Newcastle United: The all-time top five managers in club history
By Roy Emanuel
Many have been a part of the legacy – these are the five best.
Newcastle United are in the midst of an emotional campaign thus far in 2017-18, and the man leading the way is Rafa Benitez. The Spanish coach brought the Magpies back to the first division at the first asking, and he is the latest in a wonderful history of footballing minds at the helm of the team.
Founded in 1892, the club began with a committee in charge of the squad that was overseen by a man named Frank Watt. This period saw incredible success, highlighted by four First Division titles and two FA Cups.
The first official Newcastle manager was Andy Cunningham in 1930, and the Scotsman led the Magpies to another FA Cup victory two years later.
33 full-time managers have been appointed, and each have brought different levels of failure and success. To narrow the best down to five is difficult, mostly because there are bound to be worthy choices left out.
Doug Livingstone and Glenn Roeder each captured silverware, while Alan Pardew recently brought an energising swagger to the side. However, at the opposite end of the spectrum, others have not made such a positive impact.
The likes of Steve McClaren, Joe Kinnear and Graeme Souness will not be missed by the Toon Army anytime soon.
Managers such as Sam Allardyce and Chris Hughton went on to perform well at other clubs, and were not given the right amount of time to build upon their work in the North East.
It is a position that comes with great expectations and passionate support, creating a unique atmosphere and environment for those who take on the job.
As the club celebrate 125 years this season, Newcastle Toons offers the five best managers in Newcastle United history.