Sports
Newcastle United's 1999 Tyne-Wear Derby: Robinson's Perspective on Replacing Shearer
Paul Robinson started for Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland in 1999, replacing Alan Shearer in a controversial decision by manager Ruud Gullit. Robinson reflects on the experience as Newcastle prepares to host Sunderland again.
In 1999, tensions between Newcastle United manager Ruud Gullit and star player Alan Shearer reached a boiling point before the Tyne-Wear derby. Gullit's decision to start 20-year-old Paul Robinson, instead of Shearer, intensified an existing conflict. The decision occurred two days before the anniversary of Gullit replacing Kenny Dalglish on August 27, 1998. At the time, Newcastle were struggling, sitting in the bottom three after four winless Premier League matches. Robinson, who had joined Newcastle from Darlington in March 1998, had previously been named man of the match against Wimbledon. As Newcastle prepares to host Sunderland again, Robinson reflects on the experience.
Key Facts
- Paul Robinson, then 20, started ahead of Alan Shearer in the 1999 Tyne-Wear derby.
- Ruud Gullit's decision intensified his conflict with Shearer.
- Newcastle was in the Premier League's bottom three at the time.
- Robinson had joined Newcastle from Darlington in March 1998.
- Robinson had been named man of the match in a previous game against Wimbledon.
- Shearer had been suspended for a prior match against Aston Villa.
- Robinson reflects as Newcastle prepares to host Sunderland again.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Guardian — 'Newcastle fans booed me. Sunderland fans booed me': the striker who replaced Shearer