NUFC Season Summaries

NUFC Season 1999/00

As in the previous summer the manager was allowed to spend wads of cash with Goma, Dumas, Dyer and Marcellino, costing a cool £17 million and much was expected of Ruud's reshaped squad.

Three defeats and a draw in the first four games sent United to the bottom. Then when United lost to Sunderland at home with Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson confined to bench duty until it was too late Freddy persuaded another manager to "resign".

This time he got the man that he originally wanted to replace Keegan: Bobby Robson. It was a shrewd move as not only did he bring vast experience he also carried the goodwill of a returning hero.

United lost to Chelsea in his first match (making it 1 point out of 21) but an 8-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in his first home game infused the side with belief. It was a long road back but United only lost 8 more games all season and mainly due to their excellent form at St James' they clambered back up to 11th.

With the coffers empty and ground redevelopment underway there was precious little money available for new players and Bobby spent wisely with the addition of the experienced Kevin Gallagher and Helder.

Less auspicious arrivals were South Americans Fumaca (on loan) and Diego Gavillan.

Wembley was reached for the third year in succession although United only got as fas as the semis this time. There were goals galore as Spurs (6-1), Sheff Utd (4-1), Blackburn (2-1) and Tranmere (3-2) were seen off before United unluckily fell to Chelsea despite having most of the play. At least some pride had been restored.

In the UEFA Cup The Magpies beat CSKA Sofia and FC Zurich before succumbing to Roma.

Birmingham beat us at the first time of asking in the League Cup.