9 Best Managers in Newcastle History (Ranked)

Newcastle United’s journey has been a rollercoaster ever since their founding as Stanley FC in 1881. Once a dominant force in football, the club has not lifted a major trophy since 1955. The Geordie faithful, who passionately follow the team across the country, are eager for a return to glory and silverware.

Despite the recent drought, Newcastle has been graced by a host of legendary managers, many of whom could be ranked among the best coaches in football history. These managers brought tactical brilliance, experience, and dedication, helping shape the club’s legacy. Some managed Newcastle during its glory days, while others, like Eddie Howe and Rafael Benitez, have made their mark in the modern era.

To celebrate this rich history, here is a ranking of the nine greatest managers in Newcastle's history, based on key factors:

Ranking Factors:

• Longevity: Managers who spent more time with the club are rated more highly.
• Win Percentage: Success on the pitch is a major indicator of impact.
• Trophies: The most important measure of success is silverware.

9. Rafael Benitez

Managed Newcastle from 2016-2019

Rafael Benitez, renowned for his success elsewhere, particularly his Champions League triumph with Liverpool, also left his mark on Newcastle United during his three-year tenure. Arriving in 2016, Benitez faced immediate challenges, suffering relegation within his first few months despite a strong late-season run. However, he quickly set about turning the club’s fortunes around.

In the 2016-17 season, Benitez guided Newcastle to the Championship title, securing their return to the Premier League. Over the next two campaigns, he successfully kept the team in the top flight, a commendable feat given the constraints he faced. Working under controversial owner Mike Ashley proved difficult, with Benitez often at odds with the club's lack of ambition and limited resources. After his departure, the Spaniard made it clear he had no choice but to leave, famously stating that Ashley was "a businessman who I don't believe really cares about his team." Despite these challenges, Benitez’s tactical acumen and leadership endeared him to Newcastle fans.

8. Eddie Howe

Managed Newcastle since 2021

Eddie Howe is steadily climbing the ranks of Newcastle United's greatest managers. Appointed in late 2021 as the spearhead of a new era at the club, the former Bournemouth boss has thrived under the Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF's ownership. While his tenure has certainly benefited from significant financial backing, Howe has proven himself to be one of the most tactically astute managers in the Premier League.

In his first six months, Howe successfully guided Newcastle away from relegation danger. The following season, he orchestrated an incredible run of form, leading the team to an unexpected Champions League qualification. Although their European journey ended in the group stages, a memorable 4-1 victory at St. James' Park against Paris Saint-Germain remains a defining moment under his leadership.

7. Doug Livingstone

Managed Newcastle from 1954-1956

Died on this day in 1981 @AberdeenFC Former Player Doug Livingstone. Managed Sparta Rotterdam, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, Newcastle United, Fulham & Chesterfield. He won the 1955 F.A. Cup final with @NUFC beating Manchester City. RIP Doug. pic.twitter.com/CiFGdE7Nsm

— AFC Former Players (@AFCFormerPlayer) January 15, 2022

Looking back through the decades, Doug Livingstone holds the distinction of being the last manager to bring major silverware to Newcastle United. Though it's a record the Magpies would prefer to erase, it only serves to underscore the Scotsman's accomplishments. Appointed in 1954, Livingstone initially faced skepticism from fans about his approach. However, after leading Newcastle to victory in the 1955 FA Cup final, all doubts were quickly silenced.

Despite the success, it wasn’t entirely smooth sailing for Livingstone. Reports suggest he was dissatisfied with the board’s heavy-handed influence on first-team matters. Nevertheless, his tenure is remembered for delivering Newcastle’s last major trophy to date.

6. Andy Cunningham

Managed Newcastle from 1930-1935

Today in 1930: Andy Cunningham becomes Newcastle United’s first recognised manager pic.twitter.com/u9Icix5sla

— Yanited (@NE5westend) January 1, 2023

Football's technicalities can often blur the lines, and that's certainly the case when discussing Newcastle’s managerial history. Andy Cunningham is regarded as the club’s first 'official' manager, while his predecessor, Frank Watt, served as head of the committee rather than in a managerial role. Regardless of the titles, Cunningham’s contributions to Newcastle’s history were significant.

