1996–97 Newcastle United F.C. season

June 2020 March 2015 May 2020 Newcastle United 1996–97 John Hall Kevin Keegan(until 8 January)Terry McDermott (caretaker, from 8 January to 14 January) Kenny Dalglish(from 14 January) Chairman St James' Park FA Premier League 2nd FA Cup Fourth round League Cup Fourth round FA Charity Shield Runners-up UEFA Cup Quarter-finals Alan Shearer (25) Alan Shearer (28) 36,582 (vs. Sunderland) 28,124 (vs. Halmstad) 36,467 _nufc9597h _nufc9597h _nufc9597h _adidaswhite _nufc9597h 000000 000000 _nufc9697a _nufc9697a _nufc9697a 6796d2 6796d2 1995–96 1997–98 The 1996–97 season saw English professional football club Newcastle United participate in the FA Premier League for the fourth consecutive season since their promotion from the Football League First Division in 1993. Season summary After the disappointment of finishing runner-up to Manchester United in the previous campaign,https://www.premierleague.com/tables?co=1&se=4&ha=-1 Premier League 5 May 1996 4 August 2020 despite having at one stage held a 12-point lead over their rivals,https://www.esquire.com/uk/culture/a19492493/newcastle-united-entertainers/ That Sinking Feeling: How Newcastle United Blew A 12-Point Lead And Broke My 10-Year-Old-Heart Esquire 30 April 2016 4 August 2020 the club responded by signing Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers in July 1996.http://www.themoscowtimes.com/sitemap/free/1996/7/article/320745.html Record Transfer Sees Shearer to Newcastle themoscowtimes.com 30 July 1996 Shearer would go on to become the all-time leading goalscorer in Newcastle United's history,https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2006/02/05/sfgnew05.xml St James' joy at Shearer record 21 July 2008 Louise Taylor The Daily Telegraph 4 February 2006 LondonJuly 2021 medicmedic but began his career at the club inauspiciously – his debut came against Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in the 1996 FA Charity Shield, a game that Newcastle lost 4–0. Newcastle quickly recovered and started the league campaign well, winning seven of their opening eight games. A 5–0 victory over Manchester United on 20 October 1996 at St James' Park seemed to confirm that a strong title challenge would again be mounted,https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-5-man-united-side-12043292#:~:text=It's%2023%20years%20since%20Newcastle,to%20be%20their%20second%20team Newcastle 5-0 Man United: A tribute to the team that hammered the Red Devils 4 August 2020 The Chronicle 20 October 2019 but a subsequent poor run of form including a run of seven games without a win, saw the title challenge falter and ultimately culminated in the resignation of manager Kevin Keegan on 7 January 1997. Keegan's replacement, Kenny Dalglish, was appointed on 14 January 1997 and was in charge as United lost 4–3 at Anfield for the second successive year.https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-uniteds-most-memorable-managers-9422868 Newcastle United's most memorable managers: Kenny Dalglish sold our crown jewels 4 August 2020 The Chronicle 20 October 2019https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/232138-no-4-liverpool-4-3-newcastle-united-1997 No.4: Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United (1997) 4 August 2020 Liverpool FC However, a late season surge in form, including a crucial win at Highbury on 3 May 1997 and a 5–0 rout of Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season, saw the club overtake Liverpool and Arsenal to finish runner-up again to Manchester United and qualify for the Champions League. Performance in the cup competitions was mixed. The team were knocked out of the League Cup in the fourth round by local rivals Middlesbrough, who went on to reach the final. Ian Woan scored twice in the last fifteen minutes of a fourth round FA Cup tie at St James' Park to knock the home side out of the competition, whilst in the 1996–97 UEFA Cup, Newcastle performed better and reached the quarter-finals but were ultimately beaten 4–0 on aggregate by French side AS Monaco. Transfers thumb|right|Alan Shearer was the club's only signing in the 1996–97 pre-season. He arrived for a world record £15m fee. Keegan responded to the previous season's disappointment by breaking the world record transfer fee to sign centre forward Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers for £15 million.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/shearer-goes-home-for-pounds-15m-1331235.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/shearer-goes-home-for-pounds-15m-1331235.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Shearer goes home for £15m The Independent Simon Nixon 30 July 1996 7 May 2013 Shearer, whose five goals made him the top scorer in Euro 96,http://www.thefa.com/euro2004/History/Postings/2003/01/36689.htm dead 1996 European Championship 13 August 2008 The Football Association https://archive.today/20080704194447/http://www.thefa.com/Euro2004/History/Postings/2003/01/36689.htm 4 July 2008 had supported Newcastle since childhood – he had been a ball-boy at St James' Park on the day that Keegan had left in a helicopter after his final Newcastle appearance as a player.http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/entertainers-memories-flood-back-shearer-1405226 Entertainers memories flood back for Shearer Lee Ryder Newcastle Evening Chronicle 4 October 2011 9 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140729054825/http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/entertainers-memories-flood-back-shearer-1405226 29 July 2014 live He rejected offers to manage BlackburnStay and be Manager, Shearer The Daily Mirror Steve Millar 31 July 1996 and to play for Manchester United to join the club who had rejected him after he had played in goal for two days during a trial as a teenager.Newcastle gave Shearer a trial – in goal The Irish Times 31 July 1996 The signing was confirmed by the manager on 30 July 1996 and was officially unveiled a week later in front of hundreds of journalists and around 15,000 fans who queued in the stadium car parks hoping to catch a glimpse of the player.https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/30/sports/30iht-soccer.t_3.html Newcastle pay record $23m for Shearer Rob Hughes The New York Times 30 July 1996 9 July 2013https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jul/30/guardianbookoffootball2 The money won't change me – I'm only a sheet metal worker's son from Gosforth Ian White The Guardian 30 July 2008 9 July 2013 Keegan told the assembled fans "It's [the transfer fee] your money. It's the money you've spent on your replica shirts, the money you've spent on your season tickets and your bonds, the programmes and the Black and White magazines" whilst chairman Sir John Hall stated that "now we must get some silverware in the cupboard. In some ways it's a ridiculous price to pay but we've proved we mean business".Shearer to walk the line for Newcastle Mike Walker The Irish Times 7 August 1996 Both refuted claims that Les Ferdinand would be sold to part fund the signing, with Keegan stating "despite what some people think, I think they will make a terrific strike force. I think they can both take each other places where they dream about going" and that "they will form the most potent strike-force in world football". It was also confirmed that Ferdinand would give Shearer the number nine shirt for the new season. Forward Darren Huckerby was loaned out to Millwall F.C in November 1996 before signing for Coventry City F.C for £1 million.https://www.premierleague.com/players/1082/Darren-Huckerby/overview Newcastle 2 Hull City 0 Premier League 4 August 2020 Kenny Dalglish sold Forward Paul Kitson to West Ham United F.C for £1,200,000 in February 1997, whilst Midfielder Des Hamilton was signed in March 1997 from Bradford City F.C. for £2,500,000, having fought off competition from Middlesbrough. Hamilton was injured at the time of his arrival and did not make his debut until the following season.http://www.sportinglife.com/football/premiership/newcastle/reports/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/97/10/15/SOCCER_Newcastle_Lead.html&TEAMHD=newcastle&DIV=nat1&TEAM=NEWCASTLE--UNITED&RH=Newcastle--United&PREV_SEASON=1996 Newcastle 2 Hull City 0 Carl Liddle Sporting Life 10 September 2010 April 2024 InternetArchiveBot yes In No.PositionPlayerTransferred fromFeeDateRef9FWENG Alan ShearerENG Blackburn Rovers£15,000,00030 July 199622MFENG Des HamiltonENG Bradford City£2,500,00027 March 1997https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-dalglish-snaps-up-hamilton-for-pounds-25m-1275353.