North East England in the 1990s
The last ten years of the ‘second millennium’ saw the closure of the Durham coalfield’s last coal mine, ending an era of at least 800 years. A new football stadium was built in its place, one of many modern developments of the 1990s. The developments were to rejuvenate the region and its economy and were mostly concentrated in the old riverside areas of the Tyne, Wear and Tees which had once been at the forefront of the old heavily industrialised economy. Today the major industries that dominated the North East throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries have declined or disappeared, leaving the region to adjust to new technologies, new forms of employment and a new way of life.
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1990 – National Garden Festival
The National Garden Festival is held at Gateshead. Its site stretches from the River Tyne towards Dunston and includes the Dunston Coal Staiths which are reputedly the world’s largest wooden structure. The festival is designed to regenerate derelict industrial land for future use.
March 1990 – Boro manager Todd
Former England international, Chester-le-Street-born Colin Todd becomes manager of Middlesbrough as successor to Bruce Rioch. It is Todd’s first managerial appointment. His playing career included numerous clubs including 173 appearances for Sunderland and 293 appearances for Derby County.
April 1990 – University Japanese link
The Teikyo University of Japan at Durham has been established. Students from Japan can now study for a year alongside students of Durham University.
1990 – Teesside Park
Work on the development of a shopping and leisure complex at Teesside Park near Thornaby is under way.
1990 – Royal Quays
The Royal Quays development opens at North Shields in and around the former Albert Edward Dock. It features shopping, housing, parks and a water park development.
1990 – Newcastle law courts
The imposing Newcastle law courts are completed on the Quayside. For Crown Court cases it will supersede the earlier moot hall of 1812 near Newcastle castle. It is built with red sandstone from Dumfriesshire in Scotland.
1990 – Sunderland promoted
Sunderland Football Club are promoted from Division Two to Division One in curious circumstances. After defeating Newcastle United (who had finished third, with Sunderland finishing sixth) in a two-leg play-off semi-final, Sunderland played Swindon Town (who had finished fourth) in the final at Wembley where they were defeated 1-0. However, during the season, Swindon had been charged with 36 breaches of league regulations and a hearing to decide their fate scheduled before the final was postponed after further irregularities came to light. Swindon were stripped of the promotion and so remained in the second tier. The events highlighted the dangers of rule-breaking and the peculiarity of the play-off system. Though undoubtedly creating excitement, the play-offs, introduced in 1987, restrict automatic promotion to two rather than three teams, leaving runners up with the potentially lucrative reward of a Wembley ‘cup final’ whereas those that go up in first and second place enjoy only a relatively modest celebration.
July 4, 1990 – Robson’s England semi-final
The England football team under the leadership of North East-born manager Bobby Robson, reach the semi-final of the World Cup in Italy. It is the first time the team has progressed so far since 1966 with the added achievement of accomplishing this on foreign soil. With a squad including North East lads Bryan Robson, Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle, Paul Gascoigne and Trevor Steven, England successfully won the group stage. However, none of the players in the squad were actually players with North East clubs. In England’s first game they drew 1-1 with Jack Charlton’s Republic of Ireland on June 11, followed by a 0-0 draw with the Netherlands and a 1-0 victory over Egypt. A quarter final 3-2 victory over Cameroon followed before England met West Germany in the semi final in Turin. The game ended 1-1 after Gary Lineker equalised in the 81st minute. During extra time Paul Gascoigne received a yellow card which due to another booking in a previous game meant that he would miss the World Cup final should England win the game. Gascoigne burst into tears. In the end England did not win, losing 4-3 in a penalty shoot out that included a goal from Peter Beardsley and misses from Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle. In the third place play-off on July 7 England were defeated by hosts Italy. It was Bobby Robson’s last game in charge as England manager.
Aug 2, 1990 – Invasion triggers Gulf War
Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait triggers the Gulf War. The United States, UK, France and Saudi Arabia go to war with Iraq supported by a coalition of numerous other nations. Kuwait will be liberated at the end of February 1991.
Nov 1990 – Thatcher resigns, Major PM
Margaret Thatcher resigns as Prime Minister on November 22, following challenges to her leadership. The Conservative party elect John Major as their new leader on November 28.
Dec 1990 – Electricity privatised
The assets of the North Eastern Electricity Board (NEEB), a company responsible for supply and distribution of electricity across the region were transferred to a new company called Northern Electricity plc earlier this year. The new company was privatised this month. The company will be acquired by an American corporation in 1996 and in 2001 under a government act the supply and distribution arms of the business will be separated with supply transferring to a company called NPower which was subsequently acquired by a German company called RWE.
