A look back at some of the most iconic Newcastle United home shirts of the 1990s.A look back at some of the most iconic Newcastle United home shirts of the 1990s.
A look back at some of the most iconic Newcastle United home shirts of the 1990s. | Hulton Archive
The 1990s were a memorable time to be a Newcastle United supporter but which is their most iconic kit
The 1990s are a period which Newcastle United fans still look back on with great fondness - and it is still a common sight on matchday to see fans donning some of the most iconic kits from an era which brought them Kevin Keegan’s entertainers, the world record £15m signing of Alan Shearer, two FA Cup finals and a whole host of amazing European nights.
Newcastle started the 1990s in the second-tier of English football and for a brief period even flirted with the prospect of relegation into the third division after a 20th place finish in 1991/92.
However, over the course of five incredible years after the arrival of legendary player and first time manager Keegan the Magpies started to believe anything was possible. They won promotion the Championship title to reach the top-flight and took the Premier League by storm, finishing third in their first year and sixth in their second season, before recording consecutive second place finishes behind Manchester United in both 1996 and 1997.
Afterwards, under the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Ruud Gullit the club experienced the heartbreak of consecutive 2-0 defeats in FA Cup finals at Wembley before ending the era on the rise once again after the appointment of boyhood supporter Bobby Robson.
The St James’ Park club got to experience stars such as Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, David Ginola, Rob Lee, Les Ferdinand and many other greats in the iconic Black and White kit during the 1990s. But which is the most iconic kit of the era? Here we count down our top five home shirts of that decade.
5. 1991 - 1993
Newcastle United's 1991/93 kit - Getty ImagesNewcastle United's 1991/93 kit - Getty Images
Newcastle United's 1991/93 kit - Getty Images | Hulton Archive
Newcastle United's 1991/93 kit was first worn during the era of Osvaldo Ardiles in a difficult era where the Magpies finished 20th in the second-tier. It also marked the start of Newcastle rise up the division as Kevin Keegan led the team to the second division title with an incredible tally of 96 points. It was worn by heroes of the era such as Rob Lee, Andy Cole, John Beresford, Lee Clark and Steve Watson in a season where the Magpies simply overwhelmed their opponents. It remains a popular kit on matchdays, but doesn't quite have the same nostalgia value as some of the kits that followed later in the era.
4. 1993/95
Newcastle United 1993/95 kit - Getty ImagesNewcastle United 1993/95 kit - Getty Images
Newcastle United 1993/95 kit - Getty Images | Getty Images
Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United recorded a stunning third place finish in their first season back in the top-flight while wearing this iconic Black and White kit which features an equally memorable McEwans lager sponsor. Peter Beardsley and Andy Cole formed a formidable partnership in this period and between them registered 55 league goals in a 42 game season.
3. 1999-2000
Newcastle United 1999/2000 - Getty ImagesNewcastle United 1999/2000 - Getty Images
Newcastle United 1999/2000 - Getty Images | Getty Images
The final kit of the Newcastle Brown Ale era and it was a thing of beauty! The 1999/2000 kit was not worn when Newcastle United were at their best as they finished 11th, but is remembered for marking the start of the Sir Bobby Robson era as the former England boss replaced a struggling Ruud Gullit in the dugout. It was worn by the likes of Kieron Dyer, Gary Speed and Nolberto Solano among others and was worn during an 8-0 demolition win over Sheffield Wednesday as Alan Shearer marked Robson’s first game in charge with five goals in a single match.
Up until recently, it was the last kit to see Newcastle score a goal at Wembley Stadium as Rob Lee fired in a header during a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Chelsea. However, that record was put to bed by local hero Dan Burn and Swedish centre forward Alexander Isak, who finally ended the club’s long-wait for domestic silverware against Premier League leaders Liverpool.
2. 1997-99
Another famous Newcastle Brown Ale kit that was worn by the Magpies when they recorded an historic 3-2 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League in 1997 while also reaching both the 1998 and 1999 FA Cup final before falling short at Wembley Stadium. It was worn by greats such as Alan Shearer, Gary Speed, Rob Lee and David Ginola in an era where the likes of Kenny Dalglish and Ruud Gullit both managed the North East club and remains a real fan favourite.
It is a classic design, which features iconic black and white stripes, a button-up collar, and the Newcastle Brown Ale sponsor logo. However, it just falls short in the nostalgia battle with it’s predeccesor.
1. 1995-1997
Quite possibly one of the most iconic kits of the 1990s and the one most closely associated with Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ it was worn by Alan Shearer closely after completing his world-record breaking £15m move from Blackburn, Newcastle’s 5-0 demolition of Manchester United in the league - and is the kit that nearly saw the Magpies become top-flight champions for the first time since 1927 when they stormed into a 12-point lead. Kevin Keegan would have ‘loved it’ if they won the league in this iconic kit but at least fans were treated to plenty of exciting memories while wearing it. It remains a fan favourite on the terraces even today and is regarded as one of the best kits of the Adidas era on Tyneside.
Related topics:NewcastleKevin KeeganAlan ShearerFootball
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