1995/96: Under Kevin Keegan, Newcastle played thrilling attacking football and built a 12-point lead by January. David Ginola and Les Ferdinand starred, while Peter Beardsley and Rob Lee provided guile. However, defensive frailties and Manchester United’s relentless run saw Newcastle slip to 2nd, remembered for Keegan’s passionate “I will love it” rant.
1996/97: Big-money signing Alan Shearer arrived for a world-record fee, scoring prolifically. Newcastle again challenged for the title, but inconsistency cost them and they finished 2nd once more. Keegan resigned in January 1997, shocking fans, with Kenny Dalglish taking over and guiding them into the Champions League.