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-dalglish-snaps-up-hamilton-for-pounds-25m-1275353.html 1 May 2022 subscription Football: Dalglish snaps up Hamilton for £2.5m Alan Nixon The Independent 27 March 1997 9 July 2013 Out No.PositionPlayerTransferred toFeeDateRef16FWENG Darren HuckerbyENG Coventry City£1,000,00023 November 1996Spencer joins QPR for £2.5m Nick Duxbury The Independent 22 November 199628FWENG Paul KitsonENG West Ham United£1,200,000 6 February 1997https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2010/jan/29/joy-of-six-game-breaking-transfers The Joy of Six: Game-breaking transfers during the season | Sid Lowe TheGuardian.com 29 January 2010 Managerial changes Brian McNally in the Sunday Mirror said that Keegan had offered to resign after failing to win the league championship in May 1996 but that he was dissuaded from quitting at that time, and that he had offered to leave again after the 1996 Boxing Day defeat at Blackburn Rovers, telling the board that "he had taken the club as far as he could", but was dissuaded from leaving by Douglas Hall. McNally wrote: "the ghost of last season's spectacular championship fade-out still haunts Keegan. The simple truth is that Keegan hasn't mentally recovered from the choking disappointment of blowing the title seven months ago. As Manchester United gnawed away at Newcastle's seemingly unassailable advantage, Keegan became increasingly morose, withdrawn and bewildered". McNally was called to a three-hour meeting with club directors and told that there was no pressure on Keegan from the board and that his position was completely secure.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Keegan+Halled+back+from+the+brink%3B+BRIAN+MCNALLY+examines+the+events...-a061140835 Keegan Halled back from the brink; Brian McNally examines the events that led to Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan contemplating quitting in the middle of the Xmas programme. And he looks at the pressure on Keegan to win a major trophy.(Sport) Sunday Mirror Brian McNally 5 January 1997 16 July 2013 Keegan reacted furiously when questioned about the story at the end of a press conference after the FA Cup tie with Charlton Athletic, storming out after stating "I'm here to talk about the game. You know the guy who wrote that. End of story."Football: 'Resignation' story angers Keegan Glenn Moore The Independent 6 January 1997 However, on 8 January 1997, Kevin Keegan resigned as manager of Newcastle United. He released a statement which read: "It was my decision alone. I feel I have taken the club as far as I can and that it would be in the best interest of all concerned if I resign now."https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/09/sports/09iht-keegan.t_0.html Keegan quits Newcastle in mid-season Rob Hughes The New York Times 9 January 1997 16 July 2013 Despite his previous offers to leave, the resignation drew a shocked reaction from his assistant, Terry McDermottShocked reactions to the news from Tyneside The Independent 9 January 1997 and drew comment from both the Mayor of Newcastle and the leader of the Labour Party, Tony Blair.God falls, grown men weep. (Newcastle United soccer team coach, Kevin Keegan, resigns)(Brief Article) The Economist 9 January 1997 Several media sources reported outpourings of grief among Newcastle fansKevin and Hell!; Geordies mourn for their hero Daily Record Richard Tanner 9 January 1997http://www.thefreelibrary.com/HOWAY+THE+SAD%3B+TOON+IN+MOURNING+AS+KEV+THE+KING+OF+SOCCER+QUITS.-a061105296 Howay the Sad; Toon in mourning as Kev the King of soccer quits Daily Mirror Jeremy Armstrong 9 January 1997 16 July 2013 though eye-witness Ian Cusack at When Saturday Comes later claimed: "I saw the stage-managed outpourings of false emotion at first hand. The composition of the crowd of around 400 that had gathered at the ground was a sociologist’s wet dream: the retired, the unemployed, the terminally lazy and the socially inadequate..As the untidy throng assembled outside the ground it became clear that this could not be a representative sample of Newcastle fans, if such a thing exists, and that they could be manipulated into acting the way the media wanted...photographers organized posed shots of supposedly broken-hearted youths clinging onto each other for support and news crews interviewed sobbing fans whose expressions often erred too close to smirks to be totally convincing."http://www.wsc.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6581&Itemid=29 Mourning all? When Saturday Comes Ian Cusack March 1997 16 July 2013 McDermott and Arthur Cox were placed in temporary charge of the first team.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-dalglish-poised-to-take-over-after-keegan-quits-newcastle-1282383.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-dalglish-poised-to-take-over-after-keegan-quits-newcastle-1282383.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Football: Dalglish poised to take over after Keegan quits Newcastle Alan Nixon The Independent 9 January 1997 17 July 2013 The board had selected Bobby Robson as their first choice replacement and approached him to offer the position. Robson, a boyhood Newcastle supporter born in nearby Sacriston, was the manager of Barcelona at that time and refused to break his contract with the Catalan club, later stating: "Newcastle is my area, my home, but I turned down the job and I'm not looking back. It was the right job but it came at the wrong time and that's that. I'd barely arrived at Barcelona and I wasn't going to let it go just like that."https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/robson-pays-homage-to-life-in-catalonia-1239246.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/robson-pays-homage-to-life-in-catalonia-1239246.html 1 May 2022 subscription Robson pays homage to life in Catalonia The Independent John Carlin 15 September 1997 17 July 2013 The board then moved to appoint their second choice, Kenny Dalglish, who had initially been the bookmakers' favourite to take over from Keegan and was out of work after having quit as Director of Football at Blackburn Rovers after they failed to win the FA Premier League in 1996. The board felt that Dalglish would be able to strengthen the side defensively. The appointment was confirmed in a press conference at St James' Park on 14 January 1997, with the new manager telling the press: "The temptation of a job like this was too much to refuse. Kevin has set tremendous foundations here. I just hope that Kevin, having made his decision, is perfectly happy and content with himself."Dalglish accepts the challenge Simon Turnbull The Independent 17 January 1997 Pre-season In July 1996, Newcastle undertook a tour in the Far East, starting in Thailand. After arriving, Keegan voiced his surprise at the many people he saw wearing Newcastle replica shirts, claimed that the official club magazine sold 20,000 copies in the country and that the club were "the biggest rivals to Manchester United worldwide".http://www.thefreelibrary.com/When+I+came+Sir+John+was+a+multi+millionaire+now+he%27s+JUST+A...-a061310256 When I came Sir John was a multi millionaire now he's just a millionaire! Kevin Keegan on Mr. Newcastle Steve Millar Daily Mirror 1 August 1996 10 July 2013 Newcastle played a Thailand national XI in Bangkok on 30 July, falling behind early in the game but they were level at halftime thanks to a goal from Asprilla and won the game 2–1 after a second half strike from Rob Lee.Asprilla fights back with a goal The Irish Times 31 July 1996 United then travelled to Singapore to play a Singapore League Select XI at the National Stadium, though the game itself was overshadowed by the announcement of Alan Shearer's transfer – Keegan had to veto plans to parade the new signing in a cavalcade around the stadium even though Shearer was not even named among the substitutes. The match, played in front of a capacity crowd of 50,000, saw Newcastle run out easy 5–0 winners thanks largely to an excellent performance by David Ginola, who scored two of the goals.