Newcastle 1995/96
Newcastle’s 1995/96 Premier League campaign may be remembered by most through a Kevin Keegan post-match interview but, in reality, this serves a distinct injustice. Dubbed ‘The Entertainers’, Keegan’s enthralling goal-driven mentality led Newcastle to a 2nd place finish (their highest league position ever) and an agonising four points short of a Premier League title. With one hand on the title as they sat 12 points clear in January, 3-At-The-Back remember and analyse how their remarkable collapse allowed Manchester United to pip them to the post and reassert their dominance over English football.
BIG NAMES, BIG START
Even before a ball had been kicked, Newcastle set out their ambitions to win the league. They spent £16 million in the 1995 summer transfer window, and finally found a replacement for club legend Alan Shearer, whilst he revelled in winning his only Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers the previous season. Les Ferdinand was the solution, a staggering £6 million for the striker, although with 25 league goals and a PFA Player of the Year award in his first season alone it seems a bargain.
David Ginola was also brought in from PSG for over £2 million. Together they added more attacking impetus and flair to a side that already included Rob Lee, Peter Beardsley and Keith Gillespie. In the defensive department, something that largely feels overlooked with Keegan’s gung-ho attitude, goalkeeper Shaka Hislop and full-back Warren Barton were brought in (Barton as a record fee for a defender at £4 million). The signing of Barton, however, could arguably be considered an attacking signing – as he was known better for his attacking attributes rather than the defending side of the game.
The season started with a bang for the Magpies, as Les Ferdinand got off the mark in a 3-0 win at home to Coventry. Wins against Bolton (3-1), Sheffield Wednesday (2-0) and Middlesbrough (2-0) followed and Newcastle were sat the top of the Premier League table at the end of August – where they’d remain until March. The impact of Ferdinand was unmistakable. The striker had four goals in his first four games, with Newcastle having picked up maximum points as well – asserting themselves not only as the team to watch, but also the team to beat.
BIG NAMES, BIG START
Even before a ball had been kicked, Newcastle set out their ambitions to win the league. They spent £16 million in the 1995 summer transfer window, and finally found a replacement for club legend Alan Shearer, whilst he revelled in winning his only Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers the previous season. Les Ferdinand was the solution, a staggering £6 million for the striker, although with 25 league goals and a PFA Player of the Year award in his first season alone it seems a bargain.
David Ginola was also brought in from PSG for over £2 million. Together they added more attacking impetus and flair to a side that already included Rob Lee, Peter Beardsley and Keith Gillespie. In the defensive department, something that largely feels overlooked with Keegan’s gung-ho attitude, goalkeeper Shaka Hislop and full-back Warren Barton were brought in (Barton as a record fee for a defender at £4 million). The signing of Barton, however, could arguably be considered an attacking signing – as he was known better for his attacking attributes rather than the defending side of the game.
The season started with a bang for the Magpies, as Les Ferdinand got off the mark in a 3-0 win at home to Coventry. Wins against Bolton (3-1), Sheffield Wednesday (2-0) and Middlesbrough (2-0) followed and Newcastle were sat the top of the Premier League table at the end of August – where they’d remain until March. The impact of Ferdinand was unmistakable. The striker had four goals in his first four games, with Newcastle having picked up maximum points as well – asserting themselves not only as the team to watch, but also the team to beat.
Peter Beardsley celebrates his goal from the penalty spot as Newcastle beat Manchester City 3-1 in September
Despite suffering their first loss of the season away at Southampton in September, it would take another six games to see them even drop a point and a further six until they’d lose again. That run of twelve included eight wins, including back-to-back victories at Liverpool and Premier League holders Blackburn. By December, Keegan’s side had amassed 33 goals, 38 points and the envy of every club up and down the country. Not only were they top of the Premier League, but they were also doing it in style. Exciting the fans, throwing caution to the wind, a Newcastle game could only ever mean one thing – goals.
THE CHASING PACK
The season started less promisingly for the eventual champions. An opening game defeat left Liverpool legend Alan Hansen remarking that “you can’t win anything with kids” and although this is now remembered jovially as Hansen getting it wrong, he very nearly got it spot on. Man United bounced back in expected fashion – winning their next five and taking 26 out of the next 30 points available. This included a 3-2 win at Everton with Lee Sharp scoring a brace, just days after releasing his own clothing brand. More dominant performances, however, were 3-0 and 4-1 victories against Bolton and Chelsea respectively.
The previous season’s champions – Blackburn Rovers – stumbled outside the blocks, having only acquired 18 points by December and even enduring a spell at the foot of the table. It was clear from the outset that the departure of manager Kenny Dalglish to take up a role as Director of Football had all but ended Blackburn’s hopes as title contenders. His replacement, Ray Harford, failed to get the best out of stars such as Tim Sherwood, Graeme Le Saux and Chris Sutton, although Shearer had his best goal scoring season (38 game format), notching 31 goals in helping to revive Rovers’ as the season progressed.
