Robson's reign in pictures

1 of 11 Sir Bobby Robson takes over as boss in September 1999 with the Magpies struggling at the wrong end of the Premiership

2 of 11 The veteran restores Newcastle's flagging fortunes, running champions Arsenal close on the way to third place in 2002

3 of 11 Robson invests heavily in young British talent, bringing Jermaine Jenas (pictured), Craig Bellamy and Jonathan Woodgate to St James' Park

4 of 11 But Portuguese playmaker Hugo Viana, a £8.5m buy from Sporting Lisbon, flops in the Premiership

5 of 11 Robson's fall from grace begins with defeat to Partizan Belgrade in a Champions League qualifier in 2003

6 of 11 Newcastle again miss out on Champions League qualification the following season, finishing a disappointing fifth

7 of 11 Despite financing the signings of Patrick Kluivert (pictured) and Nicky Butt, chairman Freddy Shepherd reveals Robson will leave at the end of the 2004-05 season

8 of 11 With rumours rife of a dressing room split at Newcastle, veteran midfielder Gary Speed leaves to join Bolton

9 of 11 Newcastle's defence is weakened by the sale of star centre-back Jonathan Woodgate to Real Madrid

10 of 11 The 2004-05 season begins badly - Kieron Dyer refuses to play wide midfield against Middlesbrough on the opening day

11 of 11 With Newcastle still winless, Robson is sacked after leaving Alan Shearer on the bench for the 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa