Newcastle United F.C. season 2008-09
Encyclopedia
The 2008–09 season was Newcastle United's 16th consecutive season in the top division of English football. This season saw the club relegated from the Premier League to the Championship
, the first time the club had been relegated since 1989
.
Things had looked reasonable for Newcastle at the start of the new season, but a major falling out between Kevin Keegan and the board saw Keegan resign as manager. This led to an awful run of form under caretaker manager Chris Hughton
and the surprise appointment of Joe Kinnear
was made to try to help the team out. A health scare saw Kinnear have to leave his office as manager in February. Under Hughton and Colin Calderwood
, the club went on another horrible run of form as they were sucked deeper into the relegation battle. Ex-player Alan Shearer
was appointed as a temporary manager for the last 8 matches of the season but he was only able to win one of these games and Newcastle were relegated.
In the summer transfer window, Newcastle United signed Jonas Gutierrez
, Danny Guthrie
, Sebastien Bassong
and Fabricio Coloccini
. There were also a number of departures from the first team, most notably that of James Milner
to Aston Villa
, whose departure was rumoured to have sparked disagreements between Keegan and the board, with Keegan claiming he was not consulted about his contract renewal. Shortly after the Arsenal game in the opening 2009 season, Spanish under-21 international Xisco was unveiled at St. James Park by director of football Dennis Wise
.
On 1 September there were widespread media reports that Keegan had either resigned or been sacked. While these reports were revealed to be premature, Keegan did tender his resignation on 4 September, citing fury over a lack of control over transfers and interference from the board, reflecting upon the sale of James Milner and the arrival of Xisco, a player he claimed to have known nothing about. Many Newcastle fans were furious with the perceived mistreatment of Keegan; public anger was directed at owner Mike Ashley
, executive director Dennis Wise
, vice-chairman Tony Jimenez
and chairman Derek Llambias
, who were perceived to have forced Keegan out of the club.
Shortly after Keegan's departure, the League Managers Association
warned Newcastle United to develop a structure which would satisfy the next manager to avoid a similar situation occurring again. They also reported that Keegan would consider a return to the club should they develop a structure he would be happy with. The club hit back at the allegations, claiming Keegan was aware of the structure when he joined. However, in December, following reports that Ashley was set to end his bid to sell United, it was reported that a legal battle was commencing between Ashley and Keegan, with Ashley rumoured to be claiming damage to his public image and Keegan claiming for breach of contract, following backing from the League Managers Association.
Assistant manager Chris Hughton
took over as caretaker manager for several weeks, during which Newcastle were eliminated from the League Cup by Tottenham Hotspur
and lost all their league matches. On September 26 Hughton was replaced by Joe Kinnear
as "interim manager". Kinnear's appointment proved completely unimpressive with the fans, and resulted in Kinnear profusely verbally abusing and swearing at the media upon his first media interview. He then announced he would not speak to any national press again and would only speak with the local media. In his first two matches in charge Newcastle managed 2–2 draws with Everton
and Manchester City
, coming from behind both times (the latter with ten men).
In the last week of January, key players Shay Given
and Charles N'Zogbia
left, causing an already thin squad to lose more talent. Amongst ongoing criticism of the club board following Keegan's departure, Joe Kinnear managed 5 wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses, and talks opened between Joe Kinnear and the board as to whether he would consider a full-time position the following season. However, on 7 February, the club's torrid season took another major blow when Kinnear was admitted to hospital following heart problems, and Chris Hughton once again took charge of the team, this time with the help of Colin Calderwood
. By the end of March, the club was struggling to find form and keep pace with the opposition. With scarce wins over the course of the season, the team now faced a relegation battle.
to take over from Kinnear as the club's interim-manager on 1 April. As Shearer's appointment was announced, Dennis Wise
resigned as director of football and the club announced there were no plans to replace him in the role. Shearer hired Iain Dowie
as his assistant coach and began his reign as caretaker manager, losing 2-0 to Chelsea
at St. James Park and drawing 1-1 away at Stoke City
. After losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane
and drawing 0-0 at home with Portsmouth, the club was plunged even deeper into the tight relegation fight. The ignominious 3-0 loss to title-chasing Liverpool
at Anfield
on 3 May, with Joey Barton
being sent off on 77 minutes for a dangerous tackle, left the club in 19th place. Shearer recorded his first victory as manager on 11 May, defeating fellow strugglers Middlesbrough
3-1, lifting the club out of the relegation zone to 17th place on goal difference.
The feel-good factor did not last as, the following week, Newcastle slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham
to fall back in the relegation zone with only the away game to Aston Villa left to play. This left the club needing to better the results of Hull City
and Sunderland
to avoid relegation. Despite Sunderland, Hull and Middlesbrough all losing their matches, Newcastle United were relegated to the Championship for the first time since 1993 after a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
The club was then placed for sale by Ashley, who noted the club's terrible season following bad decisions on his part, which he believed led the club into major financial loss and constant criticism following relegation. Ashley said "It has been catastrophic for everybody. I've lost my money and I've made terrible decisions. Now I want to sell it as soon as I can." Newcastle released an official statement on the club's sale, including a press phone number and email address which was quickly made further public by the national press, although the address provided was merely for general enquiries. This resulted in a large number of hoax bids being sent, most of which were made by rival Sunderland
supporters. More controversy was once again caused by Dennis Wise, who claimed the club were still paying him £80,000 a month despite his departure in April, and claimed it was a factor in why Ashley was struggling to sell the club.
Keegan confirmed his delight at the outcome, stating he felt the £2 million pay-out + interest fully justified his departure and mistreatment by the club. Dennis Wise announced to the press that he did not feel solely responsible for the situation that developed at the club, but yet did not wish to contradict or debate Keegan's accusations, although he announced deep sorrow over the situation and felt his career has been left "in tatters".
The panel ruled in Keegan’s favour, citing that player Ignacio González
was signed by Dennis Wise against Keegan's wishes, but also against the principles of the generally understood role of a Premier League manager, which usually states the manager has the final decision on player signings. The panel revealed that Wise asked Keegan to review González from youtube.com, no more than 24 hours before the closing of the summer transfer window, from which Keegan refuted the player. The club revealed to the panel that Keegan had never been informed his word was not final and that they were not in a position to sack him should he not have agreed to their demands.
Keegan rejected talk of a third return to the club, feeling the fans had "had enough", leaving the role open for Chris Hughton to become full-time manager.
and Northern Rock
remained as the main sponsor. The home kit remained the same for the season while the new away kit was revealed to the public on June 20, 2008.
(until 4 September 2008; resigned) Chris Hughton
(6 September 2008 - 26 September 2008; caretaker) Joe Kinnear
(26 September 2008 - 16 February 2009; due to ill health) Colin Calderwood
/
Chris Hughton
(16 February 2009 - 31 March 2009; caretakers) Alan Shearer
(31 March 2009 - 23 May 2009) } Chris Hughton
(23 May 2009 - 6 December 2010)
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, the first time the club had been relegated since 1989
1988-89 in English football
The 1988–89 season was the 109th season of competitive football in England.-Hillsborough disaster:On 15 April, a crowd crush at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough killed 94 people and injured more than 300. A 95th Liverpool supporter died in hospital...
.
Things had looked reasonable for Newcastle at the start of the new season, but a major falling out between Kevin Keegan and the board saw Keegan resign as manager. This led to an awful run of form under caretaker manager Chris Hughton
Chris Hughton
Christopher William Gerard "Chris" Hughton is a professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Birmingham City F.C....
and the surprise appointment of Joe Kinnear
Joe Kinnear
Joseph Patrick "Joe" Kinnear is an Irish football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of Newcastle United....
was made to try to help the team out. A health scare saw Kinnear have to leave his office as manager in February. Under Hughton and Colin Calderwood
Colin Calderwood
Colin Calderwood is a Scottish football player and coach. In November 2011 he was appointed as Chris Hughton's assistant manager at Birmingham City....