Liverpool had assembled potentially the best team out of all the four title contenders. The summer saw them bring in Stan Collymore and Jason McAteer for a combined fee of £13 million. These would join a team not lacking in talent already – Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Ian Rush, David James and Nigel Clough to name but a few. They too, however, had somewhat of a false start – losing two of their opening five games, albeit by slim one-nil margins. In the opening half of their season, they’d lost five of their 19 games including a loss to Keegan’s Newcastle as well as being held to a 2-2 draw almost single-handedly by Manchester United’s Eric Cantona on his return to football. In contrast, Newcastle had lost just two games in the first half of the season.
ERIC CANTONA – A ONE MAN CRUSADE
Eric Cantona’s 1994/95 season came to a premature conclusion after kung-fu kicking a Crystal Palace supporter in January. It would be eight months until the Frenchman would appear once more for the Red Devils. That return was against Liverpool and as French flags were waved around Old Trafford, the Frenchman scored and got an assist in a 2-2 draw. 24 direct goal involvements, including many match-winning moments, could suggest that despite missing the opening fixtures this was Cantona’s best season in English football.
THE CHASING PACK
The season started less promisingly for the eventual champions. An opening game defeat left Liverpool legend Alan Hansen remarking that “you can’t win anything with kids” and although this is now remembered jovially as Hansen getting it wrong, he very nearly got it spot on. Man United bounced back in expected fashion – winning their next five and taking 26 out of the next 30 points available. This included a 3-2 win at Everton with Lee Sharp scoring a brace, just days after releasing his own clothing brand. More dominant performances, however, were 3-0 and 4-1 victories against Bolton and Chelsea respectively.
The previous season’s champions – Blackburn Rovers – stumbled outside the blocks, having only acquired 18 points by December and even enduring a spell at the foot of the table. It was clear from the outset that the departure of manager Kenny Dalglish to take up a role as Director of Football had all but ended Blackburn’s hopes as title contenders. His replacement, Ray Harford, failed to get the best out of stars such as Tim Sherwood, Graeme Le Saux and Chris Sutton, although Shearer had his best goal scoring season (38 game format), notching 31 goals in helping to revive Rovers’ as the season progressed.
Liverpool had assembled potentially the best team out of all the four title contenders. The summer saw them bring in Stan Collymore and Jason McAteer for a combined fee of £13 million. These would join a team not lacking in talent already – Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman, Ian Rush, David James and Nigel Clough to name but a few. They too, however, had somewhat of a false start – losing two of their opening five games, albeit by slim one-nil margins. In the opening half of their season, they’d lost five of their 19 games including a loss to Keegan’s Newcastle as well as being held to a 2-2 draw almost single-handedly by Manchester United’s Eric Cantona on his return to football. In contrast, Newcastle had lost just two games in the first half of the season.
ERIC CANTONA – A ONE MAN CRUSADE
Eric Cantona’s 1994/95 season came to a premature conclusion after kung-fu kicking a Crystal Palace supporter in January. It would be eight months until the Frenchman would appear once more for the Red Devils. That return was against Liverpool and as French flags were waved around Old Trafford, the Frenchman scored and got an assist in a 2-2 draw. 24 direct goal involvements, including many match-winning moments, could suggest that despite missing the opening fixtures this was Cantona’s best season in English football.
Les Ferdinand heading home one of his 25 league goals against Aston Villa in April
On the 27 December, the Frenchman was at it again. As Newcastle made the trip to Old Trafford, Cantona and ex-Newcastle striker Andy Cole sent the visitors home defeated 2-0. Still, Newcastle were seven points clear of the team they’d just defeated and bounced back incredibly, winning their next five.
Portrayed by the media as a man on a mission, Cantona perhaps hit his best vein of form in March, as United won three and salvaged a draw in the other. Four goals scored in the month, all by Cantona. The results, as well, were significant: a point against QPR, three against Arsenal; three against Spurs (amidst refereeing controversy). Most importantly, however, was the Cantona goal which condemned Newcastle to their only home defeat all season (Newcastle would only drop points at home one other time this season – in a 1-1 draw on the closing day).
It is difficult to write off Man United’s title credentials if Cantona had not played, or even if he had not played so well. Yet, the fact remains, he did play. And he was unstoppable in his pursuit for success. Truly, he turned Man United’s young team into serious title contenders and eventual Premier League champions. King Eric was not only alive, but also on fire.
WHO NEEDS TO DEFEND?
