NUFC Season Summaries

NUFC Season 1996/97

United's Premiership give away 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.

KK had been ready to quit but the capture of one 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.

But seven League wins on the trot culminating in the 5-0 mauling of the Mancunians on October 20th had the critics choking on their words.

Then just as suddenly came the downturn as the next seven Premiership games brought 4 draws and 3 defeats as injuries to Shearer and then Ferdinand appeared to disrupt the team.

The last game in that run - a 2-1 defeat at Blackburn - saw Keegan tender his resignation but (as at the end of 1995/96) it was not accepted.

Thumping home victories over Spurs and Leeds were followed by a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup at Charlton and all of a sudden the King had abdicated with not even a goodbye.

Kenny 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.

Then, following an unbeaten run of 10 games The Magpies stormed into 2nd place on the last day of the season to qualify for the Champions League for the first ever time.