, the club went on another horrible run of form as they were sucked deeper into the relegation battle. Ex-player Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team...
was appointed as a temporary manager for the last 8 matches of the season but he was only able to win one of these games and Newcastle were relegated.
Keegan resigns
Jonás Gutiérrez
Jonás Manuel Gutiérrez is an Argentine footballer who plays for English Premier League side Newcastle United, and for the Argentinian national team, as a winger. He acquired his nickname "Spider-Man" or "Spider-Mag" during his time at Real Mallorca where he celebrated a goal by putting on a...
, Danny Guthrie
Danny Guthrie
Danny Sean Guthrie is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United, as a midfielder.His displays in Liverpool's Academy side earned him a call-up to the England schoolboy side...
, Sebastien Bassong
Sébastien Bassong
Sébastien Aymar Bassong Nguena is a French-born Cameroonian football defender who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Cameroon national football team.-Early career:...
and Fabricio Coloccini
Fabricio Coloccini
Fabricio Coloccini is an Argentine football defender who currently captains Premier League club Newcastle United, and plays for the Argentine national team. At the age of 29, Coloccini has already represented numerous football clubs, however it was his successful spell at Deportivo La Coruña where...
. There were also a number of departures from the first team, most notably that of James Milner
James Milner
Milner was described as a "first class" student at his school; he left with 11 GCSEs and an award for his performance in physical education. Milner also showed talent in cricket, sprinting and long-distance running...
to Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
, whose departure was rumoured to have sparked disagreements between Keegan and the board, with Keegan claiming he was not consulted about his contract renewal. Shortly after the Arsenal game in the opening 2009 season, Spanish under-21 international Xisco was unveiled at St. James Park by director of football Dennis Wise
Dennis Wise
Dennis Frank Wise is an English former football manager and player, and former Executive Director at Newcastle United....
.
On 1 September there were widespread media reports that Keegan had either resigned or been sacked. While these reports were revealed to be premature, Keegan did tender his resignation on 4 September, citing fury over a lack of control over transfers and interference from the board, reflecting upon the sale of James Milner and the arrival of Xisco, a player he claimed to have known nothing about. Many Newcastle fans were furious with the perceived mistreatment of Keegan; public anger was directed at owner Mike Ashley
Mike Ashley (businessman)
Michael James Wallace "Mike" Ashley is an English millionaire retail entrepreneur in the sporting goods market...
, executive director Dennis Wise
Dennis Wise
Dennis Frank Wise is an English former football manager and player, and former Executive Director at Newcastle United....
, vice-chairman Tony Jimenez
Tony Jimenez
Tony Jimenez is a London-based property developer and former Vice President for Newcastle United. He is a millionaire because of a series of property developments, which have included hotels and golf courses in Spain, England, and Dubai.Jimenez is friend of former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos and...
and chairman Derek Llambias
Derek Llambias
Derek Llambias is an English businessman and long-term associate and friend of both Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew.He is currently managing director of Newcastle United...
, who were perceived to have forced Keegan out of the club.
Shortly after Keegan's departure, the League Managers Association
League Managers Association
The League Managers Association is the organisation which collectively represents all Premiership and Football League managers in English football...
warned Newcastle United to develop a structure which would satisfy the next manager to avoid a similar situation occurring again. They also reported that Keegan would consider a return to the club should they develop a structure he would be happy with. The club hit back at the allegations, claiming Keegan was aware of the structure when he joined. However, in December, following reports that Ashley was set to end his bid to sell United, it was reported that a legal battle was commencing between Ashley and Keegan, with Ashley rumoured to be claiming damage to his public image and Keegan claiming for breach of contract, following backing from the League Managers Association.
Joe Kinnear
Chris Hughton
Christopher William Gerard "Chris" Hughton is a professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Birmingham City F.C....
took over as caretaker manager for several weeks, during which Newcastle were eliminated from the League Cup by Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
and lost all their league matches. On September 26 Hughton was replaced by Joe Kinnear
Joe Kinnear
Joseph Patrick "Joe" Kinnear is an Irish football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of Newcastle United....
as "interim manager". Kinnear's appointment proved completely unimpressive with the fans, and resulted in Kinnear profusely verbally abusing and swearing at the media upon his first media interview. He then announced he would not speak to any national press again and would only speak with the local media. In his first two matches in charge Newcastle managed 2–2 draws with Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
and Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
, coming from behind both times (the latter with ten men).
In the last week of January, key players Shay Given
Shay Given
Séamus John James "Shay" Given is an Irish footballer who plays for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national team as a goalkeeper. He won the PFA's Player of the Year in 2002....
and Charles N'Zogbia
Charles N'Zogbia
Charles N'Zogbia is a French footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League. N'Zogbia was capped for the France under-21 team on thirteen occasions, and made his debut for the senior side in 2010....
left, causing an already thin squad to lose more talent. Amongst ongoing criticism of the club board following Keegan's departure, Joe Kinnear managed 5 wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses, and talks opened between Joe Kinnear and the board as to whether he would consider a full-time position the following season. However, on 7 February, the club's torrid season took another major blow when Kinnear was admitted to hospital following heart problems, and Chris Hughton once again took charge of the team, this time with the help of Colin Calderwood
Colin Calderwood
Colin Calderwood is a Scottish football player and coach. In November 2011 he was appointed as Chris Hughton's assistant manager at Birmingham City....
. By the end of March, the club was struggling to find form and keep pace with the opposition. With scarce wins over the course of the season, the team now faced a relegation battle.
Alan Shearer
Keeping to his decision not to rush Kinnear back into his role too shortly after his surgery, Mike Ashley brought in club icon Alan ShearerAlan Shearer
Alan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team...
to take over from Kinnear as the club's interim-manager on 1 April. As Shearer's appointment was announced, Dennis Wise
Dennis Wise
Dennis Frank Wise is an English former football manager and player, and former Executive Director at Newcastle United....
resigned as director of football and the club announced there were no plans to replace him in the role. Shearer hired Iain Dowie
Iain Dowie
Iain Dowie is a former footballer and manager. He is currently without a club. He has previously managed Hull City and Queens Park Rangers and was assistant manager of Newcastle United...
as his assistant coach and began his reign as caretaker manager, losing 2-0 to Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
at St. James Park and drawing 1-1 away at Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
. After losing 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane
White Hart Lane is an all-seater football stadium in Tottenham, London, England. Built in 1899, it is the home of Tottenham Hotspur and, after numerous renovations, the stadium has a capacity of 36,230....
and drawing 0-0 at home with Portsmouth, the club was plunged even deeper into the tight relegation fight. The ignominious 3-0 loss to title-chasing Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
on 3 May, with Joey Barton
Joey Barton
Joseph Anthony "Joey" Barton is an English footballer who plays for and captains Premier League side Queens Park Rangers as either a central midfielder or a winger....
being sent off on 77 minutes for a dangerous tackle, left the club in 19th place. Shearer recorded his first victory as manager on 11 May, defeating fellow strugglers Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
3-1, lifting the club out of the relegation zone to 17th place on goal difference.