1990 – ‘Gazza’ Sports Personality
North East-born England football star, Paul Gascoigne is voted the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.
March 1991 – Smith resigns at NUFC
Jim Smith resigns as Newcastle United manager. Bobby Saxton briefly takes charge as caretaker before the appointment of Argentinian Osvaldo Ardiles who had been managing Swindon Town.
1991 – Sunderland relegated
Sunderland Football Club under manager Dennis Smith are relegated from Division One to Division Two after one season in the top-tier league.
July 1991 – Lawrence Boro manager
Brighton-born Charlton Athletic manager Lennie Lawrence succeeds Colin Todd as manager of Middlesbrough FC.
July 1991 – Dawdon Colliery closes
Dawdon Colliery at Seaham closes. The colliery, which stands close to the coast was opened in 1907 and employed more than 3,800 men at its peak in the 1920s.
Sep 9 to 12, 1991- Meadow Well riots
Serious rioting breaks out on the Meadow Well estate (formerly known as ‘The Ridges’) in North Shields. The estate had long suffered with economic and social difficulties and the riots were triggered by the deaths of two youths fleeing police in a stolen car. On September 12 the riots also spread to Elswick and Benwell in the west end of Newcastle. Hundreds of people were involved in the riots, which included significant looting and buildings set on fire.
1991 – Neptune returns
The statue of King Neptune is placed once again in Durham Market Place after many years absence. He was first situated in the market place in 1729, symbolising an ambitious plan, which never saw fruition, to turn Durham into a sea port. He was removed to the city’s Wharton Park in 1923.
Nov 1991 – Murton and Hawthorn closed
Murton Colliery in east Durham has closed. The linked Hawthorn ‘Combined’ Mine will also close. Hawthorn, which was the site of a coke works up until 1985, had drawn coal from the workings of collieries at Eppleton (closed 1986) and Elemore (closed 1974).
Dec 1991 – Crosby’s Sunderland
South Shields-born Malcolm Crosby, the Assistant to Denis Smith takes over as Sunderland manager following Smith’s dismissal. He is initially appointed as caretaker but will be appointed full-time, managing Sunderland in the 1992 FA Cup final where they lose 2-0 to Liverpool.
Feb 5, 1992 – Keegan manages Magpies
Kevin Keegan is appointed the new manager of Newcastle United Football Club by John Hall, creating much euphoria and excitement across Tyneside.
April 9, 1992 – Conservatives win election
The Conservatives, now under the leadership of John Major win yet another election. In the North East, the only change from the 1987 election is in Darlington where Labour’s Alan Milburn ousts the Conservative MP, Michael Fallon. With the exception of Liberal Democrat, Alan Beith’s Berwick constituency and the Conservative seats of Tynemouth, Hexham and Stockton South, the North East remains mostly Labour. The Conservatives have regained the constituency of Langbaurgh (in East Cleveland) from Labour which Labour have held for only five months following a by-election last year. Neighbouring North Yorkshire of course, remains a Conservative stronghold.
1992 – Premier League Boro
Middlesbrough FC are promoted from Division Two (where they finished second) and join the Premier League, which is the new name for the top tier league following the restructuring of the Football League. They are the first North East club to play in the new league and one of only three clubs in history to be promoted from Division Two to the Premier League; the others being Division Two champions Ipswich Town and play-off winners, Blackburn Rovers.
1992 – Sunderland city status
Sunderland gains city status. The last town in the North East to gain city status was Newcastle upon Tyne in 1882.
1992 – New Universities
Three new universities are created in the North East. In Middlesbrough, Teesside Polytechnic becomes the University of Teesside. At the same time Newcastle Polytechnic becomes Northumbria University and Sunderland Polytechnic becomes the University of Sunderland. They join the existing universities of Durham and Newcastle in delivering first class education. At Durham, the actor, Sir Peter Ustinov succeeds Dame Margot Fonteyn as the university’s new chancellor.
July 27, 1992 – £3.6 million for Shearer
Newcastle-born footballer, Alan Shearer becomes England’s most expensive player after he is transferred from Southampton to Blackburn Rovers for £3.6 million.
1992 – First Class cricket at Durham
Durham County Cricket Club has joined the first class county cricket league.
