Original Newcastle United FC Training 1998-1999 - S

• 1998-1999 Training
• Players: Alan Shearer, Gary Speed, John Dahl Tomasson
• Brand: Adidas
• Sponsor: Newcastle Brown Ale

On 27 August 1998, Ruud Gullit was appointed as the new manager of Newcastle United, replacing Kenny Dalglish, who was dismissed after the team secured only two points from their opening two matches. Following a goalless draw against promoted Charlton Athletic, Dalglish faced growing discontent from the home fans.
Gullit had been suspended from Chelsea earlier that year and was approached for coaching positions with Nigeria and South Africa, among others. As rumors circulated about his potential appointment, the club's shares increased in value by ten percent. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside St James' Park, and Chairman Freddy Shepherd confirmed the news by stating, “We believe Ruud is the ideal successor to Kenny. He can continue to build the club.” Gullit’s first match in charge was a home game against Liverpool, which ended in a 4-1 defeat, with Michael Owen scoring three goals. Shortly thereafter, the team was eliminated by Partizan Belgrade in the first round of the European Cup II. Gullit had a contentious relationship with several players, including French striker Stéphane Guivarc'h, who criticized Gullit in the press, calling him a "tourist" and claiming he only appeared for training on match days.
After a 3-0 loss to Arsenal on 4 October, Gullit voiced his frustration, stating, “I need new players, and I need them now. I knock on the board's door daily and expect a positive response.” However, the board did not meet his demands due to budget constraints. In response, Gullit sought to generate funds by putting international players David Batty, Rob Lee, Warren Barton, and Guivarc'h up for sale, the latter having been signed for ten million by Dalglish. Gullit also had disagreements with star striker Alan Shearer. Ultimately, Newcastle finished 13th in the league, the same position as the previous season. They reached the FA Cup final again but were defeated, this time by Manchester United, who won 2-0.