The feel-good factor did not last as, the following week, Newcastle slumped to a 1-0 home defeat to Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
to fall back in the relegation zone with only the away game to Aston Villa left to play. This left the club needing to better the results of Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
and Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
to avoid relegation. Despite Sunderland, Hull and Middlesbrough all losing their matches, Newcastle United were relegated to the Championship for the first time since 1993 after a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
The club was then placed for sale by Ashley, who noted the club's terrible season following bad decisions on his part, which he believed led the club into major financial loss and constant criticism following relegation. Ashley said "It has been catastrophic for everybody. I've lost my money and I've made terrible decisions. Now I want to sell it as soon as I can." Newcastle released an official statement on the club's sale, including a press phone number and email address which was quickly made further public by the national press, although the address provided was merely for general enquiries. This resulted in a large number of hoax bids being sent, most of which were made by rival Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
supporters. More controversy was once again caused by Dennis Wise, who claimed the club were still paying him £80,000 a month despite his departure in April, and claimed it was a factor in why Ashley was struggling to sell the club.
Compensation to Keegan
On 2 October, a Premier League arbitration panel ruled in favour of Kevin Keegan on his dispute with the club. The club confessed that they had lied to the media, public and staff, and that their correspondence on Keegan's departure was just "PR".Keegan confirmed his delight at the outcome, stating he felt the £2 million pay-out + interest fully justified his departure and mistreatment by the club. Dennis Wise announced to the press that he did not feel solely responsible for the situation that developed at the club, but yet did not wish to contradict or debate Keegan's accusations, although he announced deep sorrow over the situation and felt his career has been left "in tatters".
The panel ruled in Keegan’s favour, citing that player Ignacio González
Ignacio María González
Ignacio 'Nacho' María González Gatti is an Uruguayan footballer who plays for Standard Liège in Belgium, as a midfielder.-Club career:González's professional career began at Danubio FC, where he appeared in a total of 170 games, scoring more than 50 official goals for the Montevideo-based club...
was signed by Dennis Wise against Keegan's wishes, but also against the principles of the generally understood role of a Premier League manager, which usually states the manager has the final decision on player signings. The panel revealed that Wise asked Keegan to review González from youtube.com, no more than 24 hours before the closing of the summer transfer window, from which Keegan refuted the player. The club revealed to the panel that Keegan had never been informed his word was not final and that they were not in a position to sack him should he not have agreed to their demands.
Keegan rejected talk of a third return to the club, feeling the fans had "had enough", leaving the role open for Chris Hughton to become full-time manager.
Team kit
The team kit for the 2008-09 season was produced by AdidasAdidas
Adidas AG is a German sports apparel manufacturer and parent company of the Adidas Group, which consists of the Reebok sportswear company, TaylorMade-Adidas golf company , and Rockport...
and Northern Rock
Northern Rock
Northern Rock plc is a British bank, best known for becoming the first bank in 150 years to suffer a bank run after having had to approach the Bank of England for a loan facility, to replace money market funding, during the credit crisis in 2007. Having failed to find a commercial buyer for...
remained as the main sponsor. The home kit remained the same for the season while the new away kit was revealed to the public on June 20, 2008.
Managers
Kevin KeeganKevin Keegan
Joseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
(until 4 September 2008; resigned) Chris Hughton
Chris Hughton
Christopher William Gerard "Chris" Hughton is a professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Birmingham City F.C....
(6 September 2008 - 26 September 2008; caretaker) Joe Kinnear
Joe Kinnear
Joseph Patrick "Joe" Kinnear is an Irish football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of Newcastle United....
(26 September 2008 - 16 February 2009; due to ill health) Colin Calderwood
Colin Calderwood
Colin Calderwood is a Scottish football player and coach. In November 2011 he was appointed as Chris Hughton's assistant manager at Birmingham City....
/
Chris HughtonChris Hughton
Christopher William Gerard "Chris" Hughton is a professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Birmingham City F.C....
(16 February 2009 - 31 March 2009; caretakers) Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer
Alan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team...
(31 March 2009 - 23 May 2009) } Chris Hughton
Chris Hughton
Christopher William Gerard "Chris" Hughton is a professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Birmingham City F.C....
(23 May 2009 - 6 December 2010)
Chronological list of events
- 6 June 2008: David RozehnalDavid RozehnalDavid Sebastian Klement Rozehnal is a Czech international football player who plays for French club Lille.-Career:...
was sold to LazioS.S. LazioSocietà Sportiva Lazio, commonly referred to as Lazio, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. The team, founded in 1900, play in the Serie A and have spent most of their history in the top tier of Italian football...
.
- 17 June 2008: Managing director Chris MortChris MortChristopher "Chris" Mort is an English lawyer and former chairman of Newcastle United Football Club.-Biography:Mort is a lawyer for Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where he is co-head of the leisure sector group and oversees relationships with companies in the gaming, holidays, hotels, pubs and...
stepped down as chairman and was replaced, as expected, by Derek LlambiasDerek LlambiasDerek Llambias is an English businessman and long-term associate and friend of both Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew.He is currently managing director of Newcastle United...
.
- 24 June 2008: Richard Money was appointed new Academy Director.
- 30 June 2008: Stephen CarrStephen CarrStephen Carr is an Irish footballer who plays for and captains Birmingham City. He previously played for the Premier League teams Tottenham Hotspur and, for a shorter spell, Newcastle United. He is a former international player with the Republic of Ireland...
, Peter RamagePeter RamagePeter Iain Ramage is an English footballer who plays for Crystal Palace on loan from Queens Park Rangers as a defender. He broke into the first team playing at centre back but is versatile enough to play at full back as well. Ramage began his career with Newcastle United as an academy player...
and James TroisiJames TroisiJames Troisi is an Australian football midfielder. He is currently playing for Turkish club Kayserispor.-Club career:...
left the club after contract expiry.
- 2 July 2008: Jonás GutiérrezJonás GutiérrezJonás Manuel Gutiérrez is an Argentine footballer who plays for English Premier League side Newcastle United, and for the Argentinian national team, as a winger. He acquired his nickname "Spider-Man" or "Spider-Mag" during his time at Real Mallorca where he celebrated a goal by putting on a...
was signed from RCD MallorcaRCD MallorcaReal Club Deportivo Mallorca is a Spanish football team based on Palma, Majorca, in the Balearic Islands. Founded on 5 March 1916, the team currently plays in the Spanish first division, holding home games at Son Moix....
.
- 4 July 2008: Steven TaylorSteven Taylor (footballer)Steven Vincent Taylor is an English footballer, currently playing for Premier League club Newcastle United. He is a versatile central defender who can play at right back or, on rare occasions, at left back...
signed a three-year extension.
- 11 July 2008: Danny GuthrieDanny GuthrieDanny Sean Guthrie is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United, as a midfielder.His displays in Liverpool's Academy side earned him a call-up to the England schoolboy side...
was signed from LiverpoolLiverpool F.C.Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
.
- 14 July 2008: Sébastien BassongSébastien BassongSébastien Aymar Bassong Nguena is a French-born Cameroonian football defender who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Cameroon national football team.-Early career:...
from FC MetzFC MetzFootball Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its...
was taken on trial for a week.
- 14 July 2008: Emre BelözoğluEmre BelözogluEmre Belözoğlu is a Turkish football midfielder who plays for Fenerbahçe.Having also played for clubs Galatasaray, Internazionale, and Newcastle United, Emre has been a part of the Turkey national team at the 2002 World Cup and at Euro 2008 among other tournaments...
was sold to Fenerbahçe.
- 16 July 2008: Robbie ElliottRobbie ElliottRobert James "Robbie" Elliott is an English former football left back who is currently the strength coach for the United States U-20 men's football team....
returned to the club to work as strength and conditioning coach alongside senior fitness coach, Mark HulseMark HulseMark Hulse is an English fitness guru and currently appointed Fitness Coach at Liverpool.-Biography:Hulse is a graduate of Loughborough University and played for Loughborough Students Football Club....
