Newcastle United can trace their roots back to 1881, when the Stanley Cricket Club formed a football team in order to pursue their love of sport outside the cricket season. In 1882 they changed their name to Newcastle East End Football Club, whilst almost at the same time another football club, Newcastle West End, sprung up. East End would ultimately prove to be the more successful team and eventually took over West End, and in doing so moved to their ground, St James' Park. This newly merged team needed a name and in 1892 Newcastle United was formed.
Newcastle United & St James' Park
At the turn of the century Newcastle United were one of the best teams in England, winning the First Division title in 1904/05, 1906/07and 1908/09, following this up with an FA Cup Final victory in 1910. It was also in this decade, 1904 to be precise, that the famous black & white stripes were adopted as the home strip; changing from the previous colour scheme of red & white stripes so as to differentiate themselves from bitter rivals Sunderland.
Success was never quite as abundant again, but 'The Magpies' were once more a major force in England in the 1950s, and won the FA Cup in 1951, 1952 and 1955. And later, in 1969, Newcastle United tasted European glory by winning the Inter Cities Fairs Cup.
Kevin Keegan's Entertainer's
Newcastle United are passionately followed by a highly vocal and usually large support known as the 'Toon Army'. These fans have witnessed the heroics of many legends over the years including Jackie Milburn, Malcolm MacDonald, Kevin Keegan, Andy Cole and record goal scorer Alan Shearer.
Kevin Keegan later returned to St James' Park as manager and produced a highly entertaining, goal-scoring side which restored the pride and passion in Newcastle United. Keegan led Newcastle out of the second flight of English football and reached the Runners Up spot in the Premier League playing a brand of football which later earned them the name of 'The Entertainers'.
Alan Shearer finally ended his professional Newcastle United career on 17th April 2006. Shearer scored 206 goals in 404 appearances for Newcastle United - his legendary status guaranteed.