Managerial upheaval

Keegan's shock resignation in early January 1997 caused much heartache and confusion among the fans, although many felt it had been brewing as early as the 1995/96 season following the collapse of the title race. Kenny Dalglish was named his successor and the club finished second in the league again, however this time it got them the prize of Champions League qualification. Dalglish achieved this without a change to Keegan's squad.His fortunes, however, quickly changed following major losses to injury and the transfer market in the 1997–98 season, as well as players signed not thought to be anywhere near as useful as players departed, and the team after a bright start, that saw them beat FC Barcelona in their opening Champions League game, finished thirteenth in the league and failed to win the FA Cup Final.Following Dalglish's sacking early in the 1998–99 season, Ruud Gullit took charge of the team. Despite player signings made, the club once again finished thirteenth in the league and qualified for the FA Cup Final but failed to win. Gullit quickly fell into disagreements with the squad and chairman Freddie Shepherd the following season, forcing public apologies by the manager, and denying a rift with captain Alan Shearer. Gullit left the club four games into the 1999/2000 season with the team towards the bottom of the Premier League.