.
- 16 July 2008: Alan Thompson joined the coaching staff as new academy coach.
- 30 July 2008: Sébastien BassongSébastien BassongSébastien Aymar Bassong Nguena is a French-born Cameroonian football defender who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Cameroon national football team.-Early career:...
came one step closer to being a Newcastle player when a fee was agreed between Newcastle United and FC Metz.
- 7 August 2008: Arthur CoxArthur Cox (footballer)Arthur Cox is a former English football manager.Cox has managed a number of clubs including Chesterfield, Newcastle United, where he won promotion to the First Division and introduced future international players such as Peter Beardsley and Chris Waddle...
resigned as assistant manager and returned to his retirement from football.
- 15 August 2008: Fabricio ColocciniFabricio ColocciniFabricio Coloccini is an Argentine football defender who currently captains Premier League club Newcastle United, and plays for the Argentine national team. At the age of 29, Coloccini has already represented numerous football clubs, however it was his successful spell at Deportivo La Coruña where...
became a Newcastle United player, signing a 5 year contract.
- 15 August 2008: Abdoulaye FayeAbdoulaye Diagne-FayeAbdoulaye Diagne-Faye , more commonly known as Abdoulaye Faye, is a Senegalese footballer who plays for Championship club West Ham United...
was sold to Stoke CityStoke City F.C.Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
.
- 20 August 2008: Shola AmeobiShola AmeobiFoluwashola "Shola" Ameobi is an Nigerian footballer who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United as a forward. Born in Nigeria but raised in Newcastle, he played for England at under-21 level. He is the older brother of fellow footballers Tomi and Sammy...
's proposed move to Ipswich TownIpswich Town F.C.Ipswich Town Football Club are an English professional football team based in Ipswich, Suffolk. As of 2011, they play in the Football League Championship, having last appeared in the Premier League in 2001–02....
failed due to injury problem.
- 27 August 2008: James MilnerJames MilnerMilner was described as a "first class" student at his school; he left with 11 GCSEs and an award for his performance in physical education. Milner also showed talent in cricket, sprinting and long-distance running...
handed in a written transfer request.
- 29 August 2008: James MilnerJames MilnerMilner was described as a "first class" student at his school; he left with 11 GCSEs and an award for his performance in physical education. Milner also showed talent in cricket, sprinting and long-distance running...
was sold to Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
for a fee of £12 million.
- 29 August 2008: Kamil ZayatteKamil ZayatteKamil Zayatte is a Guinean footballer who plays for Turkish club İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyespor as a defender.-Club career:...
from BSC Young BoysBSC Young BoysBerner Sport Club Young Boys 1898 is a Swiss sporting club based in the capital city of Bern. The name is often abbreviated to YB . Abroad, YB is often referred to as Young Boys Bern. The club's colors are yellow and black....
was training with the first-team squad.
- 1 September 2008: Ignacio GonzálezIgnacio María GonzálezIgnacio 'Nacho' María González Gatti is an Uruguayan footballer who plays for Standard Liège in Belgium, as a midfielder.-Club career:González's professional career began at Danubio FC, where he appeared in a total of 170 games, scoring more than 50 official goals for the Montevideo-based club...
from ValenciaValencia CFValencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the...
was taken on a season-long loan deal.
- 1 September 2008: XiscoFrancisco Jiménez TejadaFrancisco Jiménez Tejada , commonly known as Xisco, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Deportivo de La Coruña on loan from Newcastle United, as a striker.-Deportivo La Coruña:...
was signed from Deportivo de La CoruñaDeportivo de La CoruñaReal Club Deportivo de La Coruña is a professional football club based in the city of A Coruña, Galicia; founded in 1906 and currently playing in Segunda División...
.
- 2 September 2008: Kevin KeeganKevin KeeganJoseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
was rumoured to have resigned or been sacked as manager but official statements from the club later denied those speculations.
- 4 September 2008: Kevin KeeganKevin KeeganJoseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
resigned as manager after several days of discussions with the board.
- 5 September 2008: Anil AmbaniAnil AmbaniAnil Dhirubhai Ambani is an Indian-Gujarati business baron and chairman of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, one of the largest private conglomerates. Anil's elder brother, Mukesh Ambani, is worth more than 29 billion dollars, and owns another company called Reliance Industries...
was again rumored to be interested in a £220 million take over and bring Kevin KeeganKevin KeeganJoseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
back.
- 6 September 2008: Chris HughtonChris HughtonChristopher William Gerard "Chris" Hughton is a professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Birmingham City F.C....
was named caretaker manager following the departures of Terry McDermottTerry McDermottTerence "Terry" McDermott is a former football midfielder and current coach. He is currently the assistant manager at League One side Huddersfield Town.He is the father of Newcastle United player Greg McDermott and Marsaxlokk player Neale McDermott-Early career:McDermott joined Bury as a youngster...
and Adam Sadler.
- 8 September 2008: Ray GoodingRay GoodingRay Gooding is a former footballer and currently a scout for Newcastle United.-Playing career:Gooding featured as a player most prominently for Coventry City. He was signed as an apprentice by Gordon Milne in 1976 and was an under-study to Terry Yorath and Barry Powell...
was appointed academy scout joining from Coventry CityCoventry City F.C.Coventry City Football Club, otherwise known as the Sky Blues owing to the traditional colour of their strip, are a professional English Football league club based in Coventry...
.
- 14 September 2008: Mike AshleyMike Ashley (businessman)Michael James Wallace "Mike" Ashley is an English millionaire retail entrepreneur in the sporting goods market...
announced his intention to sell club following a series of protests by Newcastle supporters angry at Kevin KeeganKevin KeeganJoseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
's departure.
- 17 September 2008: Mike AshleyMike Ashley (businessman)Michael James Wallace "Mike" Ashley is an English millionaire retail entrepreneur in the sporting goods market...
was rumored to have snubbed a £200m. bid for the club from DubaiDubaiDubai is a city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates . The emirate is located south of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula and has the largest population with the second-largest land territory by area of all the emirates, after Abu Dhabi...
-based Zabeel InvestmentsZabeel InvestmentsZabeel Investments is private investment vehicle for Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Dubai executive Council...
, instead demanding £481m.
- 22 September 2008: Keith Harris from Seymour Pierce was appointed to act on the potential sale of the club by the board.
- 23 September 2008: A NigeriaNigeriaNigeria , officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a federal constitutional republic comprising 36 states and its Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The country is located in West Africa and shares land borders with the Republic of Benin in the west, Chad and Cameroon in the east, and Niger in...
n consortium was rumored to line up a £350m. take over bid and bring Kevin KeeganKevin KeeganJoseph Kevin Keegan, OBE is a former international footballer and former manager of the England national football team and several English clubs, most notably Newcastle United....
back.
- 26 September 2008: Joe KinnearJoe KinnearJoseph Patrick "Joe" Kinnear is an Irish football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of Newcastle United....
named interim manager.
- 9 October 2008: Tony JimenezTony JimenezTony Jimenez is a London-based property developer and former Vice President for Newcastle United. He is a millionaire because of a series of property developments, which have included hotels and golf courses in Spain, England, and Dubai.Jimenez is friend of former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos and...
left the club to pursue other interests.
- 25 October 2008: Newcastle lost away to Sunderland AFC for the first time in 28 years.
- 28 November 2008: Joe KinnearJoe KinnearJoseph Patrick "Joe" Kinnear is an Irish football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of Newcastle United....
announced as manager until the end of the season.
