Newcastle United FC

Newcastle United enjoyed success in early Premiership finishing third in 1993 and second in 1994 and 1995. Coupled with five consecutive FA Cup Final appearances, The Magpies have flirted with the Premiership greats Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea without establishing themselves as a dominant force.

Sir Bobby Robson enjoyed a successful spell as Newcastle manager with consecutive top-four finishes in 2002 and 2003 before leaving in 2004. Robson discovered a winning formula, blending young talent with experienced players such as Alan Shearer. Shearer retired with 206 Newcastle goals to his name, breaking Jackie Milburn's club record. Since then, Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder and Shearer have had spells in charge without achieving much success in either the Premier League or domestic cup competitions.

Despite this recent spell of underachievement Sam Allardyce was named as Newcastle United manager. The ex-Bolton boss takes over with the weight of the North-East on his shoulders, who expect the club to fly again after Allardyce turned Bolton from relegation strugglers to a force to be reckoned with in the Premiership.

Newcastle United play at the 52,218 capacity St. James Park which has been heavily redeveloped in recent years to make it one of the largest stadiums in the Premier League.