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/If+you+want+a+Rolex+you+steal+it+or+save+up.+I+saved+up+for+Al%3B+By...-a061317780 If you want a Rolex you steal it or save up. I saved up for Al; by Kevin Keegan Steve Millar Daily Mirror 2 August 1996 10 July 2013 The final game of the tour was in Japan against Gamba Osaka. After problems had seen Shearer required to fly on a separate plane and Asprilla held by customs for lack of a visa,http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHEARER+BANNED+FROM+NEWCASTLE+PLANE.-a061310341 Shearer banned from Newcastle plane Steve Millar Daily Mirror 3 August 1996 10 July 2013 Newcastle produced a very poor performance and were beaten 3–1 after two first half goals from Hans Gillhaus and a second half strike by Vjekoslav Škrinjar. Keegan was extremely critical of his players after the game, telling reporters: "I'm embarrassed. This is a tour before what we hope is going to be a championship winning season [but] very few players came out of this match with any credit. Some of our lads thought it was going to be a canter. I just had to stop watching in the second-half. It was poor. As simple as that".http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Japainese%3B+Land+of+the+Rising+Stun...Keegan%27s+pounds+60million...-a061326844 Japainese; Land of the Rising Stun...Keegan's £60 million kamikaze squad crash. Steve Millar Daily Mirror 5 August 1996 10 July 2013 United returned home after the Gamba defeat and played Lincoln City at Sincil Bank. This match saw the first appearance of Alan Shearer in the side – his debut attracted over 200 journalists from around the world – and Shearer marked the occasion with a first half goal from the penalty spot. Philippe Albert scored a second after the break to give United a 2–0 win.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-sparks-invasion-of-lincoln-1309059.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-sparks-invasion-of-lincoln-1309059.html 1 May 2022 subscription Shearer sparks invasion of Lincoln Simon Turnbull The Independent 10 August 1996 10 July 2013 Newcastle completed their pre-season preparations with a 2–1 victory at Belgian league runners-up Anderlecht. Shearer and Asprilla combined just before the half time interval and the latter finished calmly to give the visitors a 1–0 half-time lead. A disputed penalty was awarded against Keith Gillespie on 60 minutes which allowed Gilles De Bilde to equalize, but United won the game thanks to a low finish by Ginola.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/THAT+AL+DO+NICELY!%3B+Anderlecht+1,+Newcastle+2.-a061311065 That Al do nicely! Anderlecht 1 Newcastle 2 John Edwards Daily Mirror 14 August 1996 10 July 2013 Pre-season results 30 July 1996 Thailand 1–2 W Newcastle United Srithong-in 22 Asprilla 45Lee 59 Bangkok 18,000 1 August 1996 S.League All Stars 0–5 W http://www.nufc.com/html/1996-97.html Fixtures – 1996 NUFC.com 2012 10 July 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130610075652/http://nufc.com/html/1996-97.html 10 June 2013 dead Newcastle United Ferdinand 7Ginola 25 pen. 73Kitson 72 88 National Stadium, Singapore Kallang 50,000 4 August 1996 Gamba Osaka 3–1 L https://www.nufc.com/html/1996-97html/1996-97.html Newcastle United Football Club - Biffa's Diary 1996-97 Newcastle United Gillhaus 16 41Škrinjar 8 Ferdinand 89 Osaka Expo '70 Stadium Suita 6,949 9 August 1996 Lincoln City 0–2 W Newcastle United Shearer 33 pen.Albert 60 Sincil Bank Lincoln 10,069 13 August 1996 Anderlecht 1–2 W http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHEARER+LOADS+THE+GUN%3B+Anderlecht+1+Newcastle+2.-a061311131 Shearer loads the gun John Edwards Daily Mirror 14 August 1996 10 July 2013 Newcastle United de Bilde 61 Asprilla 45Ginola 62 Constant Vanden Stock Stadium Anderlecht 18,000 Charity Shield 1996 FA Charity Shield Manchester United completed a domestic double in the previous season, leading to the FA voting on 14 May 1996 to invite Newcastle to play them in the FA Charity Shield at Wembley, rather than FA Cup runners up Liverpool F.C.Wor Wembley! (sport) Daily Mirror 14 May 1996 The invitation was accepted on 22 May, with Newcastle defender Steve Watson telling the press: "It's brilliant news...It's not the way we wanted to qualify for the Charity Shield – we wanted to get there by winning the League. But it will be a great day for our fans and gives us a real lift before the start of the season."http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sweet+charity+for+Kev.-a061330524 Sweet Charity for Kev Jim O'Brien 23 May 1996 10 July 2013 Although the Community Shield has been described by some media sources as a "glorified friendly", https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/6932349.stm Lawro's Community Shield verdict 19 October 2009 BBC Sport 5 August 2007 Mark Lawrenson https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/aug/09/chelsea-manchester-united Chelsea v Manchester United - Community Shield as it happened 19 October 2009 The Guardian 9 August 2009 London Tom Bryanthttp://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/england/2009/08/10/community-shield-chelsea-2-manchester-united-2-86908-21586330/ Community Shield: Chelsea 2 Manchester United 2 19 October 2009 Daily Record 10 August 2009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110610111148/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/football/england/2009/08/10/community-shield-chelsea-2-manchester-united-2-86908-21586330/ 10 June 2011 the 1996 renewal sparked considerable local interest as it was to be the club's first appearance at Wembley since losing the 1976 League Cup final to Manchester City.United's power put to the test Glenn Moore The Independent 10 August 1996 The signing of Alan Shearer less than one week earlier had sparked what several media outlets were referring to as "Shearer-Mania" on Tynesidehttp://www.thefreelibrary.com/Geordie+mania!-a061314860 Geordie Mania! Daily Mirror 31 July 1996 10 July 2013https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-wednesday-reject-lombardos-demands-1308483.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-wednesday-reject-lombardos-demands-1308483.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Football: Wednesday reject Lombardo's demands Phil Shaw Independent.co.uk 6 August 1996 10 July 2013 and demand for tickets to see the £15 million signing on his competitive debut was huge, with the original Newcastle allocation of 40,000 quickly sold out and fans queuing for three days to purchase some of the additional 5,000 tickets which were released for sale on 5 August.newcastle prepares for party as Shearer arrives today The Irish Times 6 August 1996http://www.thefreelibrary.com/20,000+TURN+OUT+TO+GREET+pounds+15m+AL.-a061310400 20,000 turn out to greet £15m Al Colin Diball Daily Mirror 6 August 1996 10 July 2013 Ian Ridley of the Independent summed up the prevailing mood: "It [the Charity Shield] is a forgotten match once the real business of the season begins, but this year's may linger a little longer in the memory for 15 million and one reasons. The prospect of Alan Shearer's appearance for Newcastle United against the club who also tried to sign him has seen enthusiasm reach a rare pitch. The other reason is that the opponents are Manchester United, with whom Newcastle have become embroiled in one of the most intense rivalries of the modern game."Extra spice for the first bite Ian Ridley The Independent 11 August 1996 After an intense build-up, Newcastle fans were left ultimately disappointed as their side were beaten in what Journalist David Lacey described as, "the most passionate Charity Shield in living memory by the second biggest margin since the occasion moved to Wembley 22 years earlier".United upstage Shearer show; Manchester United 4 Newcastle United 0 David Lacey The Irish Times 12 August 1996 First half goals from man-of-the-match Cantona and Nicky Butt saw the champions lead 2–0 at the break and, despite Newcastle pressure for half an hour of the second half, the lead was held comfortably before two more goals in the last five minutes, by David Beckham and Roy Keane, gave the Manchester side a comprehensive 4–0 victoryhttps://www.independent.co.uk/sport/hungry-united-devour-keegans-pretenders-1309313.