat Leeds, Keegan resigned. Kenny Dalglish took over and United finished strongly, only losing two more games all season.

On the final day of the season Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal could still finish as runners-up and qualify for the Champions League. Liverpool could only draw whilst both United and the Gunners won leaving them all with 68 points; Newcastle having the best goal difference. The relegation of Sunderland and Middlesbrough at the same time made it quite a day.

Squad

Total Number of Matches:

Total Number of Goals:

Team

01: Hislop/Srnicek

02: Watson

03: Beresford/Elliot

04: Batty

05: Howey > Peacock

06: Albert

07: Lee

08: Beardstey

09: Shearer

10 Ferdinand

11: Ginola> Gillespie/Elliot

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