How different it could be if critical results had come only months earlier.
The 1995-96 Premier League season was a dramatic and ultimately deflating campaign for Newcastle United, as the Magpies finished runners-up to Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. But the club and manager Kevin Keegan did extract a measure of revenge on the Red Devils early in the next term, in the form of a 5-0 thrashing at St. James’ Park.
Led by the likes of Peter Beardsley and Les Ferdinand, the squad was an unstoppable force to begin that fateful year and established a comfortable 12-point lead at the top of the table in January. Unfortunately, the strong form did not continue.
Dropped points and the resurgent play of Manchester United saw them finish four points behind the eventual Premier League champions. Ferguson’s mind games took their toll on Keegan during that span as well, culminating in his infamous rant on Sky Sports television.
The following summer, the Magpies would sign forward Alan Shearer (he turned out to be quite good, didn’t he?) from Blackburn Rovers and prepare to challenge once more. And they did just that with authority on October 20.
Newcastle dominated virtually every aspect of the match, with a fire and passion that seemed to confirm that they would not be denied a second time by Ferguson’s side in the English top flight. But it was not to be.
The winter brought on poor results, and Keegan stepped down amidst what had become a toxic environment at the club. Kenny Daglish took over in January and guided the squad to another second-place Premier League finish and UEFA Champions League qualification, but things would never quite be the same.
Too little – too late
The cruel irony of it all is that Newcastle’s entire recent history could be very different if that 5-0 result over Manchester United had taken place just months earlier.
The Magpies could have held onto first place, and Kevin Keegan would have been at the helm for years to come.
Nothing short of tremendous brilliance for a two-year period and, if events had only come at different moments, so much future potential for extraordinary players and a fantastic manager.
The time that has followed has seen its ups and downs, as well as current owner Mike Ashley entering the picture. But few members of the Toon Army will forget that day in October of 1996, when Newcastle United looked to be the greatest team in the land.
Next: Newcastle United: Changing mentality and no longer a stepping stone
A new season begins on August 13 against Tottenham Hotspur. With Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez aiming for success back in the Premier League together, thoughts of what could have been in terms of club history will not be a focus. But, lessons learned from 21 years ago can be applied to their new journey.