- 14 December 2008: Newcastle United claimed their first away victory of the season with a 3-0 win over Portsmouth FC with goals from Michael OwenMichael OwenMichael James Owen is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United.The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. He progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his debut in May 1997...
, Obafemi MartinsObafemi MartinsObafemi Akinwunmi Martins is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for Rubin Kazan and the Nigeria national team. He is known for his speed on the ball....
and Danny GuthrieDanny GuthrieDanny Sean Guthrie is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United, as a midfielder.His displays in Liverpool's Academy side earned him a call-up to the England schoolboy side...
- 28 December 2008: The sale of the club was called off by Mike AshleyMike Ashley (businessman)Michael James Wallace "Mike" Ashley is an English millionaire retail entrepreneur in the sporting goods market...
.
- 12 January 2009: Peter LøvenkrandsPeter LøvenkrandsPeter Rosenkrands Løvenkrands is a Danish footballer who plays for Newcastle United in the Premier League, and for the Danish national team. He is a striker who can also play as a left winger and is known for his pace....
was taken on trial for a week.
- 23 January 2009: Peter LøvenkrandsPeter LøvenkrandsPeter Rosenkrands Løvenkrands is a Danish footballer who plays for Newcastle United in the Premier League, and for the Danish national team. He is a striker who can also play as a left winger and is known for his pace....
signed until the end of the season.
- 26 January 2009: Colin CalderwoodColin CalderwoodColin Calderwood is a Scottish football player and coach. In November 2011 he was appointed as Chris Hughton's assistant manager at Birmingham City....
joined as a first-team coach until the end of the season.
- 30 January 2009: Kevin NolanKevin NolanKevin Anthony Jance Nolan is an English professional footballer who plays for and is the current club captain of West Ham United in the Football League Championship. An attacking midfielder, he has represented England at under-21 level....
signed from BoltonBolton Wanderers F.C.Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
on a four-and-a-half year deal.
- 1 February 2009: Shay GivenShay GivenSéamus John James "Shay" Given is an Irish footballer who plays for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national team as a goalkeeper. He won the PFA's Player of the Year in 2002....
was sold to Manchester CityManchester City F.C.Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
.
- 2 February 2009: Ryan Taylor signed from WiganWigan Athletic F.C.Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
with Charles N'ZogbiaCharles N'ZogbiaCharles N'Zogbia is a French footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League. N'Zogbia was capped for the France under-21 team on thirteen occasions, and made his debut for the senior side in 2010....
going in the other direction.
- 13 February 2009: Joe KinnearJoe KinnearJoseph Patrick "Joe" Kinnear is an Irish football manager and former player. He was most recently the manager of Newcastle United....
underwent a triple heart bypassCoronary artery bypass surgeryCoronary artery bypass surgery, also coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and colloquially heart bypass or bypass surgery is a surgical procedure performed to relieve angina and reduce the risk of death from coronary artery disease...
operation.
- 27 March 2009: Peter BeardsleyPeter BeardsleyPeter Andrew Beardsley MBE is an English former footballer who played between 1979 and 1999. He once set a record transfer fee in the game and represented his country 59 times between 1986 and 1996, once as captain...
returned to Newcastle once again to coach players at the academy.
- 1 April 2009: Alan ShearerAlan ShearerAlan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team...
was announced as temporary manager, to fill in for Kinnear until the end of the 2008-09 season.
- 1 April 2009: Dennis WiseDennis WiseDennis Frank Wise is an English former football manager and player, and former Executive Director at Newcastle United....
resigned from his post as Executive Director (Football) following Alan Shearer's appointment as temporary manager.
- 1 April 2009: Iain DowieIain DowieIain Dowie is a former footballer and manager. He is currently without a club. He has previously managed Hull City and Queens Park Rangers and was assistant manager of Newcastle United...
was announced as new assistant manager while Colin CalderwoodColin CalderwoodColin Calderwood is a Scottish football player and coach. In November 2011 he was appointed as Chris Hughton's assistant manager at Birmingham City....
and Chris HughtonChris HughtonChristopher William Gerard "Chris" Hughton is a professional football manager and former player who is currently the manager of Birmingham City F.C....
would continue in their coaching roles.
- 3 April 2009: Paul FerrisPaul Ferris (physio)Paul Ferris is a former footballer and physio for Newcastle United.-Biography:In 1981 Ferris signed for Newcastle United from Lisburn Juniors in Northern Ireland and became the club's youngest ever debutant at the time when he appeared aged just 16 years and 294 days...
returned to the club to be part of Shearer's backroom staff working as physio.
- 24 May 2009: Newcastle United relegated to The ChampionshipFootball League ChampionshipThe Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
after a 1-0 loss away to Aston VillaAston Villa F.C.Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
.
- 26 May 2009: Alan ShearerAlan ShearerAlan Shearer OBE, DL is a retired English footballer. He played as a striker in the top level of English league football for Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and for the England national team...
was rumoured to be offered a new four-year deal by Newcastle United, becoming permanent manager of the team.
- 30 May 2009: Around 150 full and part-time employees of the club were expected to be laid off due to the relegation, including coach Colin CalderwoodColin CalderwoodColin Calderwood is a Scottish football player and coach. In November 2011 he was appointed as Chris Hughton's assistant manager at Birmingham City....
and Executive Director of Operations David WilliamsonDavid Williamson (businessman)David Williamson is a successful Scottish businessman, and former Executive Director at Newcastle United.-Biography:...
.
- 31 May 2009: Mike AshleyMike Ashley (businessman)Michael James Wallace "Mike" Ashley is an English millionaire retail entrepreneur in the sporting goods market...
reportedly put the club up for sale with a £100m price tag.
- 1 June 2009: A foreign-based group is believed to have talks regarding a £80m take over. Another group is also interested. Former chairman Freddy ShepherdFreddy ShepherdFreddy Shepherd , is an English businessman and the former chairman of Newcastle United football club.During his time at Newcastle, both as an active assistant to and later replacement of Sir John Hall as chairman for ten years, Shepherd proved an often outspoken and controversial figure, at times...
is not involved with any of the groups so far.
- 8 June 2009: The club is officially put up for sale for £100m confirmed through a club statement.
- 12 June 2009: Several groups and consortiums are reported in talks with the club regarding a take over, including SingaporeSingaporeSingapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
-based Profitable Group.
Appearances, goals and cards
- (Substitute appearances in brackets)
No. Pos. Name League FA Cup League Cup Total Discipline Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals 
1 GK Shay Given Shay GivenSéamus John James "Shay" Given is an Irish footballer who plays for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national team as a goalkeeper. He won the PFA's Player of the Year in 2002....22 0 2 0 2 0 26 0 2 0 2 DF 
Fabricio ColocciniFabricio ColocciniFabricio Coloccini is an Argentine football defender who currently captains Premier League club Newcastle United, and plays for the Argentine national team. At the age of 29, Coloccini has already represented numerous football clubs, however it was his successful spell at Deportivo La Coruña where...34 0 2 0 2 0 38 0 5 0 3 DF 
José EnriqueJosé Enrique SánchezJosé Enrique Sánchez Díaz , more commonly known as José Enrique, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Liverpool as a left-back.-Early career:...24 (2) 0 1 0 1 0 26 (2) 0 1 0 4 MF Kevin NolanKevin NolanKevin Anthony Jance Nolan is an English professional footballer who plays for and is the current club captain of West Ham United in the Football League Championship. An attacking midfielder, he has represented England at under-21 level....10 (1) 0 0 0 0 0 10 (1) 0 2 1 6 DF 
CaçapaCaçapaCláudio Roberto da Silva, commonly known as Cláudio Caçapa or simply Caçapa is a Brazilian footballer. He plays as a central defender for Brazilian club Avaí.-Atlético Mineiro:...4 (2) 0 0 0 1 0 5 (2) 0 0 0 7 MF Joey BartonJoey BartonJoseph Anthony "Joey" Barton is an English footballer who plays for and captains Premier League side Queens Park Rangers as either a central midfielder or a winger....6 (3) 1 0 0 0 0 6 (3) 1 2 1 8 MF Danny GuthrieDanny GuthrieDanny Sean Guthrie is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United, as a midfielder.His displays in Liverpool's Academy side earned him a call-up to the England schoolboy side...21 (3) 2 2 0 1 0 24 (3) 2 3 1 9 FW 
Obafemi MartinsObafemi MartinsObafemi Akinwunmi Martins is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for Rubin Kazan and the Nigeria national team. He is known for his speed on the ball....21 (3) 8 0 0 1 0 22 (3) 8 1 0 10 FW Michael OwenMichael OwenMichael James Owen is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United.The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. He progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his debut in May 1997...
