Graeme Souness has admitted joining Newcastle United was “a mistake” and he should never have left Blackburn Rovers. The 69-year-old had big boots to fill on Tyneside, replacing Sir Bobby Robson after his controversial sacking in September 2004.
Rovers had enjoyed a fruitful spell under Souness, winning Premier League promotion in his first full season in charge. A surprise League Cup triumph the following year and a sixth-placed finish in 2003-04 made Souness an in-demand manager in English football.
However, to say his stint at St James’ Park did not work out would be an understatement. The fiery Scotsman had notable bust-ups with key first-team players and, despite spending around £50million - a sizable amount at the time - on new arrivals, left Newcastle sitting 15th when sacked in February 2006.
