We’ve never been further Howay from glory SAYS SIR JOHN HALL
FIFTY years since winning their last major trophy, Newcastle are further away than ever from ending their barren run, according to former chairman Sir John Hall.
Hall was at the helm when Newcastle, under Kevin Keegan, famously blew a 12-point lead in the title race as Manchester United overhauled them to be crowned champions in 1995-96.
They also lost successive FA Cup finals in the same decade, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side beating them on the way to the Treble in 1999.
But the 90s also saw Toon thrash United 5-0 in a match Sir John (above) cites as the high point of his time at the club.
The two teams clash at St James’ Park tonight and he admits his expectations are now very different.
“What a magnificent day that was,” he said of Newcastle’s 1996 romp.
“One of the great Premier League performances which is still talked about all these years later.
“But do you know something? I will be celebrating if we manage to draw this one.
“Back then, the aim every season was to win the title. Now it’s all about survival.”
Harsh
Sir John, 85, will mark the half-century since Bob Moncur lifted the Inter-City Fairs Cup – a precursor to the UEFA Cup – in 1969 with a mixture of sadness and resignation.
He said: “There have been a lot of ups and downs – probably a few more downs in recent times.
“I’ve often tried to get my head around why it’s been so long. In my day, maybe we tried too hard.
“Had we won the league under Kevin I am convinced Newcastle’s history would be very different.
“The harsh reality is that today, more than at any time since 1969, we are probably further away than ever from winning something. And there is no chance of doing so until there is change at the club.”
Which brings us to Mike Ashley, the controversial owner who bought the club in May 2007 for £134m from Sir John, his son Douglas and Freddy Shepherd.
Many fans still blame Sir John for selling to the retail magnate.
But he added: “Mike came with the best intentions. I firmly believe that.
“He wanted to globalise Newcastle and to use the club to market his brand of goods in the Far East.
“But he fell out with supporters pretty quickly. The club is in limbo.
“Mike’s had enough and, for everyone’s sake, the sooner he moves on, the better. That’s my fervent wish for 2019.”