Club legend Alan Shearer was appointed on an eight-game deal and, eight games, one win and three red cards later, Newcastle were relegated. The club’s relegation was on the mismanagement of the ownership more than that of Kevin Keegan, Chris Hughton, Joe Kinnear and Shearer. There was him, Michael Owen, Nicky Butt, Alan Smith, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Damien Duff, Oba Martins and Fabricio Coloccini. Relegation isn’t about today, it’s about what’s gone on this season, last season and the season before. Like Newcastle, there is also that dangerous and unnerving presence of good players who know they are too good for the Championship.

Source: Metro March 06, 2026 21:26 UTC