Now hold on.
One game away from relegation to what would have been the old division three. The next season (and not with millions spent) we win the first ten games striaght) We bought well. Rob Lee's, Andy Cole, Scot Sellers etc to push on and seemlessly become a top PL team.
Admittitedly the cash did get thrown around on the likes of Barton but that was a completely separate period to the John Beresfords, Phillipe Albert (absolute god!) et al. The turning point being the March/April of the 95/96 season and Asprillia's work permit coming through.
We certainly werent anything like a Chelsea of our time. (we werent spending masses more than other clubs were. Until you add the Shearer deal in Summer 96). The worst spending was done by Gulliet - Ferguson, Marcelino, Goma.
Kevin Keegan rebuilt the football club as well as a team, and for that reason he'll always be held in high regard by me.
Talking of clubs trying to buy Trophy's whats this about tottenham wanting to buy ANOTHER young English centre back?!!

King is playing with an injury and Dawson needs competition - he's been making a few mistakes recently, as you saw at your place the other day!
Newcastle's change in fortunes coincided with the forming of the EPL. You were the ultimate sleeping giant after Man United.
Don't let them times cloud your judgement. I know before he got there, your average attendance was under 20k, but John Hall was a bigger reason for your rise, not Kevin Keegan!