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.
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As it happened, Gullit’s resignation invoked new life into Lee’s Newcastle career. Sir Bobby Robson's arrival allowed him to re-energise and spend another three-and-a-half years on Tyneside.
Speaking to the BBC, Lee - who played 381 times for the Magpies over 10 years - has admitted winning the 1999 FA Cup would have strengthened Gullit’s hand and signalled the end of his Newcastle career.
“I've been at Wembley four times with Newcastle and we lost every time,” he said. “It wasn't a great time for me (in 1999). We played Arsenal in 1998 under Kenny (Dalglish) and I was captain, but I wasn't on speaking terms with Ruud (Gullit).
"I'm not sure he even wanted to play me but had nobody else to play on the right of midfield. I only played in cup games. If we'd won, I'd have left because Ruud would have been in a very strong position. It is strange knowing the best-case scenario overall is the worst for you.”
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