Many managers have tried – and failed – to bring silverware back to St James’s Park as they bidded to become the first to do since Joe Harvey in 1969.
But not all success as Magpies boss is defined by trophies, well, at least not under Mike Ashley’s regime anyway.
Here, we’ve worked out the club’s best and worst managers over the last 30 years – ranking them in order of win percentage.
Included are permanent managers only, with the exception of Alan Shearer and John Carver’s interim spells.
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor
13. Rafa Benitez - 42.5%
Benitez, unable to sweep up McClaren’s mess, was forced to rebuild in the Championship, where he successfully earned promotion straight back to the Premier League. The Spaniard was the first manager to stand up to Ashley and sadly, he grew stick of the owner’s lack of ambition. Photo: Clive Brunskill
14. Graeme Souness - 43.4%
Souness replaced Bobby Robson and, similar to his fellow Scot Kenny Dalglish, was accused of dismantling a strong side. Although he led Newcastle to the FA Cup semi-final and the last eight of the UEFA Cup in his first season in charge, he underperformed in the Premier League. Photo: Matthew Lewis
15. Glenn Roeder - 45.2%
Originally appointed on a caretaker basis, the late Roeder earned the job full-time after leading Newcastle back into Europe - surging to a 7th placed finish. In the following season, Roeder famously, or perhaps infamously, won the Intertoto Cup in 2006. Photo: Richard Heathcote
16. Sir Bobby Robson - 46.7%
The arrival of the great Sir Bobby rejuvenated the club back to its former self. And who can forget his first game in charge, 8-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. United competed in the Champions League and UEFA Cup during his five years in charge before he was controversially sacked after a poor start to the 2004/05 season. Photo: GERARD JULIEN