1997-98 Season - March
There was some good news with a first FA Cup semi-final for almost a quarter of a century, however poor Premiership form saw us tumbling down to 15th.
But the stories that really hit the headlines were all off the pitch.
Monday 02 Mar 1998
A Sun "exclusive" informs the World that Keith Gillespie required hospital treatment for a head injury inflicted when he was involved in "horseplay" with Alan Shearer on the club's bonding break in Dublin.
Terry McDermott said "no one else involved". Shearer said "He just slipped." Gillespie said "I can't remember a thing - but I feel fine."
Friday 06 Mar 1998
Gillespie is arrested (but not charged) after an incident in Gateshead.
Sunday 08 Mar 1998 - FAC6 - Newcastle 3 Barnsley 1
Newcastle reach the semi-final of the FA Cup after a thrilling and frenetic victory over Barnsley.
The Magpies get off to a great start against struggling Barnsley with goals from Ketsbaia and Speed making it 2-0 after 26 minutes.
The Yorkshiremen reduce the arrears but the controversial sending-off of Adie Moses after 75 minutes nullifies their threat and Batty adds a third deep into injury time.
The Tykes manager Danny Wilson is furious claiming that Shearer had been cossetted by Scunthorpe referee Neale Barry and adding "I don't know how Shearer gets away with some of the things he does. He gets his hands round people and he gets hold of people".
Gillespie is left out after "allegedly" having the runs.
Monday 09 Mar 1998
Greek international central defender Nikolaos Dabizas signs for £2 million from Olympiakos.
Tuesday 10 Mar 1998
Newcastle are reported to be one of a number of clubs keeping a close eye on Paul Gascoigne's situation at Rangers.
Saturday 14 Mar 1998 - Prem - Newcastle 0 Coventry 0
United play out a dreadful bore draw with Coventry. The only positive is an assured debut for Dabizas after he comes on as a 29th minute substitute.
Sunday 15 Mar 1998
The NoW leads on a story which shames United Chairman Freddy Shepherd and director Douglas Hall. The pair were victims of a not too elaborate sting and were recorded mocking fans, North East women and Alan Shearer whilst also boasting of their female conquests and of fooling Manchester United into buying the "crocked" Cole.
Monday 16 Mar 1998
United and kit makers Adidas release a joint statement which reads: "Claims about the cost of Adidas football shirts are not correct. In fact the shirts are made in the UK and cost considerably more.
It didn't impress either the City or some fans. Share values plummet and many supporters are quick to make their feelings known. Independent Newcastle United Supporters Association Chairman Kevin Miles believes that if the allegations are true they must resign.
Tuesday 17 Mar 1998
The disgraced duo issue an apology but it doesn't dampen rumours that one or both will be forced to vacate their positions.
Wednesday 18 Mar 1998 - Prem - Newcastle 1 C Palace 2
More problems as United lose at home to bottom placed Crystal Palace with Dalglish admitting that the club (4 points ahead of the drop zone) are in a relegation battle.
Kenny refuses to blame the off-field distractions and the fans reaction is one of passionate support for the team.
TThursday 19 Mar 1998
United issue a statement advising that Shepherd and Hall will be staying on board.
Newcastle United Independent Supporters' Association secretary John Regan is not happy "Their arrogance belies belief - they are refusing to go despite massive public support against them".
It was a viewpoint that the media wanted everybody to believe but many others are talking of witch hunts against the club and are preaching forgiveness.
Sunday 22 Mar 1998
Shepherd fails in a High Court bid and more revelations are published with Shepherd and Hall slagging off everyone from the Italian nation to Mohammed Al Fayed to the girlfriends of Hall's 12-year-old son.
Sports Minister Tony Banks launches a blistering attack and demands their immediate resignation.
Monday 23 Mar 1998
Hall and Shepherd are forced to resign after the PLC directors hold an emergency meeting .
A glimmer of good news as PLC chairman Sir Terence Harrison announces a sharp rise in half-year profits before tax, up from £6.4million to £11.6million.
Former Newcastle striker Malcolm Macdonald is making his views heard to anyone who will listen. He calls for supporter involvement in the boardroom and suggests that "The Geordie people are very understanding and broad-minded - they'll let you get away with murder sometimes as long as you apologise afterwards".
Tuesday 24 Mar 1998
In a shock comeback, Hall senior is drafted back in as chairman. "It is going to take time to heal the pain we've all suffered" he stated " but together we can come out of this".
But Sir John and Keegan are quick to offer some support. Said Sir John "They were the ones who got me back into football. They were the ones that brought Kevin (Keegan). They're responsible for the stadium and all the new development, so let nobody forget what they've done for this club and the region in the past."
Kev chipped in with "I am sad that, however inevitable their departures became, the club have lost two men who turned Newcastle into the major power as we know it today, There would have been no Alan Shearer at Newcastle without their support and courage in breaking all records with that £15million transfer fee. I'm not prepared to forget the good they did before the bad that finished them."
Half a million secures the signatures of Darlington youngsters Paul Robinson, 19, and James Coppinger, 17.
Saturday 28 Mar 1998 - Prem - Southampton 2 Newcastle 1
United suffer their usual reverse at The Dell after - as usual - conceding a late goal.
Newcastle go ahead through Lee and only a brilliant save from Paul Jones prevents Shearer making it two. But United's momentum goes when captain Rob Lee hobbles off and two goalmouth scrambles lead to goals in the 69th (Pearce og) and 87th (Le Tissier pen) minutes secures victory for The Saints.
Tuesday 31 Mar 1998 - Prem - Wimbledon 0 Newcastle 0
Dalglish makes 6 changes for the match at Selhurst Park and the result is a dour goalless draw between two sides battling to stay up. The Dons win 3-0 on shots on target. Luckily fellow strugglers Bolton and Barnsley both lose.
United remain 15th, five points clear of the drop zone.