All 21 Of Newcastle's Premier League Opening Day Fixtures

Date: 11 August 2007

Venue: Reebok Stadium

Result: 3-1

Starting XI: Harper; Carr, Rozenhal, S. Taylor, N'Zogbia; Milner (Ramage), Geremi, Butt; Martins (Solano), Viduka (Solano), Smith.

Goals: N'Zogbia (11), Martins (21, 27)

Yellow Cards: Geremi

Debuts: Rozenhal, Geremi, Viduka, Smith

Manager: Sam Allardyce

What Happened?

Sam Allardyce's first Premier League game in charge of Newcastle coincided with a return to former club Bolton. Mike Ashley's ownership was still in the embryonic stage and he watched on as Allardyce coordinated a Black and White blitz on the Reebok Stadium with three goals in the first half hour. Charles N'Zogbia curled in a free kick to get the ball rolling before aspectacular overhead kick from Obafemi Martins made it 2-0. The Nigerian then saw his deflected strike find its way into the net.

League Position: 1st

Was It A Sign Of Things To Come?

Uhm, well. Results soon started to dip as supporters began to castigate Allardyce for gradually introducing the turgid, long-ball style of football that brought him success at Bolton. He was sacked by Ashley in January, who then pulled an old rabbit out of the hat by appointing Kevin Keegan as manager. It took King Kev eight attempts to record his first victory as Newcastle finished the season with a flourish.

Final League Position: 12th