1997/98: Kenny Dalglish rebuilt after Kevin Keegan’s exit, signing veterans like John Barnes and Ian Rush. The team struggled in the league, finishing 13th, but enjoyed a memorable FA Cup run, reaching the final at Wembley before losing 2–0 to Arsenal. Alan Shearer missed much of the season through injury, impacting their form.
1998/99: Ruud Gullit replaced Dalglish in August. Newcastle again underwhelmed in the league, finishing 13th, but repeated their FA Cup run, reaching the final only to lose 2–0 to treble-winning Manchester United. Despite cup successes, inconsistency and dressing room tension defined this period.
