Newcastle United FC

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Group Information

Group Name	Newcastle United FC
Description	Newcastle United fans have had a rollercoaster time since the inception of the Premier League. When Kevin Keegan took over the reins in 1992, the club was on the brink of relegation to the old Division Three. But under his management, they romped to the title and took their place in the FA Carling Premiership in time for the 1993/94 season. With a goal-hungry Andy Cole and veteran Peter Beardsley at the forefront of an attacking team, they were dubbed "The Entertainers". Attack was the first form of defence and it worked as the North East outfit finished third in their first season. They went even closer two years later. Leading Manchester United by 12 points, they eventually slipped to second. Signing Alan Shearer for a world record £15m eased the Toon Army's disappointment and again they were runners-up. Managerial upheaval has seen the club fail to reach those dizzy heights since. Sam Allardyce took over for the 2007/08 campaign but was sensationally replaced by Keegan later that season. Equally unexpectedly, Keegan resigned in September 2008 and was replaced by Joe Kinnear whose initial short-term contract was soon extended to the end of the campaign. However there was further disruption as Kinnear was rushed to hospital in February 2009 and needed heart surgery. Chris Hughton took temporary charge during Kinnear's absence. Magpies legend Alan Shearer returned to his old club and took the managerial reins for the final eight fixtures of the campaign but he was unable to prevent them slipping into the Championship as they were beaten 1-0 at Aston Villa on the final day of the campaign. However the Magpies bounced straight back to the Barclays Premier League at the first attempt. Hughton was handed the job on a permanent basis in October 2009 and repaid the club by leading them to the Championship title - and in some style. they racked up 102 points and 90 goals to finish 11 points clear of runners-up West Bromwich Albion.
Category	Football Club - Public Football Club