Another new manager, Alan Pardew, was appointed halfway through the 2010/11 season, and the Magpies consolidated their Premier League place. Andy Carroll, a home-grown number nine, was sold to Liverpool for a record fee and with funds now available, Pardew was busy in the summer of 2011. Demba Ba was one of the signings of the year, soon to be joined by Senegalese colleague Papiss Cissé, which gave United a potent attack. They earned qualification for the Europa League, with Pardew deservedly winning both the Premier League and League Managers Association Manager of the Year awards.
Historical eras. 2011-2020
Pardew’s Revival and European Return
Pardew’s Revival and European Return
A Decade of Instability Begins
A Decade of Instability Begins
After that relative success, though, Newcastle spent the rest of the decade being largely inconsistent. Pardew moved on as 2014 ended with his assistant John Carver stepping up to take charge and just about keep the Magpies up, before the appointment of Steve McClaren as boss in June 2015.
Benítez Sparks ‘Rafalution’ and Revival
Benítez Sparks ‘Rafalution’ and Revival
Sizable buys arrived, including Dutch midfielder Gini Wijnaldum, but 2015/16 proved to be another hugely disappointing one. McClaren was axed as United struggled, with Rafa Benítez taking over, but the decorated Spaniard couldn’t prevent the Magpies dropping into the Championship. Benítez began to overhaul the playing staff, adding 12 new faces to create a strong-looking squad in a bid for a quick return to the top level and the ‘Rafalution’ took hold, with United securing the Championship trophy on the final day of 2016/17.
Stability Amid Change
Stability Amid Change
Premier League survival was comfortably assured in the following seasons, but they suffered a blow when Benítez left in the summer of 2019. Steve Bruce was appointed and made a number of additions, including Brazilian centre-forward Joelinton. The Magpies had some joy in the FA Cup, reaching the quarter-final stage before the Covid pandemic rocked the world. Football was suspended for over three months, with United returning to action to complete their fixtures behind closed doors and secure mid-table safety.