BASIC HISTORY:
Newcastle United were formed in 1892 following a merger between rivals Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End when the latter hit financial trouble. East End, who were originally named Stanley on formation in 1881, moved across the city and the new club took up residence at St James' Park, the home of West End. The Toon became giants of the pre-First World War game, earning three league titles and one FA Cup before 1914. With Jackie Milburn carving out legendary status for himself on Tyneside. Three FA Cup triumphs in the 1950s gave the supporters reason to celebrate as we carved open a special bond with the romance of the cup that is still alive today despite not a title since then. The Fairs (UEFA) Cup was secured in 1969 with a 6-2 aggregate victory over Ujpest Dozsa of Hungary giving us our first and only European success so far which really formed the opening chapter of our love with football in European cup competitions. In 1992, with the Toon playing Second Division football, former Magpies hero Kevin Keegan was made manager. His arrival kick-started a revival and his five-year spell saw the club become serious contenders for the FA Premier League title. After he left Dalglish and Gullit had disappointing one year stints in the job though did take the team to a cup final each but Sir Bobby Robson's appointment in 1999 saw the impetus of the Keegan years restored as we're once again a top team finishing 4th and 3rd in the past two seasons and enjoying football in the UEFA Champions League.

CLASSIC GAMES:
Down the years there's been some remarkable games played involving our club. Games not only at St James' Park, but other Premiership club grounds, games in Europe and games at Wembley. Here's a list of some of these games since we joined the Premier League.
* Leeds United 0-3 Newcastle (Elland Road) 02/03
* Newcastle 1-0 Juventus (St James' Park) 02/03
* Feyenoord 2-3 Newcastle United (De Kuip Stadium) 02/03
* Newcastle 2-0 Sunderland (St James' Park) 02/03
* Newcastle 6-2 Everton (St James' Park) 01/02
* Newcastle 4-3 Man Utd (St James' Park) 01/02
* Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa (St James' Park) 01/02
* Leeds United 3-4 Newcastle United (Elland Road) 01/02
* Arsenal 1-3 Newcastle United (Highbury) 01/02
* Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa (St James' Park) 00/01
* Leeds United 1-3 Newcastle United (Elland Road) 00/01
* Newcastle 3-2 Derby County (St James' Park) 00/01
* Newcastle 2-1 Liverpool (Sty James' Park) 00/01
* Middlesbrough 1-3 Newcastle (Riverside Stadium) 00/01
* Newcastle 4-2 Arsenal (St James' Park) 99/00
* Newcastle 3-0 Man Utd (St James' Park) 99/00
* Newcastle 5-0 Southampton (St James' Park) 99/00
* Newcastle 8-0 Sheffield Wednesday (St James' Park) 99/00
* Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle United (Wembley Stadium) 99/00
* Newcastle 6-1 Tottenham (St James' Park) 99/00
* Newcastle 5-0 Man Utd (St James' Park) 96/97
* Newcastle 7-1 Tottenham (St James' Park) 96/97
* Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United (St James' Park) 96/97
* Newcastle 4-3 Leicester City (St James' Park) 96/97
* Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United (Anfield) 95/96

NUMBER 9:
The number 9 shirt has become a truly special part of the club, he who wears the number 9 is always the ultimate hero of the club and a player who stands for everything the club is about. He's the main striker, the goalscorer of the team. He emphasises the attacking qualities that Newcastle United is all about. We've had some true legends wear the number 9 throughout the years and all have been absolutely adored by the Toon Army. Those who made the biggest impact amongst the fans are:
* Alan Shearer
* Les Ferdinand
* Andy Cole
* Micky Quinn
* Malcolm MacDonald
* Wyn Davies
* Len White
* Hughie Gallacher
* Jackie Milburn