1988–89 Newcastle United F.C. season
During the 1988-89 season, Newcastle United participated in the Football League First Division. During the summer the club invested heavily in their squad, attempting to offset the loss of rising star Paul Gascoigne to Spurs for a then club record fee. F.A. Cup winners Dave Beasant and Andy Thorn were signed for £850,000 each, Scotsmen John Robertson and John Hendrie joined for similar fees as the club spent the £2.2 million it received for Gascoigne. The loss of Gascoigne proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back so soon after selling star players Peter Beardsley and Chris Waddle, and promising youngster Michael O'Neill, struggling with loss of form and injuries along with enigmatic Brazilian Mirandinha were in and out of the team all season.
This season saw Newcastle United relegated to the Football League Second Division, finishing bottom of the division after a horrible season in which the team changed manager 2 months into the season. Manager Willie McFaul was sacked after a 3-0 home defeat which came exactly a week after the team had beaten current League Champions Liverpool at Anfield. New manager Jim Smith, who struggled to change the team's fortunes, set about 'Wheeling and dealing' that saw many changes to the squad. Out went big money new signings Beasant and Robertson to be replaced by unknown Northern Irishman keeper Tommy Wright and ex-patriate striker Rob MacDonald. Other signings included ex-England international Kenny Sansom, experienced right back Ray Ranson and Danish pair Bjørn Kristensen and Frank Pingel.Appearances, goals and cards
Coaching staff
Results