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/hungry-united-devour-keegans-pretenders-1309313.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Hungry United devour Keegan's pretenders Glenn Moore The Independent 12 August 1996 10 July 2013 after a Newcastle performance described by writer Harry Harris as "not just lamentable, but deplorable"http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FOUR-GET+IT%2c+KEEGAN%3b+MAN+UNITED+4+NEWCASTLE+0%3b+Kev's+men+don't+play...-a061310853 Four-get it Keegan; Man Utd 4 Newcastle 0; Kev's men don't play title Toon harry Harris Daily Mirror 12 August 1996 10 July 2013 and by manager Keegan as "abysmal".http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHEAR%3B+MURDER!%3B+Cantona+bust-up+as+United+stroll+it.-a061310851 Shear murder! Cantona bust up as United stroll it David Tanner Daily Mirror 12 August 1996 Newcastle's challenge for the title in the upcoming season was subsequently brought into question, with the Daily Mirror commenting, "Kevin Keegan has a big task in turning his team of stars into a unit which can challenge for the title. Keegan's team may well overwhelm some of the Premiership minnows but are clearly going to have to improve to compete with the likes of United. However these are early days and once Shearer settles in, Newcastle will be formidable opponents."http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CHARITY+SHIELD+FACT+FILE.-a061310767 Charity Shield Fact File Daily Mirror 12 August 1996 11 August 1996 15:00 UTC+1 Manchester United 4–0 Report Newcastle United Cantona 24Butt 30Beckham 85Keane 87 Wembley Stadium, London 73,214 Paul Durkin (Dorset) _manutdh9698 _manutdh9698 _manutdh9698 _manutdh9698 _whitetop E20E0E E20E0E E20E0E FFFFFF 000000 Manchester United _nufc9597h _nufc9597h _nufc9597h _white_stripes _3_stripes_on_black_top FFFFFF FFFFFF FFFFFF 000000 FFFFFF Newcastle United GK 1 DEN Peter SchmeichelRB 12ENG Phil NevilleCB 6 ENG Gary PallisterCB 4 ENG David MayLB 3 IRL Denis Irwin 45RM 10ENG David BeckhamCM 8 ENG Nicky Butt 41CM 16IRL Roy Keane 40LM 11WAL Ryan GiggsCF 18ENG Paul Scholes 65CF 7 FRA Eric Cantona (c) 65Substitutes:GK 17NED Raimond van der GouwDF 2 ENG Gary Neville 45DF 19NOR Ronny JohnsenMF 14NED Jordi Cruyff 65MF 15CZE Karel Poborský 41FW 13SCO Brian McClairFW 20NOR Ole Gunnar SolskjærManager:SCO Alex Ferguson GK 1 CZE Pavel SrníčekRB 19ENG Steve WatsonCB 5 ENG Darren PeacockCB 27BEL Philippe Albert 16LB 3 ENG John Beresford (c)RM 8 ENG Peter Beardsley 75CM 4 ENG David BattyCM 7 ENG Rob LeeLM 14FRA David Ginola 77CF 9 ENG Alan ShearerCF 10ENG Les FerdinandSubstitutes:GK 15TRI Shaka HislopDF 2 ENG Warren BartonDF 6 ENG Steve HoweyMF 18NIR Keith Gillespie 77MF 20ENG Lee ClarkFW 11COL Faustino Asprilla 75FW 28ENG Paul KitsonManager:ENG Kevin Keegan Match rules 90 minutes Penalty shootout if scores level Seven named substitutes Maximum of three substitutions Premier League 1996–97 FA Premier League August – October Newcastle started their Premier League campaign on 17 August 1996 with a trip to Goodison Park to play Everton. Peter Beardsley and Darren Peacock were dropped from the starting line-up but excellent performances by Neville Southall in goal and future Newcastle striker Duncan Ferguson helped Everton win 2–0.Same old story for frail Magpies: Everton 2 Newcastle 0 Sunday Mirror Brian McNally 18 August 1996http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sad+Al+left+groan+alone!%3B+pounds+15m+man+stranded+after+Geordies+are...-a061311351 Sad Al left groan alone; £15m man stranded as Geordies are blitzed by Rhionomite Daily Mirror Steve Millar 19 August 1996 11 July 2013 Keegan afterwards claimed that he was worried about the lack of invention from his side and their inability to win games when not playing well.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/IT%27S+SHEAR+MADNESS%3B+KEVIN+KEEGAN+on+pounds+15+star%27s+agony.-a061311796 It's Shear madness; Kevin Keegan on £15m star's agony Daily Mirror Richard Tanner 19 August 1996 11 July 2013 Four days later United beat Wimbledon by the same scoreline at home to claim their first win of the season. Batty opened the scoring with a 35-yard lob over goalkeeper Neil Sullivan similar to that executed by David Beckham for Manchester United a few days earlier before Shearer scored his first competitive goal for the club with a free-kick on 88 minutes.Shearer the Conqueror The Independent Simon Turnbull 22 August 1996http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BATTGLEE.-a061312097 Battglee Daily Mirror John Edwards 22 August 1996 11 July 2013 On 24 August Sheffield Wednesday travelled to St James' Park and recovered from an early Shearer penalty to win 2–1 thanks to goals from Peter Atherton and Guy Whittingham. The win put Wednesday top of the league at the end of August with three wins from three games and Newcastle in tenth with fans criticising the team and manager Keegan, who told reporters "I think anyone would have the right to suggest there is a crisis. That was our worst home performance in my reign. We haven't started yet and we will have to start soon if we have ambitions to win anything, certainly the League."http://www.thefreelibrary.com/KEV+AT+HIS+WHIT%27S+END%3B+Guy+stuffs+Keegan%27s+superstars.-a061176321 Kev at his Whit's end; Guy stuffs Keegan's superstars The People Kevin James 25 August 1996 11 July 2013 United's first game of September saw them make the short trip to Wearside to face unbeaten local rivals Sunderland at Roker Park in the 117th Tyne–Wear derby – the last derby to be played at the stadium before Sunderland's relocation to the Stadium of Light.Newcastle's stunning fightback Sunderland 1 Newcastle Utd 2 The Irish Times 5 September 1996 Beardsley was restored to the side and he cancelled out Martin Scott's opening goal with a header on 52 minutes before Les Ferdinand headed home a Ginola cross ten minutes later to win the game 2–1. The winning goals were greeted with near silence as a result of the ban on away fans at the match.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/BEARD-HO!%3B+Sunderland+1+Newcastle+2.-a061337084 Beard-Ho! Sunderland 1 Newcastle 2 Daily Mirror John Wardle 5 September 1996 11 July 2013 A Ferdinand brace on 7 September gave Newcastle another 2–1 away win, this time at White Hart Lane against Tottenham HotspurGerry gets Ferd degree; Spurs 1 Newcastle 2 David Barnes Sunday Mirror 8 September 1996 before a Shearer penalty and another Ferdinand goal saw United come from a goal down once more to record a third consecutive 2–1 victory, this time at home to Shearer's former club Blackburn Rovers, to move up to third in the table.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/HARFORD+FURY%3B+Newcastle+2+Blackburn+1+Shearer+pen+stings+Ray.-a061158639 Harford fury; Newcastle 2 Blackburn 1; Shearer pen stings ray Sunday Mirror Paul Agnew 15 September 1996 11 July 2013 A trip to Elland Road on 21 September yielded a further three points after Carlton Palmer was sent off and Shearer scored his first goal from open play on the hour after excellent approach play by Beardsley. Beardsley's performance was again praised afterwards, with journalist Colin Royce noting: " If the pounds 22 million partnership of Shearer and Asprilla is to develop into the "Dream Team" Keegan thinks it might, then they are going to need plenty of assistance from veteran Beardsley...It's all held together by Beardo in midfield. The little fella is propelling Newcastle back towards the top, which is where they belong."http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHEAR+HELL+FOR+GEORGE%3B+Newcastle+Toon+up+for+the+top.