(C)21 (7) 8 2 0 1 (1) 2 24 (8) 10 0 0 11 MF Damien Duff Damien DuffDamien Anthony Duff is an Irish footballer who plays for Premier League team Fulham and the Republic of Ireland national football team. With Ireland he has participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and helped his team qualify for UEFA Euro 2012...28 (2) 3 2 0 1 0 31 (2) 3 4 0 12 DF 
Sébastien BassongSébastien BassongSébastien Aymar Bassong Nguena is a French-born Cameroonian football defender who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Cameroon national football team.-Early career:...26 (4) 0 2 0 2 0 30 (4) 0 3 2 13 GK Steve Harper16 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 14 MF Charles N'ZogbiaCharles N'ZogbiaCharles N'Zogbia is a French footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League. N'Zogbia was capped for the France under-21 team on thirteen occasions, and made his debut for the senior side in 2010....14 (4) 1 2 0 2 0 18 (4) 1 2 0 15 MF 
Ignacio GonzálezIgnacio María GonzálezIgnacio 'Nacho' María González Gatti is an Uruguayan footballer who plays for Standard Liège in Belgium, as a midfielder.-Club career:González's professional career began at Danubio FC, where he appeared in a total of 170 games, scoring more than 50 official goals for the Montevideo-based club...0 (2) 0 0 0 0 0 0 (2) 0 0 0 16 MF James MilnerJames MilnerMilner was described as a "first class" student at his school; he left with 11 GCSEs and an award for his performance in physical education. Milner also showed talent in cricket, sprinting and long-distance running...2 0 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 16 DF Ryan Taylor8 (2) 0 0 0 0 0 8 (2) 0 4 0 17 FW Alan Smith4 (2) 0 0 0 0 0 4 (2) 0 2 0 18 MF Jonás GutiérrezJonás GutiérrezJonás Manuel Gutiérrez is an Argentine footballer who plays for English Premier League side Newcastle United, and for the Argentinian national team, as a winger. He acquired his nickname "Spider-Man" or "Spider-Mag" during his time at Real Mallorca where he celebrated a goal by putting on a...23 (7) 0 1 (1) 0 1 0 25 (8) 0 7 0 19 FW XiscoFrancisco Jiménez TejadaFrancisco Jiménez Tejada , commonly known as Xisco, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Deportivo de La Coruña on loan from Newcastle United, as a striker.-Deportivo La Coruña:...3 (2) 1 1 0 0 (1) 0 4 (3) 1 0 0 20 MF 
GeremiGeremi NjitapGeremi Sorele Njitap Fotso , known simply as Geremi, is a Cameroonian footballer who is currently a free agent.-Early career:...11 (4) 0 0 0 2 0 13 (4) 0 2 0 21 DF 
Habib BeyeHabib BeyeHabib Beye is a French born Senegalese footballer who plays for Doncaster Rovers on loan from Aston Villa and for the Senegal national team...22 (1) 0 0 0 1 0 23 (1) 0 3 1 22 MF Nicky ButtNicky ButtNicholas "Nicky" Butt is an English footballer. He began his career with Manchester United and spent 12 years in their first-team before moving to Newcastle United in 2004. He spent one season on loan to Birmingham City in 2005–06...33 0 2 0 2 0 37 0 9 1 23 FW Shola AmeobiShola AmeobiFoluwashola "Shola" Ameobi is an Nigerian footballer who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United as a forward. Born in Nigeria but raised in Newcastle, he played for England at under-21 level. He is the older brother of fellow footballers Tomi and Sammy...14 (8) 4 0 0 0 0 14 (8) 4 1 0 24 FW 
Peter LøvenkrandsPeter LøvenkrandsPeter Rosenkrands Løvenkrands is a Danish footballer who plays for Newcastle United in the Premier League, and for the Danish national team. He is a striker who can also play as a left winger and is known for his pace....8 (4) 3 0 0 0 0 8 (4) 3 0 0 27 DF Steven TaylorSteven Taylor (footballer)Steven Vincent Taylor is an English footballer, currently playing for Premier League club Newcastle United. He is a versatile central defender who can play at right back or, on rare occasions, at left back...25 (2) 4 1 0 1 0 27 (2) 4 6 0 28 DF 
Tamás KádárTamás KádárTamás Kádár is a Hungarian footballer, currently playing for Newcastle United in the Premier League. He is a defender and is equally capable at centre-back or left-back. He made his debut for Zalaegerszegi TE at the age of 16 and has since gone on to win Hungary U-21 honours.-Zalaegerszeg:Kádár...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 FW 
Fabio Zamblera0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 DF 
David EdgarDavid Edgar (footballer)David Edward Edgar is a Canadian football player who currently plays for Championship side Burnley. He can play as a centre back, right back, left back or defensive midfielder.-Early life:Edgar was born to Eddie Edgar and Christine Edgar...7 (4) 1 1 0 0 (1) 0 8 (5) 1 3 1 31 FW 
Frank Wiafe DanquahFrank Wiafe DanquahFrank Wiafe Danquah is a Dutch footballer who currently plays for Waasland-Beveren in Belgium.-Early career:Frank Wiafe Danquah began in the youth teams of Ajax Amsterdam in the Netherlands. After a spell at First Division side FC Omniworld he was given a trial by Newcastle United and signed with...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 FW Wesley Ngo BahengWesley Ngo BahengWesley Ngo Baheng is a French footballer of Cameroonian descent, who is without a club after leaving Hereford United.-Biography:...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 33 GK 
Ole SöderbergOle SöderbergOle Petter Söderberg is a Swedish footballer who plays for Chesterfield, on loan from Newcastle United. He also serves as the goalkeeper of the Swedish national U21 team.-Biography:Söderberg was born in Norrköping, Sweden in 1990...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 GK Fraser ForsterFraser ForsterFraser Gerard Forster is an English footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Celtic, on loan from Newcastle United.He started his career with Newcastle and has had loan spells with Stockport County, Bristol Rovers and Norwich City as well as being on loan to Celtic for the 2010–11 season.-Early...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 35 DF Ben TozerBen TozerBen Peter Anthony Tozer is an English footballer who plays for Northampton Town as a defender.-Swindon Town:Born in Plymouth, Tozer began his career as a youth player at his local club Plymouth Argyle, where he studied for a BTEC National Diploma in Sport at City College Plymouth and was part of...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 36 FW 
Mark VidukaMark VidukaMark Anthony Viduka is a former Australian soccer player who played as a centre forward. He captained the Australian national team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany to the last 16.-Melbourne Croatia:...6 (6) 0 0 0 0 0 6 (6) 0 0 0 37 DF Callum Morris 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 38 MF 
Kazenga LuaLuaKazenga LuaLuaKazenga LuaLua is a Congolese-English footballer who plays as a winger for Football League Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion. He is the younger brother of Blackpool striker Lomana LuaLua. It is a common misconception that they are cousins but the matter was cleared up by Lomana LuaLua...0 (3) 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 0 (4) 0 0 0 39 FW Andy CarrollAndy CarrollAndrew Thomas "Andy" Carroll is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Liverpool and the England national team....5 (9) 3 1 (1) 0 0 0 6 (10) 3 2 0 40 GK Tim KrulTim KrulTimothy Michael "Tim" Krul is a Dutch footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Newcastle United and the Netherlands national team.-Newcastle United:...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 41 MF Mark Doninger0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 FW Ryan DonaldsonRyan DonaldsonRyan Mark Donaldson is an English footballer, who plays for Newcastle United. He can play as an out-and-out striker up front or in midfield.-Club career:...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 MF Jonny GodsmarkJonny GodsmarkJonathan "Jonny" Godsmark is an English footballer who currently plays for Ashington.-Career:Godsmark started his career with Newcastle United and made his reserve team debut in Northumberland Senior Cup against Walker on 16 October 2006, and then scored his first reserve goal after coming on as a...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 MF James Marwood0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 45 DF Darren Lough0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 FW Nile RangerNile RangerNile Ranger is an English footballer who plays for Barnsley on loan from Premier League club Newcastle United as a striker.-Early days:...0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 47 MF 