In 1932, he guided the Magpies to FA Cup glory with a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the final. However, the club’s fortunes were mixed during his tenure, as they also faced relegation to the Second Division under his leadership. Despite this setback, Cunningham is primarily remembered for bringing silverware to St. James' Park, securing his place in Newcastle's rich history.

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5. Sir Bobby Robson

Managed Newcastle from 1999-2004

If you ask anyone who followed football in the late 1900s, they would likely agree that Sir Bobby Robson ranks among the greatest English managers of all time. Known for his success abroad with clubs like PSV, Porto, and Barcelona, and for winning the UEFA Cup with Ipswich in 1981, Robson also had a transformative five-year stint at Newcastle.

Although his time on Tyneside didn’t yield silverware, Robson’s impact was undeniable. He took Newcastle from the bottom of the Premier League to European qualification, eventually leading them into the Champions League for the 2003/2004 season. Despite being knocked out and dropping into the UEFA Cup, reaching that stage was a major achievement. Under his guidance, Newcastle underwent a significant transformation, cementing his legendary status at the club.

4. Kevin Keegan

Managed Newcastle from 1992-1997

Kevin Keegan’s "Entertainers" were the face of Premier League football in the 1990s. Taking Newcastle from the bottom, he led them to promotion from the second tier and came agonizingly close to winning the Premier League title. Keegan, who was also one of Newcastle's greatest wingers, famously saw a 12-point lead slip during the 1996 title race.

That season, Keegan had a memorable outburst aimed at Manchester United’s Alex Ferguson during a post-match interview on Sky Sports, declaring, "I would love it if we beat them! Love it!" That passionate remark has become forever linked with his legacy as a legendary coach.

3. Stan Seymour

Managed Newcastle from 1939-1947, 1950-1954, 1956-1958

Sadly passed on this day in 1978:Stan Seymour,he graced SJP on the left wing for 8 years,he would be associated with NUFC for 50 years as player,manager and director earning the nickname Mr Newcastle. 1924 FA cup winner and 1927 League title winner. pic.twitter.com/qlxv6NSBPr

— Yanited (@NE5westend) December 24, 2022

Unlike most on this list, Stan Seymour had not one but three separate spells as Newcastle United's manager, setting him apart from his peers. He was an unconventional figure, believing managers shouldn’t have too much control, so his role was always intertwined with the Directors Committee.

His final stint was particularly chaotic, as he returned to the club and influenced Doug Livingstone, forcing him to use players he didn’t prefer. Despite the turmoil, Seymour’s legacy is defined by his success, guiding Newcastle to two FA Cup triumphs in 1951 and 1952. The results speak for themselves.

2. Joe Harvey

Managed Newcastle from 1962-1975

Joe Harvey, one of Newcastle United’s finest-ever midfielders, holds a special place in the club’s Hall of Fame. He embodied the club’s spirit, always pushing for progress and showing unwavering determination. As a manager, Harvey led the Magpies from 1962 to 1975. While he didn’t win a widely recognized major trophy, he secured promotion from the Second Division in 1965 and delivered the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, a notable achievement, even if not officially deemed 'major.'

Despite stepping down under fan pressure after the 1974/75 season, his loyalty to Newcastle never wavered. In August 1980, he briefly returned to help the club during a tough period in Division Two following Bill McGarry’s sacking, further cementing his legacy as a true club man.

1. Frank Watt

Managed Newcastle from 1892-1929

Frank Watt: the man who built Newcastle United, During a 37-year association with the club, the Scotsman oversaw four league title wins and seven FA Cup Final appearances, two of which they won. pic.twitter.com/oW1HECMX9O

— Yanited (@NE5westend) July 2, 2022

Finally, Frank Watt is celebrated as Newcastle United's greatest manager of all time. In the early 1900s, the role of a conventional manager was not yet established, and Watt served as the club's first 'unofficial manager.' Despite the lack of a formal managerial title, his impact was immense.

Under Watt's leadership, the club was guided by a committee, with Watt himself serving as the club secretary. He was instrumental in assembling a team that dominated the league, securing four First Division titles in 1905, 1907, 1909, and 1927. His ability to sign some of Newcastle's finest players and achieve such unparalleled success has solidified his place as a towering figure in the club's history, with his legacy likely to remain unmatched despite the historical technicalities.