-a061155196 Shear hell for George; Newcastle Toon up for the top The People Steve Royce 22 September 1996 11 July 2013 Keegan's side then faced Aston Villa in what writer Colin Diball described afterwards as "the most amazing match of the season so far".Kev gets Dwight of his life! Newcastle 4 Villa 3 Daily Mirror Colin Diball 1 October 1996 Two first half goals from Ferdinand, taking his total to eight in six games, and another from Shearer had cancelled out an early goal by Dwight Yorke to give the hosts a 3–1 half-time lead. However, Yorke completed his hat-trick in the second half and a Steve Howey goal on 67 minutes was required to secure a 4–3 home win and move the team up to second place in the table. The partnership between Ferdinand and Shearer appeared to be flourishing, with The Independent noting "Ferdinand looks the perfect foil for Shearer, making nonsense of early-season suggestions by critics that they were an unsuitable pairing for club or country."Newcastle pair 'ideal for England' The Independent 2 October 1996 Beardsley's good form since returning to the side continued and he was man-of-the-match in a 1–0 win at Derby County on 12 October. It was Newcastle's sixth successive victory and their fourth away from home in a row. Afterwards, Keegan said "We look more resilient. No one's calling us entertainers anymore - we're more like grinders now. We're sticking the odd chance away and defending well. Which you (the press) won't want to write because you like saying how badly we defend."https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-escapes-the-jam-jar-1358300.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-escapes-the-jam-jar-1358300.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Shearer escapes the jam jar The Independent Phil Shaw 14 October 1996 12 July 2013 Newcastle's next fixture was at home to champions Manchester United on 20 October 1996. Despite their impressive league form, the pre-match focus remained on apparent defensive shortcomings. Keegan ignored the criticism and sent his side out with his usual instructions to entertainhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/23/newsstory.newcastleunited Newcastle can only dream of matching miracle of '96 The Guardian Louise Taylor 23 February 2008 12 July 2013 and the result for his team was "their crowning achievement, a sign that their swashbuckling football that had lost them the title in tragi-comic circumstances the previous seasons could endure."https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/9568715/Manchester-United-v-Newcastle-United-Five-memorable-moments-including-Rooney-Cantona-and-Phillipe-Albert.html Manchester United v Newcastle United: Five memorable moments including Rooney, Cantona and Phillipe Albert The Telegraph Thom Gibbs 26 September 2012 12 July 2013 First-half goals from Peacock and Ginola saw the home side lead 2–0 at the interval before further goals from Ferdinand, Shearer and a lob over Schmeichel by Albert – described by writer Steve Millar as "magnificent; fit to win any game" – gave Newcastle a comprehensive 5–0 win.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/TYNE+BOMB!%3B+Over+the+Toon%3B+STEVE+MILLAR+reports+on+a+day+soccer+will...-a061306135 Tyne Bomb; Over the Toon!; Steve Millar on a day soccer will never forget Daily Mirror Steve Millar 21 October 1996 12 July 2013 The win left Newcastle top of the league, three points clear of Liverpool and Arsenal and five ahead of Manchester United.Newcastle is flexing its muscle Chicago Sun-Times Humberto Perez 22 October 1996 Supporters were brought back down to earth with news that Shearer would be sidelined for at least six Premier League games as a result of a groin injury which required surgery.June 2020 In their first game without the injured striker, United were beaten 2–0 at Filbert Street against newly promoted Leicester City after goal from Steve Claridge and Emile Heskey and a brilliant performance by home goalkeeper Kasey Keller.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/WE+MISS+SHEARER%3B+Leicester+2+Newcastle+0.-a061159412 We miss Shearer Sunday Mirror Neville Foulger 27 October 1996 12 July 2013 November – December Newcastle's first game of November was the Tyne–Tees derby with Middlesbrough at St James' Park. Two goals from Beardsley, in his 700th career league and cup match, helped his side to a 3–1 win.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/CLASS+of+BEER-DSLEY%3B+NEWCASTLE+3+MIDDLESBROUGH+1+There%27s+life+up+to...-a061280988 Class of Beer-dsley; Newcastle 3 Middlesbrough 1 – There's life up to 40! Daily Mirror John Edwards 4 November 1996 12 July 2013 Beardsley was on the scoresheet again – the 200th goal of his league career – on 16 November to rescue a point with an 83rd-minute equaliser in a 1–1 draw at home to West Ham United in a match where the hosts hit the woodwork four times and saw Les Ferdinand leave the pitch with a depressed fracture of the cheekbone which ruled him out for six weeks.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/IT%27S+TWO-TON+BEARDO!%3B+Peter+gets+Magpies+out+of+jail%3B+NEWCASTLE+1...-a061167545 It's two-ton Beardo! Peter gets Magpies out of jail; Newcastle 1 West Ham 1 Sunday Mirror Brian McNally 17 November 1996 12 July 2013Les hit for six The People Kevin James 17 November 1996 Shearer made an early return from injury in time to score an equaliser against Chelsea on 23 November 1996 after Gianluca Vialli had given Chelsea the lead on 24 minutes. Newcastle held on for a point despite David Batty being sent off for the first time in his career for an elbow on Mark Hughes, for a final score of 1–1.https://www.premierleague.com/match/1897 Chelsea v Newcastle, 1996/97 | Premier League On 30 November Newcastle relinquished their place at the top of the table to Arsenal after the latter won 2–1 at St James' Park, despite having played 68 minutes with ten men after Tony Adams was sent off for a professional foul from Shearer.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/MAGPIES+FALL+TO+10-GUN+SALVO!%3B+Newcastle+1+Arsenal+2.-a061167964Z magpies fall to ten-gun salvo; Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 Sunday Mirror Brian McNally 1 December 1996 15 July 2013 Goals from Lee Dixon and Ian Wright were enough to give the visitors three points and Keegan afterwards told reporters: "We were poor throughout. It wouldn't take too many performances like that before I change personnel. It was an extremely disappointing performance. At times it looked as if we had 10 men and they had 11. I've got no qualms about the result - justice was done."http://www.thefreelibrary.com/KEEGAN+BLAST%3B+Newcastle+1+Arsenal+2.-a061167932 Keegan blast; Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2 Sunday Mirror Brian McNally 1 December 1996 15 July 2013 United's next league match was on 9 December at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest. Despite being bottom of the table, Forest held the visitors to a 0–0 draw – Newcastle's first goalless draw in 74 matches – in the first game in which Shearer and Ferdinand had played together since the 5–0 win against Manchester United. The result left Keegan's side five points behind leaders Arsenal albeit with a game in hand.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/MISS-LETOE%3B+AND+TYNE!%3B+Kev+title+rivals+lifted+by+Forest.-a061270766 Miss-letoe and Tyne! Kev's title rivals lifted by Forest David Moore The Mirror 10 December 1996 25 November 2014 The result confirmed Newcastle's loss of form; they had taken six points from their last six matches.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/NOUGHTY+NOUGHTY!%3B+Nottm+Forest+0+Newcastle+0%3A+After+74+games+the...-a061270770 Noughty noughty! Nottm Forest 0 Newcastle 0; after 74 games the goals dry up for Kevin The Mirror John Edwards 10 December 1996 15 July 2013 The poor run continued on 17 December when they lost 2–1 at Coventry City. The hosts established as two-goal lead inside the first half an hour thanks to a goal and an assist from Darren Huckerby, who was transferred to Coventry from Newcastle a month earlier due to Keegan's decision to withdraw the reserve side out of the reserve league.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/HUCKERBY+HOUNDS+%27EM%3B+COVENTRY+CITY+2%3B+NEWCASTLE+UNITED+1.-a061284741 Huckerby hounds 'em! Coventry City 2 Newcastle 1 Daily Mirror David Moore 18 December 1996 15 July 2013 As the season moved into the festive period of fixtures, Newcastle welcomed league leaders Liverpool to St James'. Such was the home side's poor form, they entered this match as underdogs – the first time they had done so at home under Keegan.Fowler equals Shearer strike The Independent Simon Turnbull 24 December 1996 Shearer gave United the lead after a Ferdinand header was saved by David James on 28 minutes, only for Fowler to equalise seconds before the half-time whistle. Despite several chances, neither side scored in the second half and both teams had to settle for a 1–1 draw which left Liverpool three points clear of Arsenal in second at Christmas and Newcastle level with Manchester United on 31 points but seven adrift of Liverpool in sixth place.