1992 – James Herriot SAFC president
The Sunderland-born novelist and vet, Alf Wight who writes under the name James Herriot becomes the Life President of his beloved Sunderland Football Club (a role he serves up until his death in 1995).
Jan 1993 – Butcher’s Sunderland
Former England international Terry Butcher who was born in Singapore and raised in Suffolk becomes Sunderland player-manager succeeding the dismissed Malcolm Crosby.
May 7 1993 – Easington Colliery closes
Easington Colliery in east Durham has closed with the loss of 1,400 jobs. The colliery, which opened in 1899, was the site of a major disaster in 1951 that claimed the lives of 83 miners.
1993 – Cathedral celebrates 900 years
Durham Cathedral is celebrating its 900th anniversary. The construction of the cathedral was commenced in the year 1093 by the Prince Bishop, William St Carileph.
March 17, 1993 – Britain’s oldest woman
Redcar resident Charlotte Hughes who was born at Hartlepool on August 1, 1877 died today at the age of 115 years and 228 days.
May 1993 – Westoe Colliery closes
Westoe Colliery at South Shields has closed. The closure of Westoe, which opened in 1909, brings an end to centuries of coal mining on Tyneside.
1993 – Newcastle in Premier, Boro exit
Newcastle United, under their manager Kevin Keegan, are promoted to the Premier League, which is now in its second season. Middlesbrough, however are relegated from the Premier League after playing one season in the league’s inaugural year.
June 4, 1993 – Vane Tempest closes
The Vane Tempest Colliery at Seaham which first opened in 1926 is closed. Taking its name from the family who had developed Seaham Harbour in the nineteenth century (the Marquess of Londonderry’s family name) Vane Tempest Colliery was the last remaining pit in the town of Seaham.
Nov 1993 – Mick Buxton at SAFC helm
Sunderland coach Mick Buxton succeeds the sacked Terry Butcher as manager following poor results. Last season Butcher narrowly escaped relegation. Corbridge-born Buxton has managerial experience having previously managed Huddersfield Town and Scunthorpe.
Dec 10, 1993 – Coalfield’s last colliery
Wearmouth Colliery at the mouth of the River Wear in Sunderland, the last colliery in the County Durham coalfield, has closed, signalling the end of a centuries old era not just on Wearside but in the land between the Tyne and Tees. The Wearmouth Colliery had been one of the biggest and most important collieries in the Durham coalfield as well as being a significant employer and hugely important feature of Sunderland’s heritage, history and culture.
1994 – Lynemouth Colliery closes
Lynemouth Colliery, in Northumberland, closes. The nearby Ellington Colliery becomes the last remaining colliery in the North East.
1994 – Sculptor chosen for Gateshead site
Sculptor Antony Gormley is selected to create an iconic landmark on a prominent former colliery site near Gateshead.
June 1994 – Robson Boro manager
Chester-le-Street born Bryan Robson joins Middlesbrough as player manager. It is the first managerial appointment for Robson who has captained both England and Manchester United in a highly successful career. He will also take on the role of England Assistant Manager, supporting Terry Venables.
July 1994 – Hartlepool Historic Quay
Hartlepool’s historic quay opens. The reconstruction by Teesside Development Corporation portrays an eighteenth century seaport and it brings Britain’s maritime heritage to life.
July 21, 1994 – Blair Labour leader
The Durham-raised MP for Sedgefield, Tony Blair is elected Labour leader by his party, following the recent death of John Smith.
Feb 1995 – Tees flooding
Flooding on the Tees at Neasham, Croft and Hurworth causes hundreds of thousands of pounds of damage to houses.
1995 – Boro promoted
Middlesbrough Football Club are promoted to the Premier League where they will be playing in a brand new stadium.
29 March, 1995 – Peter Reid’s Sunderland
With a poor run of results and relegation seeming highly likely, Sunderland AFC Chairman Bob Murray dismisses Mick Buxton and appoints Liverpudlian, Peter Reid as new manager. The appointment of former Everton player Reid, who had been out of work for eighteen months after previously managing Manchester City was not initially greeted with much enthusiasm by Sunderland fans. However, it will prove to be the beginning of a period of great stability and relative success for Sunderland with Reid managing the club for the next 353 games with Bobby Saxton as his number two.
April 22, 1995 – Tees Barrage opens
The £50m Tees barrage opens at Stockton. It has created a ten-mile stretch of clean water from Worsall near Yarm to Stockton and has enabled the creation of a white water course for canoeists. An international competition marks the opening.
