Newcastle United FC Match Odds

Originally formed in 1881 from a cricket club team, they turned professional in 1889 and in 1892 took over a rival team and their ground at St James’ Park, changing their name to Newcastle United. After joining the football league in 1893 they quickly became a major force winning three League titles and an FA Cup by 1914. Relegated to the Second division in 1934 they began to rebuild after WW2. They signed the legendary Jackie Milburn, were back in the First division by 1947 and in the 1950s won three FA Cups in five years. The team, who play in a black and white strip are nicknamed The Magpies or the Toons, they hold the highest recorded victory in English league football, a 13-0 win over Newport County in 1946.

The club fell into decline from the mid 1950s and were relegated to the Second division in 1961, they returned to the First division four years later and in 1969 won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. The next twenty years saw Newcastle yo-yo between Division one and two, narrowly escaping relegation to the Third division under the management of ex-player Kevin Keegan in 1992. Promoted to the new Premier League in 1993, and with the likes of Peter Beardsley and Andy Cole leading the attacking style of the team, they were dubbed “The Entertainers”. In 1996 they signed Alan Shearer for a then world record fee of £15 million.

Under a succession of managers, Newcastle have struggled to find consistant form in recent years. Keegan returned for a second stint as manager in 2007/8 and ex-player Alan Shearer also took the reins for a short time but was unable to prevent their relegation. Returning to the Premier league the following season they stormed to the 2009/10 Championship title delighting their loyal fans and finishing 11 points clear of the runners up. The Toons have enjoyed a successful return to the Premier League, finishing 12th in 2010/11 under current manager Alan Pardew.