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/KEV%27S+SHEARAGONY.-a061282681 Kev's Shearagony Daily Mirror Richard Tanner 24 December 1996 15 July 2013 Newcastle's run of games without a win continued on Boxing Day when they were beaten 1–0 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park where Shearer was subjected to abuse from home fans on his return to his former club. The defeat prompted the manager to say: "we didn't deserve to win but we still had two or three very good chances. We are not playing well - we can't kid anyone about that".http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHEAR+GETS+A+FLEA+IN+HIS+EAR!%3B+It%27s+jeer+hell+for+Al%3B.-a061270211 Shear gets a flea in his ear; It's jeer hell for Al Daily Mirror Steve Millar 27 December 1996 15 July 2013 The defeat prompted journalist Alan Nixon to comment that Keegan's side "appear to be fading from the Championship race",Passionate Blackburn send Shearer on his way Alan Nixon 27 December 1996 however, United re-found their best form just two days later at home when winning their first league game in almost two months by beating Tottenham Hotspur. Two goals each from Shearer, Ferdinand and Lee saw United overwhelm their opponents, though The Independent noted that: "the fulcrum of much of Newcastle's sweeping play was the brilliant Peter Beardsley, restored to the central attacking support role in which he schemes – even three weeks short of his 36th birthday – like a classic inside-forward."Fall and rise of Magpies Simon Turnbull The Independent 30 December 1996 Assistant manager Terry McDermott told reporters afterwards: "that's what I would call a classic Newcastle United performance. We have come in for a lot of criticism and this was the perfect answer. It was a magnificent performance and the score could easily have reached double figures. We hadn't had a good Christmas but those seven goals have changed all that. We never believed we had blown the title. We're certainly not out of the race. People will write us off at their peril."http://www.thefreelibrary.com/HO,+HO+7%3B+Christmas+comes+late+for+Keegan.-a061159970 Ho, Ho 7; Christmas comes late for Keegan Sunday Mirror Brian McNally 30 December 1996 15 July 2013 The result meant that Newcastle finished 1996 by moving back to within five points of leaders Liverpool, with Manchester United in second place.Tooning up for glory Bruce Kidd Sunday Mail (Scotland) 29 December 1996 January – March Newcastle began the new year by confirming their return to form with a 3–0 home win over Leeds United. Two goals from Shearer and a late Ferdinand goal were enough to give the home side three points and close the gap on Liverpool, who lost 1–0 at Chelsea, in what was Keegan's last match in charge.Shear Magic; Al's best in the world drools Kev Daily Record 2 January 1997 Terry McDermott was placed in temporary charge for the game at Villa Park. Two goals in 21 minutes from Shearer and Clark gave United the lead but replies from Yorke and Milošević saw the game finish 2–2. McDermott later dedicated the performance and result to Keegan and claimed to be proud of the players reaction to Keegan's departure.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/THE+SAME+OLD+TOON!%3B+Two-goal+lead+chucked+away+-+but+Terry+Mac+vows...-a061142685 The same old Toon; Two goal lead chucked away – but Terry Mac vows; "We'll win title" Sunday Mirror David Barnes 12 January 1997 19 July 2013 Dalglish took charge for the first time when his new side travelled to The Dell to face Southampton. Newcastle, who had not won at Southampton in 25 years, once again established a two-goal lead, through Ferdinand and Clark. However, a mistake by Hislop on 88 minutes gifted a goal to Neil Maddison and one minute later Le Tissier scored a goal from thirty yards, for a 2–2 final score.https://www.11v11.com/matches/southampton-v-newcastle-united-18-january-1997-22774/ Southampton v Newcastle United, 18 January 1997 The month ended with a home game against Everton on 29 January. United performed poorly in the first half and were fortunate to trail at half-time only by a single goal scored by future Newcastle player Gary Speed after three minutes and the team were booed off the pitch at the break. However, the introduction of Asprilla galvanised the home side and goals from Ferdinand, Lee, Shearer and Elliott in the last sixteen minutes gave the hosts a 4–1 victory.https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/asprilla-the-painkiller-newcastles-maverick-can-help-dalglish-win-over-the-restless-natives-at-st-james-park-1276395.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/asprilla-the-painkiller-newcastles-maverick-can-help-dalglish-win-over-the-restless-natives-at-st-james-park-1276395.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Asprilla the pain-killer; Newcastle's maverick can help Dalglish win over the restless natives at St James' Park The Independent Simon Turnbull 2 February 1997 19 July 2013 February started with a home game against Leicester City. Robbie Elliot put the home side ahead but profligacy in front of goal was punished when Matt Elliott, Steve Claridge and Emile Heskey scored in the second half to give the away side a 3–1 lead. However, Shearer then led what one report called "an unbelievable revival" – firstly firing home a powerful free-kick on 77 minutes to reduce the arrears to 3–2, shooting home again on 85 minutes to equalise before finishing a flowing passing move in injury time to complete a 13-minute hat-trick and give the hosts three points and keep them five behind the league leaders, albeit having played a game more.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHEAR+WE+GO+KENNY.-a061107089 Shear we go Kenny Daily Mirror John Edwards 3 February 1997 19 July 2013 On 22 February, United travelled to the Riverside Stadium for the Tees–Tyne derby and prevailed 1–0 thanks to a ninth minute Ferdinand goal which kept alive the visitors' faint title hopes.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHEAR+HELL+FOR+PUNTERS%3B+But+Ferdy%27s+on+song.-a061121580 Shear hell for punters; but Ferdy's on song Sunday Mirror Mike Langley 23 February 1997 19 July 2013 On 1 March Southampton visited St James' Park and inflicted Kenny Dalglish's first league defeat as Newcastle manager thanks to Matt Le Tissier's seventh goal in nine games against a home side playing without the injured Shearer and who saw Ferdinand also succumb to an injury at half-time. The defeat dealt a severe blow to lingering title hopes but Dalglish refused to contemplate that the title challenge was over, telling reporters afterwards: "no one should start thinking that this is the end of the title race. We're a few points worse off after losing - but nothing has been decided yet."http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SMACK+IN+THE+TISSER%3B+Magic+Matt%27s+a+real+Hodd+send%3A+NEWCASTLE+0...-a061116707 Smack in the kisser; Magic Matt's a real Hodd send: Newcastle 0 Southampton 1 The Mirror John Edwards 3 March 1997 19 July 2013 United the travelled to Anfield, just under one year since losing 4–3 in a match regularly cited as the best Premier League game ever played.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30122011/58/premier-league-liverpool-4-3-newcastle.html Yahoo! Eurosport 30 December 2011 20 January 2012 Premier League – Liverpool 4–3 Newcastle: Where are they now?https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2009/may/01/liverpool-4-3-newcastle-on-second-thoughts The Guardian 1 May 2009 20 January 2012 Smyth Rob On Second Thoughts: Liverpool 4–3 Newcastle The odds on a repeat of that scoreline were 100/1 but remarkably the teams played out another 4–3 game, though the score somewhat flattered Newcastle; indeed, The Independent reported that "they [Liverpool] routed Newcastle. Liverpool were creating chances at will. It was too easy. The match was won. Newcastle had been abject. The scoreline was identical to last year's thriller, the circumstances somewhat different."Fowler strikes to win action replay The Independent Guy Hodgson 11 March 1997 Liverpool raced into a 3–0 half-time lead and were in complete control even after Keith Gillespie scored what looked like a consolation goal on 71 minutes. However, goals from Asprilla and Warren Barton in the last five minutes seemed to have rescued a point for the visitors until Robbie Fowler scored a winning goal two minutes into stoppage time. The result left United nine points behind Manchester United and eight behind Liverpool at the top of the table.