January saw Newcastle sit 12 points clear of 2nd place Man United but in true Keegan fashion, they strengthened their attacking options once more. Colombian Faustino Asprilla was signed for a club record fee of £7.5 million. Never far from controversy, the forward was an exciting talent with an eye for goal. He enjoyed a somewhat mixed half-season in England scoring three goals in eleven games, as well as picking up a one-match ban after a bust-up with Manchester City’s Keith Curle. Notably, this game (a 3-3 thriller) saw him score his first goal in England, alongside Belgian Phillippe Albert’s marvellous brace.
In total, maximum points were picked up in January and despite a Christmas blip, Keegan’s free-scoring side seemed back to their best. However, this was to be short-lived. A 2-0 defeat to West Ham on the 21st February (just the fourth game all season Newcastle had failed to score in) marked a run of eight that saw Newcastle lose five and only pick up a meagre seven points. The aforementioned defeat to Manchester United and draw to bottom-of-the-table Man City were both in this run.
Cracks were showing and although Newcastle were still a goal threat, they were shipping far too many. Keegan’s forward-thinking mentality finally succumbed to the defensive frailties it left behind. Perhaps, if this had been a title winning season for Keegan, more teams would adopt the attacking mentality this Newcastle side approached games with. Yet, the game has become increasingly defensive over the years and managers who adopt an outscoring policy seem to be few and far between.
THAT LIVERPOOL GAME
The 3rd of April 1996 will go down as one of the greatest in Premier League history. On that day took place arguably the greatest show the Premier League has ever seen. End to end to end. For 90 minutes. A never say die attitude from two teams at the pinnacle of English football.
Portrayed by the media as a man on a mission, Cantona perhaps hit his best vein of form in March, as United won three and salvaged a draw in the other. Four goals scored in the month, all by Cantona. The results, as well, were significant: a point against QPR, three against Arsenal; three against Spurs (amidst refereeing controversy). Most importantly, however, was the Cantona goal which condemned Newcastle to their only home defeat all season (Newcastle would only drop points at home one other time this season – in a 1-1 draw on the closing day).
It is difficult to write off Man United’s title credentials if Cantona had not played, or even if he had not played so well. Yet, the fact remains, he did play. And he was unstoppable in his pursuit for success. Truly, he turned Man United’s young team into serious title contenders and eventual Premier League champions. King Eric was not only alive, but also on fire.
WHO NEEDS TO DEFEND?
January saw Newcastle sit 12 points clear of 2nd place Man United but in true Keegan fashion, they strengthened their attacking options once more. Colombian Faustino Asprilla was signed for a club record fee of £7.5 million. Never far from controversy, the forward was an exciting talent with an eye for goal. He enjoyed a somewhat mixed half-season in England scoring three goals in eleven games, as well as picking up a one-match ban after a bust-up with Manchester City’s Keith Curle. Notably, this game (a 3-3 thriller) saw him score his first goal in England, alongside Belgian Phillippe Albert’s marvellous brace.
In total, maximum points were picked up in January and despite a Christmas blip, Keegan’s free-scoring side seemed back to their best. However, this was to be short-lived. A 2-0 defeat to West Ham on the 21st February (just the fourth game all season Newcastle had failed to score in) marked a run of eight that saw Newcastle lose five and only pick up a meagre seven points. The aforementioned defeat to Manchester United and draw to bottom-of-the-table Man City were both in this run.
Cracks were showing and although Newcastle were still a goal threat, they were shipping far too many. Keegan’s forward-thinking mentality finally succumbed to the defensive frailties it left behind. Perhaps, if this had been a title winning season for Keegan, more teams would adopt the attacking mentality this Newcastle side approached games with. Yet, the game has become increasingly defensive over the years and managers who adopt an outscoring policy seem to be few and far between.
THAT LIVERPOOL GAME
The 3rd of April 1996 will go down as one of the greatest in Premier League history. On that day took place arguably the greatest show the Premier League has ever seen. End to end to end. For 90 minutes. A never say die attitude from two teams at the pinnacle of English football.
"COLLYMORE CLOSING INNNNN...LIVERPOOL LEAD IN STOPPAGE TIME"
Second place Newcastle went to Anfield to take on third place Liverpool, who needed to win the keep their hopes of a Premier League title alive. Liverpool manager Roy Evans had rebuilt a team in free-fall and was on the verge of potentially bringing success back to Liverpool. His opposite number, Kevin Keegan had assembled a team that was simply a joy to behold. They entertained, scored and were having one of the best seasons in their history. The stage was set, and the game did not disappoint.
Robbie Fowler opened the scoring in under five minutes, and in ten minutes Newcastle had equalised through their talisman Les Ferdinand. Before the dust had settled, Ginola struck to give Newcastle the lead. The game was a 2-1 after less than a quarter of the match had been played. A flurry of missed Liverpool chances meant the half ended that way, too.
