The 2002-03 season proved to be a huge success for Bobby Robson’s Newcastle United. They got off to a magnificent start and their star striker, Alan Shearer was prolific in front of goal scoring over 20 goals. The Geordies capped off their season with a decent run in the champions league, reaching the last sixteen in the competition. They did not achieve the same luck the following season as they lost in the qualifying round, resulting in qualification for the UEFA Cup. They were a strong side in the league, finishing the season off strongly, reaching fifth position. Craig Bellamy was outstanding for Newcastle through out the campaign and Laurent Robert was another key player for the club.
Newcastle got off to a poor start during the 2004-05 season which in turn resulted in Newcastle releasing Sir Bobby Robson as their manager, appointing Graeme Souness as their new manager. Newcastle made a dramatic improvement and after spending most the first half of the season in the bottom half of the table, they surged up the table impressively. They put on a great run in the FA Cup, reaching the semi finals, dispossessing future Champions, Chelsea in the process. They lost in the semi finals against Manchester united which in turn resulted in no silverware for the Geordies. Their down point of the season was a brawl on the field between Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer.
The 2005-06 season proved to be a mix bag for Newcastle, they failed to progress far in the domestic cup competitions, however despite an awful start in the league, they sacked their manager Graeme Souness and installed Glenn Roedar as their new gaffer. Roedar did a great job late on in the season, helping Newcastle surge up the table to seventh position.
The 2005-06 season proved to be an upsetting time for most Newcastle fans as Alan Shearer retired from playing professional football. Shearer broke the goal scoring record at Newcastle set by Jackie Milburn towards the end of the season. Newcastle did sign Michael Owen at the start of the season however he missed much of the campaign through injury.