Where do The Entertainers — Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United — Rank in the scale of greatness?

Was Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United the greatest team never to win the Premier League? In this episode, Graham and Jamie and joined by lifelong Newcastle Unite fan, Simon Brunskill to relive the highs, heartbreaks, and head-spinning football of The Entertainers era — a team that captured imaginations and nearly conquered English football.

In the early 1990s, Newcastle United were a club in crisis. But under the electric leadership of Kevin Keegan and the backing of Sir John Hall, they were transformed into one of the most thrilling sides in Premier League history. In this episode, Graham and Jamie explore how Keegan reshaped Newcastle from relegation contenders into fearless title challengers. They dive into the unforgettable moments — from Andy Cole’s goalscoring heroics to Alan Shearer’s record signing, and that 4-3 classic against Liverpool.

The conversation unpacks the emotional rollercoaster of the 1995–96 season, the heartbreak of losing out to Manchester United, the raw intensity of Keegan’s famous “I would love it” interview, and the bittersweet handover to Kenny Dalglish. It’s a story of ambition, attacking football, and the unbreakable bond between a city and its club.

Takeaways:

• Kevin Keegan led Newcastle from the brink of relegation to Premier League contenders.
• The club’s transformation was fuelled by John Hall’s vision and major investment.
• Newcastle played thrilling, attacking football — earning the nickname The Entertainers.
• Key figures included Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, David Ginola, and Alan Shearer.
• The 1995–96 title race with Manchester United was one of the most iconic in PL history.
• Keegan’s emotional leadership style captured the passion of the fans and the city.
• Despite not winning the league, the team’s legacy endures as one of English football’s most beloved sides.

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