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.
13. No Shearer & Bellamy? No problem
Shola Ameobi of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his first goal with Lomana Lualua and Titus Bramble during the match between Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League Second Phase Group A match at the Bay Arena in Leverkusen, Germany on February 18, 2003. | Getty Images Photo: Jamie McDonald
14. Shearer's Champions League hat-trick!
NEWCASTLE - FEBRUARY 26: Alan Shearer of Newcastle United scores the third goal to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League Second Phase Group A match between Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen held on February 26, 2003 at St James Park, in Newcastle, England. Newcastle United won the match 3-1. | Getty Images Photo: Clive Brunskill
15. What could have been...
MILAN, ITALY - MARCH 11 - Manager Sir Bobby Robson of Newcastle United looks dejected as he leaves the field during the Champions League match between Inter Milan and Newcastle United in the Second Phase, Group A at the San Siro in Milan, Italy on March 11,2003. United drew 2-2 despite leading due to two Alan Shearer goals. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey
16. Third place - but NO Champions League again
Newcastle United ended the previous season one place higher than the year before - if in a less flashy fashion. But there was to be no Champions League group stage as they were dumped out on penalties at SJP by Partizan Belgrade. | JPIMedia Photo: Stu Forster