Sir Bobby Robson Era – Return of the Entertainers

Former England manager Bobby Robson was appointed as the new manager.His first home game in charge was particularly memorable and impressive; with an 8–0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, which remains the club's record Premier League home win.Good performances such as these helped the club ensure survival in the Premier League in Robson's first season, although the following season the squad did not manage to qualify for Europe. A title challenge however emerged during the 2001–02 season, and Newcastle achieved qualification for the Champions League after finishing in fourth place.The attacking style that Robson's men played led to comparisons being made between Robson's team and Keegan's entertainers eventually leading the entertainers tag to return to the Tyneside outfit. Highlights of this season were the 4–3 epic against Manchester United, the 3–1 win away to Arsenal and fabulous comebacks at Leeds United and Derby County. The following season, Robson guided the team to 3rd in the League, and the second group stage of the Champions League,but did not make the knockout stages.The 2003/04 season however proved less memorable as the club exited the Champions League in the qualifying rounds,falling back into the UEFA Cup for the season, and despite an impressive trail to the semi-finals they failed to win the Cup and finished 5th in the Premier League.Following disagreements with the board and some players and failure to qualify for the Champions League, Robson was sacked.