Newcastle United legend Rob Lee believes winning the FA Cup in 1999 would have ended his Toon career. Like many other players that season, the former Toon midfielder endured a turbulent relationship with then manager Ruud Gullit.
Guiding Newcastle to a cup final earned the Dutchman respite from supporters from a poor league campaign. However, a dismal 2-0 defeat against Manchester United triggered alarm bells.
Gullit would resign just five games into the new campaign, with the Magpies winless and reeling from a 2-1 home defeat to bitter rivals Sunderland. By that point, Lee’s bond with his manager was non-existent. The fans’ favourite had been stripped of his no.7 jersey and appeared heading for the St James’ Park exit.