Aug 26, 1995 – Riverside Stadium opens
After 92 years at Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough FC play their first game at the new all-seater Riverside Stadium which is situated alongside the old Middlesbrough Dock. Boro defeat Chelsea 2-0 with the first goal at the new stadium coming from Craig Hignett.
1995 – Durham 1,000 years old
Durham is 1,000 years old. It was in the late summer of 995AD that the monks carrying the coffin of St Cuthbert established a settlement at ‘Dun Holm’ as the final resting place for their saint.
1995 – Millennium window
A new ‘Millennium Window’, installed in Durham Cathedral, celebrates the 1000th anniversary of the settlement of the monks of St Cuthbert and includes scenes depicting more recent eras of the region.
Nov 1995 – Newcastle Arena
The Newcastle Arena, a major music, concert and sports venue opens to the west of the city centre near the Redheugh Bridge.
1995 – Edwards Sports Personality
Newcastle-based Triple Jump champion Jonathan Edwards is voted the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.
Jan 1996 – Our Friends in the North
North East screenwriter Peter Flannery’s nine-part BBC tv drama Our Friends in the North broadcast from January to March becomes one of the most memorable TV productions of the 1990s. It features the story of four friends in Newcastle upon Tyne set over a period from 1964 to 1995 based on stories of real life events and people. Local government and police corruption and the 1984-85 miners’ strike are amongst the themes covered in a drama that made household names of actors Christopher Ecclestone, Daniel Craig, Mark Strong and the North East’s own Gina McKee.
Apr 1, 1996 – Cleveland abolished
The County of Cleveland is abolished and replaced by the four unitary local authorities of Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool. For ceremonial purposes the traditional historic counties of Durham and North Yorkshire will represent the two sides of the Tees. The Lord Lieutenant of Durham becomes the monarch’s representative north of the river and the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire on the south side. This creates a unique situation for the split Borough of Stockton-on-Tees which though mostly north of the Tees and historically in County Durham encompasses places south of the Tees that were historically in Yorkshire, most notably Yarm. So the borough is represented by two Lord Lieutenants according to which side of the river you are on. Strangely, there is still a Lord Lieutenant of ‘Tyne and Wear’, despite the abolition of that county in 1986.
1996 – More Northumbrian Water
Northumbrian Water Limited merge with a company called North East Water that covers the Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and South Shields areas. Northumbrian Water is now responsible for water supply and sewage treatment across the whole of the North East region except for Hartlepool which has its own water company.
1996 – Sunderland in Premier League
Sunderland Football Club are promoted from the second tier ‘Division One’ into the Premier League for the first time. Although the club has spent most of its history in the top tier of English football, this is their first time in the new Premier League.
June, 1996 – ‘Football’s Coming Home’
England plays host to the UEFA Euro ‘96 football tournament amidst much expectation and upbeat hope expressed in a new football theme tune ‘Three Lions’ with its soon to be familiar lyrics: ‘Football’s coming home, it’s coming home’. England had previously qualified for the tournament in 1992, 1988 and in 1980 but had failed to reach the knock out stage, although they did finish third out of what were then only four qualifying teams, back in 1968. The Euro 1996 tournament commenced at Wembley on June 8 with Alan Shearer scoring the opening goal in a game that would end as a 1-1 draw for England against Switzerland. At Wembley on June 13, England sealed a 2-0 victory over Scotland with goals from Shearer and fellow Tynesider, Paul Gascoigne. Shearer would score two further goals in a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands on June 18 and scored one of the penalties in the 2-4 penalty shoot-out victory over Spain (June 22) in a quarter final that had ended 0-0 after extra time. Gascoigne likewise converted from the spot against Spain. In England’s semi final on June 26, the game against Germany ended 1-1 and was again settled on penalties this time with a 6-5 victory to Germany. Again, Shearer and Gascoigne successfully hit the back of the net but the game ended in heartbreak after Gareth Southgate’s penalty was saved by the German goalkeeper. Andreas Möller then scored from the spot, sealing a place in the final for the Germans, who defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 at Wembley on June 30.
June, 1996 – St James’ a Euro venue
St James’ Park in Newcastle with its capacity of 36,649 has been one of the grounds hosting Euro 96 games. The stadium hosted Group B games along with Elland Road in Leeds and was the venue for France’s 1-0 victory over Romania on June 10 as well as Bulgaria’s 1-0 victory over Romania on June 13 and France’s 3-1 victory over Bulgaria on June 18.