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Just+when+you+thought+it+could+NEVER+happen+again...+IT+HAS%3B+BEYOND...-a061109221 Just when you thought it could never happen again...It has; Beyond our Ken! The Mirror Richard Tanner 11 March 1997 20 July 2013 Newcastle responded by beating Coventry City 4–0 at St James' Park. Despite the absence of Shearer and Ferdinand through injury, goals from Watson, Lee, Beardsley and Elliott saw the home side win comfortably in a match notable for an excellent performance from Asprilla and a performance from referee Gerald Ashby described by writer John Edwards as "the most wretched performance I've ever seen from a top-flight official".http://www.thefreelibrary.com/THE+RULE+OF+AWE!-a061108546 The Rule of Awe! The Mirror John Edwards 17 March 1997 20 July 2013 March concluded with a trip to Selhurst Park on 23 March 1997 to face Wimbledon. Another excellent Asprilla performance, this time capped with a second-half goal, was enough to secure a 1–1 draw though claims from Dalglish that the title was still a realistic proposition were mocked by Dons manager Joe Kinnear; indeed, the gap to Manchester United was by this time 11 points and one bookmaker had priced Newcastle at 33/1 to claim the title.http://www.thefreelibrary.com/YOU+KEN-NOT+BE+SERIOUS!%3B+Wimbledon+1+Newcastle+1.-a061129245 You Ken not be serious! Wimbledon 1 Newcastle 1 The Mirror Tony Stenson 24 March 1997 20 July 2013 Appearances, goals and cards (Substitute appearances in brackets) No.Pos.NameLeagueFA CupLeague CupUEFA CupCharity ShieldTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px13px1GKCZE Pavel Srníček22000106010300??2DFENG Warren Barton14 (3)11 (1)0104 (2)00020 (6)1??3DFENG John Beresford18 (1)030003 (1)01025 (2)0??4MFENG David Batty32130207010441??5DFENG Darren Peacock35130208010491??6DFENG Steve Howey810000100091??7MFENG Rob Lee32 (1)52110801044 (1)6??8MFENG Peter Beardsley22 (3)53021621034 (3)8??9FWENG Alan Shearer3125311141104028??10FWENG Les Ferdinand30 (1)162 (1)110441038 (2)21??11FWCOL Faustino Asprilla17 (7)40020650 (1)025 (8)9??14MFFRA David Ginola20 (4)120206 (1)11031 (5)2??15GKTRI Shaka Hislop16030102000220??17MFIRL Jimmy Crawford0 (2)0000000000 (2)0??18MFNIR Keith Gillespie23 (9)11 (1)0106 (2)00 (1)031 (13)1??19DFENG Steve Watson33 (3)12 (1)00 (1)04 (1)01040 (6)1??20MFENG Lee Clark9 (1)22 (1)1102 (3)00014 (5)3??26DFENG Robbie Elliott2971 (1)0204 (1)00036 (2)7??27DFBEL Philippe Albert27220207 (1)11039 (1)3??28FWENG Paul Kitson0 (3)0000 (2)00 (1)0000 (6)0??29GKENG Steve Harper000000000000??30DFNIR Aaron Hughes000000000000??31MFENG Paul Barrett000000000000??33DFENG Stuart Elliott000000000000?? Players First-team squad Squad at end of seasonhttp://www.footballsquads.co.uk/eng/1996-1997/faprem/newcas.htm FootballSquads - Newcastle United - 1996/97 1 CZE GK Pavel Srníček 2 ENG DF Warren Barton 3 ENG DF John Beresford 4 ENG MF David Batty 5 ENG DF Darren Peacock 6 ENG DF Steve Howey 7 ENG MF Rob Lee captain 8 ENG MF Peter Beardsley 9 ENG FW Alan Shearer 10 ENG FW Les Ferdinand 11 COL FW Faustino Asprilla 14 FRA MF David Ginola 15 TRI GK Shaka Hislop 17 IRL MF Jimmy Crawford 18 NIR MF Keith Gillespie 19 ENG DF Steve Watson 20 ENG MF Lee Clark 22 ENG MF Des Hamilton 25 ENG FW Paul Brayson 26 ENG DF Robbie Elliott 27 BEL DF Philippe Albert 29 ENG GK Steve Harper 30 NIR DF Aaron Hughes 31 ENG MF Paul Barrett 33 ENG MF Stuart Elliott Left club during season 16 ENG FW Darren Huckerby to Coventry City 23 ENG MF Chris Holland to Birmingham City 28 ENG FW Paul Kitson to West Ham United Reserves The following players did not appear for the first-team this season. ENG GK Peter Keen ENG DF David Beharall SCO DF Steven Caldwell ENG MF Paul Arnison ENG MF Jamie McClen ENG FW Michael Chopra Trialists Saint Vincent and the Grenadines FW Rodney Jack on trial from Torquay United FRA GK Thomas Kokkinis on trial from Metz ISL MF Bjarni Guðjónsson on trial from ÍA SWE DF Olof Mellberg on trial from Degerfors IF Coaching staff Manager SCO Kenny Dalglish y Assistant manager ENG Terry McDermott First-team coach ENG Arthur Cox y Goalkeeping coach ENG Development coach ENG Nigel Pearson y Reserve team coach ENG John Carver Chief scout SCO Steve Clarke 3 May 2011 May 2011 Final league table 1996–97 FA Premier League NEW Results summary 13 3 3 54 20 6 8 5 19 20 Statto September 2015 Results by round table b Round Ground A/H/H/A/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/H/A/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/H/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/A/H/H/A/A/A/H Result L/W/L/W/W/W/W/W/W/W/L/W/D/D/L/D/L/D/L/W/W/D/D/W/W/W/L/L/W/D/D/D/W/W/W/D/D/W Position 16/10/13/8/6/3/2/2/1/1/2/1/1/1/2/4/4/6/6/5/4/4/4/4/4/3/4/4/4/4/4/5/4/4/4/4/3/2 Home Away green2 Win yellow2 Draw red2 Loss 1st 2nd 3rd red1 Statto.com September 2015 Match results FA Premier League 17 August 1996 Everton 2–0 L Newcastle United Unsworth 29 pen.Speed 40 Goodison Park Liverpool 40,117Keegan suffers through sloth... The Independent Glenn Moore 19 August 1996 21 August 1996 Newcastle United 2–0 W Wimbledon Batty 3Shearer 88 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,385 24 August 1996 Newcastle United 1–2 L Football: Keegan offers no defence Simon Turnbull The Independent 25 August 1996 Sheffield Wednesday Shearer 13 pen. Atherton 15Whittingham 80 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,452 4 September 1996 Sunderland 1–2 W Beardsley wears out Wearside The Independent Glenn Moore 5 September 1996 Newcastle United Scott 19 pen. Beardsley 52Ferdinand 62 Roker Park Sunderland 22,037 7 September 1996 Tottenham Hotspur 1–2 W Newcastle learn how to work The Independent Glenn Moore 9 September 1996 Newcastle United Allen 28 Ferdinand 37 61 White Hart Lane London 32,535 14 September 1996 Newcastle United 2–1 W Harford saves his neck at Gallowgate The Independent Simon Turnbull 16 September 1996 Blackburn Rovers Shearer 45 pen.Ferdinand 61 Sutton 85 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,424 21 September 1996 Leeds United 0–1 W The stamp of Graham The Independent Glenn Moore 23 September 1996 Newcastle United Shearer 59 Elland Road Leeds 36,070 30 September 1996 Newcastle United 4–3 W Yorke hat-trick in vain for Villa The Independent Simon Turnbull 1 October 1996 Aston Villa Ferdinand 5 22Shearer 38Howey 67 Yorke 4 59 69Draper 0 43 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,400 12 October 1996 Derby County 0–1 W Newcastle United Shearer 76 Baseball Ground Derby 18,092 20 October 1996 17:00 Newcastle United 5–0 W https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/newcastles-unbelievable-delight-1359411.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/newcastles-unbelievable-delight-1359411.html 1 May 2022 subscription Newcastle's unbelievable delight Glenn Moore The Independent 21 October 1996 12 July 2013 Manchester United Peacock 12Ginola 30Ferdinand 63Shearer 75Albert 83 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,579 Steve Dunn 26 October 1996 Leicester City 2–0 L Keller clouds the issue for Keegan The Independent Ken Jones 28 October 1996 Newcastle United Claridge 17Heskey 79 Filbert Street Leicester 21,134 3 November 1996 Newcastle United 3–1 W Middlesbrough Beardsley 40 pen. 69Lee 74 Beck 88 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,577 16 November 1996 Newcastle United 1–1 D Keegan tempted by early Shearer return The Independent Simon Turnbull 18 November 1996 West Ham United Beardsley 83 Rowland 23 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,552 23 November 1996 Chelsea 1–1 D https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-zola-eclipsed-by-viallis-hairline-decision-1354074.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-zola-eclipsed-by-viallis-hairline-decision-1354074.