The first blow of the second half belonged to Liverpool and Robbie Fowler – whose goal return of 28 for the season was only bettered by Alan Shearer. However, Newcastle responded in the only way they knew how and scored again within a few minutes. Collymore would equalise soon after and substitutions were made by both sides to change tactics. Liverpool went in hunt for a winner and Newcastle, surprisingly, went to protect a valuable point.
They would’ve secured it, too, had Collymore not thundered a winner past Srnicek (Shaka Hislop was injured) in the 92nd minute. Anfield erupted whilst Keegan’s head hung in disbelief. Disheartened, but not deterred, Keegan would state afterwards that Newcastle would “certainly go on in every sense – with the same style, with the same players. Fighting spirit would echo round Tyneside, too, with Newcastle going on to win four of their next five in April.
"I WILL LOVE IT IF WE BEAT THEM"
April was a tough month for Leeds United, who faced Manchester United on the 17 April before taking on Newcastle just twelve days later. The opportunity to psychologically outwit his opponent was too good for Alex Ferguson who, following a 1-0 victory over Leeds suggested it was perhaps more important for some teams to get a result against Manchester United than anyone else. Probing Newcastle and Keegan’s ego, the stage was set. As the title race was edging ever closer to the wire, Keegan took the bait in a manner I don’t think even Ferguson could have predicted.
Robbie Fowler opened the scoring in under five minutes, and in ten minutes Newcastle had equalised through their talisman Les Ferdinand. Before the dust had settled, Ginola struck to give Newcastle the lead. The game was a 2-1 after less than a quarter of the match had been played. A flurry of missed Liverpool chances meant the half ended that way, too.
The first blow of the second half belonged to Liverpool and Robbie Fowler – whose goal return of 28 for the season was only bettered by Alan Shearer. However, Newcastle responded in the only way they knew how and scored again within a few minutes. Collymore would equalise soon after and substitutions were made by both sides to change tactics. Liverpool went in hunt for a winner and Newcastle, surprisingly, went to protect a valuable point.
They would’ve secured it, too, had Collymore not thundered a winner past Srnicek (Shaka Hislop was injured) in the 92nd minute. Anfield erupted whilst Keegan’s head hung in disbelief. Disheartened, but not deterred, Keegan would state afterwards that Newcastle would “certainly go on in every sense – with the same style, with the same players. Fighting spirit would echo round Tyneside, too, with Newcastle going on to win four of their next five in April.
"I WILL LOVE IT IF WE BEAT THEM"
April was a tough month for Leeds United, who faced Manchester United on the 17 April before taking on Newcastle just twelve days later. The opportunity to psychologically outwit his opponent was too good for Alex Ferguson who, following a 1-0 victory over Leeds suggested it was perhaps more important for some teams to get a result against Manchester United than anyone else. Probing Newcastle and Keegan’s ego, the stage was set. As the title race was edging ever closer to the wire, Keegan took the bait in a manner I don’t think even Ferguson could have predicted.
Keegan on the side lines during the 2-1 loss to Blackburn on April 8th
After beating Leeds 1-0 themselves Keegan burst into a rant in a post-match interview – the likes of which have never been seen before or after. It is hard not to feel sorry for Keegan, a man who had worked tirelessly to take Newcastle to the summit of the Premier League, for it all to be falling away. In the interview, he is not only adamant, but it is clear he is fighting. He wants to win with every fibre of his being. He wants to do it the “right” way – playing attractive football and scoring goals. Yet, with every breath, Newcastle’s title hopes seemed to be slipping further and further away. When he concluded with the famously defiant answer “I will love it if we beat them, love it”, the man seemed almost broken. It is hard not to feel sorry for him, after building such brilliant side for them to be remembered by one comment alone.
Newcastle would draw their last two games as Man United beat Middlesbrough 3-0 to win their third Premier League title.
The football was magnificent, the players were outstanding, the manager passionate and at times comical. Newcastle United’s 1995/96 side would’ve been worthy Premier League winners. Never has a team like them graced the English top-flight since and it is doubtful that one will, too. A side that threw caution to the wind, always wanted to score and accomplished the primary objective in sport; ‘The Entertainer’s’ entertained.
Newcastle would draw their last two games as Man United beat Middlesbrough 3-0 to win their third Premier League title.
The football was magnificent, the players were outstanding, the manager passionate and at times comical. Newcastle United’s 1995/96 side would’ve been worthy Premier League winners. Never has a team like them graced the English top-flight since and it is doubtful that one will, too. A side that threw caution to the wind, always wanted to score and accomplished the primary objective in sport; ‘The Entertainer’s’ entertained.
Dismay after a 1-1 draw to Nottingham Forest in early May, the final nail in the coffin of Newcastle's title hopes
Written by - James McEvoy
Edited by - 3-At-The-Back
Edited by - 3-At-The-Back