July 30, 1996 – Shearer return for £15 million
Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan signs Newcastle-born centre forward, Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers for £15 million. Shearer becomes the most expensive football player in the world.
1996 – Christ church gallery
Christ Church, historically the parish church of West Hartlepool, becomes an art gallery after restoration. It is a very elegant and charming focal point for the town centre.
Oct 13, 1996 – Riverside Cricket Ground
Her Majesty the Queen officially opens Durham County Cricket Club’s first class cricket ground at the riverside in Chester-le-Street.
Jan 8, 1997 – Keegan resigns
Kevin Keegan resigns as manager of Newcastle United Football Club. Keegan had successfully gained promotion for the club to the Premier League in 1993 and has subsequently secured 6th, 3rd, 6th and 2nd place in three seasons in the league with the help of the firing power of Andy Cole and Les Ferdinand. In a statement Keegan said he believed he had taken the club as far as he can.
Jan 14, 1997 – Dalglish appointed
Scotsman and former Liverpool legend, Kenny Dalglish is appointed manager of Newcastle United. He brings high expectations having secured the Premier League title for Blackburn Rovers in 1995-1995 as well as being runners-up with Rovers in 1993-94.
Apr 6, 1997 – Boro League Cup loss
Middlesbrough Football Club play in the League Cup final for the first time in their history. They draw 1-1 with Leicester City at Wembley before suffering defeat in the replay at Hillsborough in Sheffield on April 16.
May 1, 1997 – Tony Blair PM
Tony Blair, the Labour MP for Sedgefield, who grew up in the North East, is elected Prime Minister by a landslide in today’s general election. In the campaign, Blair had branded his politics ‘New Labour’. He will reside in Downing Street and occasionally at his home in Trimdon Colliery, County Durham. The new Prime Minister was born in Scotland but grew up in Durham City and at nearby High Shincliffe. He was educated at the Durham Chorister School in the shadow of Durham Cathedral, two years apart from a younger fellow pupil, the actor, Rowan Atkinson, noted for his Blackadder and Mr Bean portrayals. Following the election there are only two non-Labour MPs remaining in the region, namely the Conservative, Peter Atkinson in Hexham and Liberal Democrat Alan Beith in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Seats gained by Labour from the Conservatives include Tynemouth and Stockton South. Labour’s Ashok Kumar is elected for the new seat called ‘Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland’ (formerly called Langbaurgh which he had briefly held for five months following a by-election in 1991) and the nearby seat of Scarborough and Whitby in North Yorkshire is also claimed from the Conservatives by Labour.
1997 – Sunderland and Boro down
Sunderland Football Club are relegated after only one season in the Premier League, putting a dampener on a celebration of their soon-to-open new stadium planned for next season. Middlesbrough’s extraordinary season ends with two cup final appearances and a relegation from the Premier League. It leaves Newcastle United, who finished in second place behind Manchester United, as the region’s only representatives in the top tier.
1997 – Brick Train
The ‘brick train’ sculpture is unveiled alongside the A66 to the east of Darlington. A commemoration of Darlington’s railway heritage, the sculpture by David Mach depicts a life-size depiction of the famous record-breaking steam locomotive Mallard completely built from red bricks.
1997 – Alnwick Garden
The redevelopment and landscaping of the estate gardens at Alnwick Castle is instigated by the Duchess of Northumberland.
May 17 1997 – Boro’s first FA Cup final
Middlesbrough Football Club play in an FA Cup final for the first time in their history. They are defeated 2-0 by Chelsea at Wembley. Just over a month ago, the recently relegated Middlesbrough were defeated in their first ever League Cup Final.
July 30, 1997 – Stadium of Light
The first match is played at Sunderland Football Club’s new stadium. Named the Stadium of Light, the ground stands on the site of the Wearmouth Colliery – the last colliery in the centuries old Durham coalfield. Sunderland’s first match is a friendly against Ajax of Amsterdam which ends 0-0. The first league match on August 15, sees a 3-1 victory over Manchester City and the stadium’s first goal comes from Niall Quinn. Sunderland had moved into their new stadium after 99 years at Roker Park. The Stadium is named from the light seen by the miners as they return to the surface.
Aug 31, 1997 – People’s Princess
Speaking from outside Trimdon church in County Durham, the Prime Minister, Tony Blair announces the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales whom he describes as ‘The People’s Princess’.