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Zola eclipsed by Vialli's hairline decision The Independent Ian Ridley 24 November 1996 12 July 2013 Newcastle United Vialli 24 Shearer 41Batty 1 52 Stamford Bridge London 28,401 30 November 1996 Newcastle United 1–2 L Wenger toasts team spirit The Independent Glenn Moore 2 December 1996 Arsenal Shearer 21 Dixon 11Adams 1 22Wright 60 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,565 9 December 1996 15:00 Nottingham Forest 0–0 D Forest find their fire but not the finish The Independent Phil Shaw 10 December 1996 Newcastle United City Ground Nottingham 25,762 17 December 1996 Coventry City 2–1 L Newcastle United Huckerby 6McAllister 31 Shearer 61 Highfield Road Coventry 21,538 23 December 1996 Newcastle United 1–1 D Liverpool Shearer 28 Fowler 45 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,570 26 December 1996 Blackburn Rovers 1–0 L Newcastle United Gallacher 75 Ewood Park Blackburn 30,398 28 December 1996 Newcastle United 7–1 W Tottenham Hotspur Shearer 20 82Ferdinand 22 59Lee 61 88Albert 79 Nielsen 89 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,308 1 January 1997 Newcastle United 3–0 W https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearers-double-lifts-newcastle-1281315.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearers-double-lifts-newcastle-1281315.html 1 May 2022 subscription Shearer's double lifts Newcastle The Independent Simon Turnbull 2 January 1997 19 July 2013 Leeds United Shearer 4 77Ferdinand 87 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,489 11 January 1997 Aston Villa 2–2 D https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/keegans-spirit-lives-on-1282928.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/keegans-spirit-lives-on-1282928.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Keegan's spirit lives on The Independent Glenn Moore 13 January 1997 19 July 2013 Newcastle United Yorke 39Milošević 52 Shearer 16Clark 21 Villa Park Birmingham 39,339 18 January 1997 Southampton 2–2 D https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-dalglish-lets-his-guard-slip-1284113.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-dalglish-lets-his-guard-slip-1284113.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Dalglish lets his guard slip The Independent Glenn Moore 20 January 1997 19 July 2013 Newcastle United Maddison 88Le Tissier 89 Ferdinand 14Clark 82 The Dell Southampton 15,251 29 January 1997 Newcastle United 4–1 W Newcastle revived by Asprilla The Independent Simon Turnbull 31 January 1997 Everton Ferdinand 74Lee 79Shearer 83 pen.Elliott 90 Speed 3 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,426 2 February 1997 Newcastle United 4–3 W https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-provides-newcastle-fantasy-1276647.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-shearer-provides-newcastle-fantasy-1276647.html 1 May 2022 subscription Shearer provides Newcastle fantasy The Independent Guy Hodgson 3 February 1997 19 July 2013 Leicester City R. Elliott 3Shearer 77 83 90 M. Elliott 55Claridge 60Heskey 68 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,396 22 February 1997 Middlesbrough 0–1 W http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SHAK+SICK+BABY+SCARE%3B+Hislop+the+hero%27s+secret+torment.-a061117156 Shak sick baby scare; Hislop the hero's secret torment Daily Mirror Steve Millar 24 February 1997 19 July 2013 Newcastle United Ferdinand 8 Riverside Stadium Middlesbrough 30,063 1 March 1997 Newcastle United 0–1 L https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-newcastle-cursed-by-le-tissier-1270699.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-newcastle-cursed-by-le-tissier-1270699.html 1 May 2022 subscription Newcastle cursed by Le Tissier The Independent Simon O'Hagan 2 March 1997 19 July 2013 Southampton Le Tissier 56 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,446 10 March 1997 Liverpool 4–3 L Newcastle United McManaman 29Berger 30Fowler 42 90 Gillespie 71Asprilla 87Barton 88 Anfield Liverpool 40,751 15 March 1997 Newcastle United 4–0 W https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-asprillas-display-cheers-geordies-1273351.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-asprillas-display-cheers-geordies-1273351.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Asprilla's display cheers Geordies The Independent John Draper 17 March 1997 20 July 2013 Coventry City Barton 12Lee 45Beardsley 76 pen.Elliott 87 Borrows 1 71 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,571 23 March 1997 Wimbledon 1–1 D Newcastle United Leonhardsen 28 Asprilla 53 Selhurst Park London 23,175 5 April 1997 Newcastle United 1–1 D Sunderland Shearer 77 Gray 32 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,582 Graham Poll 13 April 1997 Sheffield Wednesday 1–1 D Newcastle United Pembridge 57 Elliott 35 Hillsborough Sheffield 33,798 Mike Riley 16 April 1997 Newcastle United 3–1 W Chelsea Shearer 12 35Asprilla 30 Burley 62 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,320 19 April 1997 Newcastle United 3–1 W Derby County Elliott 12Ferdinand 52Shearer 75 Sturridge 1 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,553 3 May 1997 Arsenal 0–1 W Newcastle United Elliott 44Gillespie 0 79 Arsenal Stadium London 38,179 6 May 1997 West Ham United 0–0 D Newcastle United Boleyn Ground London 24,617 8 May 1997 Manchester United 0–0 D Newcastle United Old Trafford Manchester 55,236 11 May 1997 15:00 Newcastle United 5–0 W Nottingham Forest Asprilla 20Ferdinand 23 26Shearer 36Elliott 77 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,554 UEFA Cup R1 1st leg 10 September 1996 Newcastle United 4–0 W (Report) Halmstad Ferdinand 6Asprilla 26Albert 51Beardsley 54 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 28,124 Knud Erik Fisker (Denmark) R1 2nd leg 24 September 1996 Halmstad 2–1 L (Report) Newcastle United Arvidsson 74Svensson 81 Ferdinand 45 Örjans Vall Halmstad 7,847 Sándor Piller (Hungary) 2–5 R2 1st leg 15 October 1996 Ferencváros 3–2 L (Report) Newcastle United Horváth 7Lisztes 17 57 Ferdinand 25Shearer 35 Üllői úti stadion Budapest 18,000 Leif Sundell (Sweden) R2 2nd leg 29 October 1996 Newcastle United 4–0 W (Report) Ferencváros Asprilla 42 58Ginola 68Ferdinand 90 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 35,740 Sergei Khusainov (Russia) 6–3 R3 1st leg 19 November 1996 Metz 1–1 D (Report) Newcastle United Traoré 67 Beardsley 31 pen. Stade Saint-Symphorien Metz 16,700 Günter Benkö (Austria) R3 2nd leg 3 December 1996 Newcastle United 2–0 W (Report) Metz Asprilla 80 82 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 35,641 Serge Muhmenthaler (Switzerland) 3–1 Quarter-final 1st leg 4 March 1997 Newcastle United 0–1 L (Report) AS Monaco Anderson 59 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 35,641 Piero Ceccarini (Italy) Quarter-final 2nd leg 18 March 1997 AS Monaco 3–0 L (Report) Newcastle United Legwinski 42Benarbia 50 67 Stade Louis II Monaco 18,500 Manuel Díaz Vega (Spain) 4–0 FA Cup Round 3 5 January 1997 Charlton Athletic 1–1 D Newcastle United Kinsella 78 Lee 33 The Valley London 14,980 Round 3r 15 January 1997 Newcastle United 2–1 W Charlton Athletic Clark 33Shearer 100 Robson 55 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,398 Round 4 26 January 1997 Newcastle United 1 – 2 L Nottingham Forest Ferdinand 60 Woan 76 80 St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,434 Football League Cup Round 3 23 October 1996 Newcastle United 1–0 W https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/beardsley-makes-the-difference-for-newcastle-1359949.html https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/beardsley-makes-the-difference-for-newcastle-1359949.html 1 May 2022 subscription live Beardsley makes the difference for Newcastle The Independent Simon Turnbull 24 October 1996 Oldham Athletic Beardsley 25 pen. St James' Park Newcastle upon Tyne 36,314 Round 4 27 November 1996 Middlesbrough 3–1 L Newcastle United Whyte 26Beck 61Ravanelli 89 Shearer 45 Riverside Stadium Middlesbrough 29,831 References External links FootballSquads - Newcastle United - 1996/97 Newcastle United Football Club - Fixtures 1996-97 Soccerbase - Newcastle United player appearances 1996/1997August 2026 InternetArchiveBot Season Details - 1996-97 - toon1892 Category:Newcastle United F.C. seasons Newcastle United