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Tunnel of Love: Football, Fighting and Failure: Newcastle United After the Entertainers
By the summer of 1996, Newcastle were officially the second best club in England following a dramatic race for the Premier League title, with the ambition to become even bigger.
They would break the transfer world record by signing the England captain Alan Shearer, ahead of rivals Manchester United, for £15 million from Blackburn Rovers and had the talismanic figure of Kevin Keegan as their manager.
It was expected a golden period to match the start of the 1900s would follow, when Newcastle had been champions of England three times and has reached five FA Cup finals. Instead, by the start of 1997, Keegan has left following a boardroom row. Sir Bobby Charlton had accepted and then turned down the chance to replace Keegan as manager and Newcastle had turned to Kenny Dalglish to maintain their assault as a genuine, emerging force in European football.
Dalglish himself would be sacked within 18 months and Newcastle would embark on a breathless and reckless period in their history.
Tunnel of Love reflects the dramatic highs and the gut wrenching lows that covered the 13 year period which followed the failed agony of falling so close to becoming champions of England in 1996, when Keegan's Entertainers were in their pomp.
It takes in unforgettable nights at St. James' Park - the beating of Barcelona, the apparent taming of Manchester United and the breathtaking tribute to Shearer - for 10 years' service that saw him become the club's all-time leading goalscorer. Yet by its close Newcastle are fighting for their Premier League lives as they head to Villa Park on the final day of the 2008/09 season.
Tunnel of Love takes you back on the rollercoaster that got them there.
They would break the transfer world record by signing the England captain Alan Shearer, ahead of rivals Manchester United, for £15 million from Blackburn Rovers and had the talismanic figure of Kevin Keegan as their manager.
It was expected a golden period to match the start of the 1900s would follow, when Newcastle had been champions of England three times and has reached five FA Cup finals. Instead, by the start of 1997, Keegan has left following a boardroom row. Sir Bobby Charlton had accepted and then turned down the chance to replace Keegan as manager and Newcastle had turned to Kenny Dalglish to maintain their assault as a genuine, emerging force in European football.
Dalglish himself would be sacked within 18 months and Newcastle would embark on a breathless and reckless period in their history.
Tunnel of Love reflects the dramatic highs and the gut wrenching lows that covered the 13 year period which followed the failed agony of falling so close to becoming champions of England in 1996, when Keegan's Entertainers were in their pomp.
It takes in unforgettable nights at St. James' Park - the beating of Barcelona, the apparent taming of Manchester United and the breathtaking tribute to Shearer - for 10 years' service that saw him become the club's all-time leading goalscorer. Yet by its close Newcastle are fighting for their Premier League lives as they head to Villa Park on the final day of the 2008/09 season.
Tunnel of Love takes you back on the rollercoaster that got them there.
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 9, 2017
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July 8, 2020
A riveting read covering the 13-year period from the aftermath of Newcastle United’s failure to win the Premier League in 1996 to its relegation at the end of the 2008/09 season.
Hardy’s style is reminiscent of “Fever Pitch,” if Hornby had been covering a failing football club and not writing as a fan spoiled by his childhood club’s success and desperate for a return to those days.
It covers all the highs and lows of the period, from signing Alan Shearer for a world record fee, to Keegan’s resignation, Dalglish, Gullit, FA Cup finals, Sir Bobby Robson, UEFA Cup runs, Souness, Roeder, the Hall/Shepard ownership, Allardyce, Ashley’s takeover, Keegan’s brief return, Kinnear’s expletive-laden press conference, Houghton, Shearer’s return, and ends in the sunshine of Villa Park.
Even though I knew how the story would end, I was still captivated reading the final chapters. When reaching the climax of the final whistle that confirmed Newcastle’s relegation, I was taken back to that day at the end of May 2009, sitting in front of my television, numb with shock, after watching the gutless, spineless performance turned in by supposed “top flight” footballers.
I highly recommend this title for any Newcastle United supporter, or anyone who loves football.
Hardy’s style is reminiscent of “Fever Pitch,” if Hornby had been covering a failing football club and not writing as a fan spoiled by his childhood club’s success and desperate for a return to those days.
It covers all the highs and lows of the period, from signing Alan Shearer for a world record fee, to Keegan’s resignation, Dalglish, Gullit, FA Cup finals, Sir Bobby Robson, UEFA Cup runs, Souness, Roeder, the Hall/Shepard ownership, Allardyce, Ashley’s takeover, Keegan’s brief return, Kinnear’s expletive-laden press conference, Houghton, Shearer’s return, and ends in the sunshine of Villa Park.
Even though I knew how the story would end, I was still captivated reading the final chapters. When reaching the climax of the final whistle that confirmed Newcastle’s relegation, I was taken back to that day at the end of May 2009, sitting in front of my television, numb with shock, after watching the gutless, spineless performance turned in by supposed “top flight” footballers.
I highly recommend this title for any Newcastle United supporter, or anyone who loves football.
Displaying 1 of 1 review