Newcastle United currently sit third in the Premier League table as they head into the World Cup break, but few would have predicted this rapid rise of the St James’ Park team. This is their first full campaign under their new owners and they’re out to prove their worth.
Bettor’s market
There’s nothing quite like a match day punt to get the blood pumping and the adrenaline levels rising! With the Magpies showing such grit and determination, could there be a major upset in the League table or are their greater challenges yet to come?
For the latest predictions, tips and odds, pop over here for what could be the winning formula when it comes to predicting match outcomes. With so many Premier League variables to analyse and an abundance of online bookmaker sites, you can always use some extra betting tips.
Newcastle United and the Premier League
The Magpies have been a member of the Premier League for all but three years of the competition’s history, spending 90 seasons in the top flight as of May 2022. The club has never dropped below English football’s second tier since joining the Football League in 1893. Relegated in 2009 and 2016, the Magpies returned to the Premier League as Championship Winners in 2010 and 2017.
The quote of the 90’s
It has been almost three decades since Newcastle United stepped onto the pitch and kicked their first ball in the Premier League competition. Yes, they lost 1-0 to Tottenham in front of 35,000 Toon Army supporters at their beloved St James’ Park but it was the start of a glorious few years in the Premier League for the North East club.
The man leading the turnaround was none other than Kevin Keegan, a former player back in the 80s. Having been back in top flight for a few years in 1996, Newcastle were loving life back in the big time. After spending around £16m on the likes of David Ginola, Les Ferdinand and Shaka Hislop, the Magpies essentially led the league from August onwards.
By Christmas, with a 10-point lead, the crown was in their sights. Despite a loss to their closest rivals, Manchester United, the Magpies extended their lead to 12 points with just 15 games remaining. However, a dramatic dip in form saw the Red Devils surge for the title, with Alex Ferguson suggesting that other clubs needed to try harder against his team than they did when playing Newcastle.
This led to the famous rant of the decade, with those fateful words being uttered by Keegan: “I would love it if we beat them, love it”. But it was not to be, as results on the final day confirmed Manchester United as champions once again.
Record-breaking Shearer
In the mid-1990s, Alan Shearer was the hottest striker in the game after helping Blackburn Rovers secure their remarkable Premier League title. The England international player opted for a return to Newcastle United in 1996 for a record-breaking £15m.
Shearer was at the forefront of his club as they took the fight to the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal. Cementing his status as a club legend, with his epic 206 goals, he not only beat Jackie Milburn, the club’s then all-time top scorer, but also earned the record for scoring the most goals in Premier League football – an awesome 260 from 441 appearances.
£305m takeover deal
In October 2021, Newcastle United welcomed a change in ownership, led by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) with 80% shares. The other 20% is split between PCP Capital Partners, a private equity firm led by Amanda Staveley, and RB Sports and Media, the sporting arm of the Reuben Brothers.
The vast majority of the Toon Army celebrated the takeover, hoping that it would be the answer to their prayers. According to a survey conducted by the Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST), 93.8% were in favour of the takeover, while 94% wanted manager Steve Bruce to leave.
A spokesman voiced that fans weren’t demanding that trophies be won in the next season but would most definitely like to see growth and improvement in the club.
The appointment of Eddie Howe
The Toon Army’s prayers were indeed answered and within the first few weeks of the much-needed takeover, Steve Bruce was sacked and Eddie Howe appointed. Howe guided the Magpies to an 11th-place finish after a run of 12 wins in their final 18 games. They became the first team in Premier League history to avoid relegation after failing to win any of their first 14 games.
Greatest Premier League comeback
A game that most fans and players will not forget is the February 2011 clash between Newcastle United and Arsenal, as the Magpies produced one of the greatest Premier League comebacks ever witnessed. Down 4-0 at halftime, the team fought back to score four goals in 19 minutes to claim the most impressively earned point.