Bradden Inman0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Starting formations
| Formation Formation (association football) In association football, the formation describes how the players in a team are positioned on the pitch. Different formations can be used depending on whether a team wishes to play more attacking or defensive football.... |
League | FA Cup | League Cup | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-4-2 | 34 | 2 | 1 | 37 |
| 4-3-3 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 4-4-1-1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Captains
| No. | Pos. | Name | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | FW | Michael Owen Michael Owen Michael James Owen is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United.The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. He progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his debut in May 1997... |
24 |
| 22 | MF | Nicky Butt Nicky Butt Nicholas "Nicky" Butt is an English footballer. He began his career with Manchester United and spent 12 years in their first-team before moving to Newcastle United in 2004. He spent one season on loan to Birmingham City in 2005–06... |
16 |
| 13 | GK | Steve Harper |
1 |
| 1 | GK | Shay Given Shay Given Séamus John James "Shay" Given is an Irish footballer who plays for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national team as a goalkeeper. He won the PFA's Player of the Year in 2002.... |
1 |
Starting 11
| No. | Pos. | Name | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GK |  Shay GivenShay Given Séamus John James "Shay" Given is an Irish footballer who plays for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national team as a goalkeeper. He won the PFA's Player of the Year in 2002.... |
26 |
| 21 | DF | Habib Beye Habib Beye Habib Beye is a French born Senegalese footballer who plays for Doncaster Rovers on loan from Aston Villa and for the Senegal national team... |
23 |
| 12 | DF | Sébastien Bassong Sébastien Bassong Sébastien Aymar Bassong Nguena is a French-born Cameroonian football defender who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Cameroon national football team.-Early career:... |
30 |
| 2 | DF | Fabricio Coloccini Fabricio Coloccini Fabricio Coloccini is an Argentine football defender who currently captains Premier League club Newcastle United, and plays for the Argentine national team. At the age of 29, Coloccini has already represented numerous football clubs, however it was his successful spell at Deportivo La Coruña where... |
38 |
| 3 | DF | José Enrique José Enrique Sánchez José Enrique Sánchez Díaz , more commonly known as José Enrique, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Liverpool as a left-back.-Early career:... |
26 |
| 18 | MF | Jonás Gutiérrez Jonás Gutiérrez Jonás Manuel Gutiérrez is an Argentine footballer who plays for English Premier League side Newcastle United, and for the Argentinian national team, as a winger. He acquired his nickname "Spider-Man" or "Spider-Mag" during his time at Real Mallorca where he celebrated a goal by putting on a... |
25 |
| 22 | MF | Nicky Butt Nicky Butt Nicholas "Nicky" Butt is an English footballer. He began his career with Manchester United and spent 12 years in their first-team before moving to Newcastle United in 2004. He spent one season on loan to Birmingham City in 2005–06... |
37 |
| 8 | MF | Danny Guthrie Danny Guthrie Danny Sean Guthrie is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United, as a midfielder.His displays in Liverpool's Academy side earned him a call-up to the England schoolboy side... |
24 |
| 11 | MF | Damien Duff Damien Duff Damien Anthony Duff is an Irish footballer who plays for Premier League team Fulham and the Republic of Ireland national football team. With Ireland he has participated in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and helped his team qualify for UEFA Euro 2012... |
31 |
| 10 | FW | Michael Owen Michael Owen Michael James Owen is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United.The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. He progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his debut in May 1997... |
24 |
| 9 | FW | Obafemi Martins Obafemi Martins Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for Rubin Kazan and the Nigeria national team. He is known for his speed on the ball.... |
22 |
| Starting 11 with the most used starting formation. |
In
| Date | Pos. | Name | From | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-07-02 | MF | Jonás Gutiérrez Jonás Gutiérrez Jonás Manuel Gutiérrez is an Argentine footballer who plays for English Premier League side Newcastle United, and for the Argentinian national team, as a winger. He acquired his nickname "Spider-Man" or "Spider-Mag" during his time at Real Mallorca where he celebrated a goal by putting on a... |
RCD Mallorca RCD Mallorca Real Club Deportivo Mallorca is a Spanish football team based on Palma, Majorca, in the Balearic Islands. Founded on 5 March 1916, the team currently plays in the Spanish first division, holding home games at Son Moix.... |
Undisclosed (exp. £2,000,000) |
| 2008-07-11 | MF | Danny Guthrie Danny Guthrie Danny Sean Guthrie is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Newcastle United, as a midfielder.His displays in Liverpool's Academy side earned him a call-up to the England schoolboy side... |
Liverpool Liverpool F.C. Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups... |
Undisclosed (exp. £2,500,000) |
| 2008-07-30 | DF | Sébastien Bassong Sébastien Bassong Sébastien Aymar Bassong Nguena is a French-born Cameroonian football defender who plays for Tottenham Hotspur and the Cameroon national football team.-Early career:... |
FC Metz FC Metz Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its... |
Undisclosed (exp. £1,800,000) |
| 2008-08-15 | DF | Fabricio Coloccini Fabricio Coloccini Fabricio Coloccini is an Argentine football defender who currently captains Premier League club Newcastle United, and plays for the Argentine national team. At the age of 29, Coloccini has already represented numerous football clubs, however it was his successful spell at Deportivo La Coruña where... |
Deportivo de La Coruña Deportivo de La Coruña Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña is a professional football club based in the city of A Coruña, Galicia; founded in 1906 and currently playing in Segunda División... |
Undisclosed (exp. £10,000,000) |
| 2008-09-01 | FW | Xisco Francisco Jiménez Tejada Francisco Jiménez Tejada , commonly known as Xisco, is a Spanish footballer who plays for Deportivo de La Coruña on loan from Newcastle United, as a striker.-Deportivo La Coruña:... |
Deportivo de La Coruña Deportivo de La Coruña Real Club Deportivo de La Coruña is a professional football club based in the city of A Coruña, Galicia; founded in 1906 and currently playing in Segunda División... |
Undisclosed (exp. £5,700,000) |
| 2009-01-23 | FW | Peter Løvenkrands Peter Løvenkrands Peter Rosenkrands Løvenkrands is a Danish footballer who plays for Newcastle United in the Premier League, and for the Danish national team. He is a striker who can also play as a left winger and is known for his pace.... |
 FC Schalke 04FC Schalke 04 Fußball-Club Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04, commonly known as simply FC Schalke 04 or Schalke , is a German, association-football club originally from the Schalke district of Gelsenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia. Schalke has long been one of the most popular football teams in Germany, even though major... |
Free |
