The 1999/2000 season marked a period of struggle and transition for Newcastle under Ruud Gullit, who resigned in August 1999 after clashes with senior players. Bobby Robson took over, bringing stability and a return to pragmatic management. Alan Shearer remained the talisman, scoring consistently, while new signings like Nolberto Solano and Craig Bellamy added creativity and pace. League form improved under Robson, and Newcastle finished 11th, far from their former title-challenging heights. Cup competitions offered limited solace, with early exits in the FA Cup and League Cup. The campaign was primarily about rebuilding squad morale and cohesion.

In 1996/97, Newcastle United’s title-chasing season was shaped not only by Alan Shearer’s goals but also by goalkeeper Pavel Srníček, a fan favourite from the Keegan era. Initially first choice, Srníček found his position under pressure after Keegan signed Shaka Hislop from Reading in the summer. Hislop’s agility and shot-stopping quickly made him No.1, relegating Srníček to a backup role. Hislop played the majority of league games, keeping key clean sheets during the title push. Unfortunately, inconsistency at the back contributed to dropped points. When Keegan resigned mid-season and Kenny Dalglish took over, Hislop remained first choice, with Srníček departing soon after.

Newcastle United’s 2003/04 season under Sir Bobby Robson was a mix of promise and frustration. After finishing 3rd the previous year, hopes were high. However, a slow start derailed their Premier League title challenge, and they ultimately finished 5th, narrowly missing out on Champions League qualification. Alan Shearer and Craig Bellamy led the line, with Kieron Dyer and Laurent Robert adding flair. In Europe, Newcastle impressed, reaching the UEFA Cup semi-finals before being knocked out by Marseille and Didier Drogba. Cup runs offered excitement, but inconsistency in the league and struggles against lower opposition made the season feel like a missed opportunity.

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.

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.

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.

Newcastle United’s 2005/06 season was turbulent but ultimately stabilising. Graeme Souness began the campaign, but poor results and unrest led to his sacking in February. Alan Shearer, in his final season, became the club’s all-time top scorer. Michael Owen arrived from Real Madrid but suffered a serious injury, limiting his impact. Glenn Roeder took charge as caretaker, steadying the team and guiding them up the table. Newcastle finished 7th in the Premier League, securing UEFA Intertoto Cup qualification. Despite early struggles, the season ended positively, with Shearer’s farewell and Roeder’s appointment as permanent manager offering hope for the future.