And it’s fair to say it was some ride with the knight of the realm at the helm at St James’s Park.
Champions League football, a trip to Wembley and a run to the UEFA Cup semi-final – Robson’s reign had everything but silverware in it.
Here’s 25 memorable moments in Robson’s time of Tyneside, as remembered by our NUFC writer Liam Kennedy.
5. TOP AT CHRISTMAS!!!
Nolberto Solano of Newcastle scores a late winner during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road, Leeds. A 4-3 win saw United go remain top at Christmas! | Getty Images Photo: Shaun Botterill
6. A famous win at the Stadium of Light
24 Feb 2002 - Nikos Dabizas of Newcastle United celebrates scoring the winning goal during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Sunderland and Newcastle United played at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland, England. Newcastle United won the match 1-0. | Getty Images Photo: Laurence Griffiths
7. Late, late Lua-Lua acrobatics
Lomana Lua Lua (centre) celebrates the winning goal during the FA Barclaycard Premiership between Derby County and Newcastle United at Pride Park, Derby. United came from two goals down to win 3-2 as they went on to secure a place in the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. TURIN - OCTOBER 1 - A mountain to climb
Newcastle United lost their third Champions League group stage game on the bounce. No team had qualified for the next stage have lost their first three. Well... | Getty Images Photo: Phil Cole