| 2009-01-30 | MF | Kevin Nolan Kevin Nolan Kevin Anthony Jance Nolan is an English professional footballer who plays for and is the current club captain of West Ham United in the Football League Championship. An attacking midfielder, he has represented England at under-21 level.... |
Bolton Wanderers Bolton Wanderers F.C. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001.... |
£4,000,000 |
| 2009-02-02 | DF | Ryan Taylor |
Wigan Athletic Wigan Athletic F.C. Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW... |
Part-exchange for Charles N'Zogbia Charles N'Zogbia Charles N'Zogbia is a French footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League. N'Zogbia was capped for the France under-21 team on thirteen occasions, and made his debut for the senior side in 2010.... |
- Total spending: ~ £26,000,000
Out
| Date | Pos. | Name | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-06-10 | DF |  David RozehnalDavid Rozehnal David Sebastian Klement Rozehnal is a Czech international football player who plays for French club Lille.-Career:... |
Lazio S.S. Lazio Società Sportiva Lazio, commonly referred to as Lazio, is a professional Italian football club based in Rome. The team, founded in 1900, play in the Serie A and have spent most of their history in the top tier of Italian football... |
£2,900,000 |
| 2008-06-30 | DF | Peter Ramage Peter Ramage Peter Iain Ramage is an English footballer who plays for Crystal Palace on loan from Queens Park Rangers as a defender. He broke into the first team playing at centre back but is versatile enough to play at full back as well. Ramage began his career with Newcastle United as an academy player... |
QPR Queens Park Rangers F.C. Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years... |
Free |
| 2008-06-30 | DF | Stephen Carr Stephen Carr Stephen Carr is an Irish footballer who plays for and captains Birmingham City. He previously played for the Premier League teams Tottenham Hotspur and, for a shorter spell, Newcastle United. He is a former international player with the Republic of Ireland... |
Birmingham City Birmingham City F.C. Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the... |
Free |
| 2008-06-30 | MF | James Troisi James Troisi James Troisi is an Australian football midfielder. He is currently playing for Turkish club Kayserispor.-Club career:... |
 Gençlerbirliği |
Free |
| 2008-07-14 | MF | Emre Emre Belözoglu Emre Belözoğlu is a Turkish football midfielder who plays for Fenerbahçe.Having also played for clubs Galatasaray, Internazionale, and Newcastle United, Emre has been a part of the Turkey national team at the 2002 World Cup and at Euro 2008 among other tournaments... |
Fenerbahçe |
£3,800,000 |
| 2008-08-15 | DF | Abdoulaye Faye Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye Abdoulaye Diagne-Faye , more commonly known as Abdoulaye Faye, is a Senegalese footballer who plays for Championship club West Ham United... |
Stoke City Stoke City F.C. Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts... |
£2,250,000 |
| 2008-08-29 | MF | James Milner James Milner Milner was described as a "first class" student at his school; he left with 11 GCSEs and an award for his performance in physical education. Milner also showed talent in cricket, sprinting and long-distance running... |
Aston Villa Aston Villa F.C. Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder... |
£12,000,000 |
| 2009-02-01 | GK | Shay Given Shay Given Séamus John James "Shay" Given is an Irish footballer who plays for Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland national team as a goalkeeper. He won the PFA's Player of the Year in 2002.... |
Manchester City Manchester City F.C. Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894... |
£5,900,000 |
| 2009-02-02 | MF | Charles N'Zogbia Charles N'Zogbia Charles N'Zogbia is a French footballer who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League. N'Zogbia was capped for the France under-21 team on thirteen occasions, and made his debut for the senior side in 2010.... |
Wigan Athletic Wigan Athletic F.C. Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW... |
Undisclosed (exp. £6,000,000) + Ryan Taylor |
- Total income: ~ £32,850,000
Loans in
| Date | Pos. | Name | From | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09-01 | MF | Ignacio González Ignacio María González Ignacio 'Nacho' María González Gatti is an Uruguayan footballer who plays for Standard Liège in Belgium, as a midfielder.-Club career:González's professional career began at Danubio FC, where he appeared in a total of 170 games, scoring more than 50 official goals for the Montevideo-based club... |
Valencia Valencia CF Valencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the... |
2009-06-30 |
Loans out
| Date | Pos. | Name | To | Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | GK | Fraser Forster Fraser Forster Fraser Gerard Forster is an English footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Celtic, on loan from Newcastle United.He started his career with Newcastle and has had loan spells with Stockport County, Bristol Rovers and Norwich City as well as being on loan to Celtic for the 2010–11 season.-Early... |
Stockport Stockport County F.C. Stockport County Football Club is an English football club based in Stockport, Greater Manchester. The club formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, shortly afterwards merging with Heaton Norris F.C., and adopted the current name on 24 May 1890 on the creation of the County Borough of Stockport... |
2008-11-01 |
| 2008-11-21 | GK | Tim Krul Tim Krul Timothy Michael "Tim" Krul is a Dutch footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Premier League club Newcastle United and the Netherlands national team.-Newcastle United:... |
Carlisle Carlisle United F.C. Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria, where they play at Brunton Park. Formed in 1904, the club currently compete in League One, the third tier of the English football league system.... |
2009-01-21 |
| 2008-02-02 | FW | Fabio Zamblera |
Sampdoria U.C. Sampdoria Unione Calcio Sampdoria is an Italian association football club based in Genoa. The club was formed in 1946 from the merger of two existing sports clubs whose roots can be traced back to the 1890s, Sampierdarenese and Andrea Doria... |
2009-06-30 |
| 2009-03-26 | MF | Kazenga LuaLua Kazenga LuaLua Kazenga LuaLua is a Congolese-English footballer who plays as a winger for Football League Championship club Brighton & Hove Albion. He is the younger brother of Blackpool striker Lomana LuaLua. It is a common misconception that they are cousins but the matter was cleared up by Lomana LuaLua... |
Doncaster Rovers Doncaster Rovers F.C. Doncaster Rovers Football Club is an English football club, based at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The team currently competes in the Football League Championship, after being promoted via the League One play-offs in 2008, and have remained there since.The club was founded in... |
2009-05-04 |
Competitions
Pre-season
| Match | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | 4-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 2-2 | 2-1 |
League
| Round | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | 1-1 | 1-0 | 0-3 | 1-2 | 1-3 | 0-2 | 2-2 | 2-2 | 1-2 | 2-1 | 2-0 | 1-2 | 2-2 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 3-0 | 2-1 | 1-2 |
| Position | 11th | 4th | 9th | 15th | 19th | 19th | 18th | 19th | 19th | 19th | 14th | 18th | 17th | 18th | 17th | 17th | 14th | 12th | 12th |
| Round | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Result | 1-5 | 2-2 | 0-3 | 1-2 | 1-1 | 3-2 | 0-0 | 0-1 | 1-2 | 1-1 | 1-3 | 0-2 | 1-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-3 | 3-1 | 0-1 | 0-1 |
| Position | 14th | 11th | 14th | 16th | 15th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 16th | 18th | 18th | 18th | 19th | 18th | 18th | 17th | 18th | 18th |
FA Cup
| Match | 1 | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Result | 0-0 | 0-1 |
League Cup
| Match | 1 | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Result | 3-2 | 1-2 |