Feb 15, 1998 – Angel of the North
The Gateshead Angel of the North sculpture is erected. Designed by sculptor Antony Gormley, it weighs 300 tonnes and was built by Hartlepool Steel Fabrications. It rapidly becomes one of the best-known landmarks in the country and an undoubted symbol of the North.
April 1998 – North East MPs dominate
Several North East Members of Parliament occupy dominant positions in British government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Tony Blair. They include Durham University graduate and Redcar MP, Mo Mowlam, the Northern Ireland Secretary who this month helped secure the milestone Good Friday Agreement in the Northern Ireland peace process. Other key figures in government include North Tyneside MP Stephen Byers, the Minister for Schools and the County Durham-raised Alan Milburn, the MP for Darlington who becomes Chief Secretary to the Treasury from December and later Secretary of State for Health. Arguably, the most prominent and influential figure in the cabinet is the colourful media-savvy Minister Without Portfolio, Peter Mandelson, the MP for Hartlepool. Remarkably, even the leader of the opposition, the Conservative party leader William Hague is MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire, a constituency bordering both Mr Milburn’s Darlington constituency and the Sedgefield constituency of the Prime Minister.
1998 – Boro promoted
Middlesbrough are promoted back into the Premier League from which they were relegated in their extraordinarily eventful season last year.
June 11, 1998 – Farewell Dame Catherine
Fans mourn the passing of South Tyneside novelist Dame Catherine Cookson DBE who is the author of more than 100 novels. Her sales have topped 100 million. Cookson, whose novels are set in the region, was born at Tyne Dock and returned to the region for much of the later part of her life.
June 30, 1998 – England lose to Argentina
Newcastle-born Alan Shearer scored England’s first goal in their first game of the World Cup tournament in France with a 2-0 victory over Tunisia on June 15. A defeat to Romania and victory over Colombia followed in the succeeding group stage games securing England a place in the last sixteen knock-out stage. England then faced Argentina who took an early lead in the fifth minute of the game with Shearer equalising from the penalty spot in the ninth. Michael Owen put England ahead in the 16th minute. The game turned against England in the 45th minute with Argentina equalising followed by David Beckham’s sending off in the 47th minute. With the score still at 2-2 after extra time, England lost 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out despite Shearer scoring from the spot for the second time in the game. Shearer was the only North East-born player in the England squad for the tournament though he was joined by fellow Newcastle United club mate David Batty and Middlesbrough FC’s Paul Merson.
1998 – Middlesbrough Cathedral
Middlesbrough’s Roman Catholic cathedral, commenced in 1985 is consecrated. It is situated at Coulby Newham. The Catholic diocese of Middlesbrough stretches from the Tees all the way down to Hull.
1998 – Durham’s new street
The new Prince Bishops Shopping Centre (later renamed Prince Bishops Place) has been built at the heart of Durham City on land formerly occupied by a multi-storey car park. It is an open air shopping centre that takes the form of a v-shaped street called High Street that links the north end of the market place to Saddler Street.
1998 – Sunderland Minster
St Michael’s church in Sunderland becomes Sunderland Minster to represent the city’s recent gaining of city status.
27 Aug 1998 – Gullit at NUFC
Newcastle United Chairman, Freddie Shepherd dismisses manager Kenny Dalglish and replaces him with Dutchman Ruud Gullit who has been manager at Chelsea.
1998 – National Glass Centre
The National Glass Centre, a visitor attraction focused on glass and glass making has opened in Sunderland. The city was chosen as the site for the centre because of its history of glass making.
1999 – Mayfair demolished
Newcastle’s famous music venue, the Mayfair Ballroom in Newgate Street opened for the last time in August this year and was subsequently demolished. The venue has been located here since 1961 and in 1968 the London-based band that subsequently became Led Zeppelin performed their first UK gig here. Much of the Newgate Street area is to be redeveloped as a centre for leisure and entertainment that hub that will be called The Gate.
1999 – Vaux Brewery closes
Vaux Brewery in Sunderland closes. The firm, famed for its Double Maxim brown ale has been brewing in Sunderland since 1837 although its founder Cuthbert Vaux was brewing in the town from as early as 1806.
April 1999 – Sunderland promoted
Sunderland are promoted to the Premier League where their new stadium will now finally play host to top tier league games. Managed by Liverpudlian Peter Reid, the club is lifted in to the top tier with the help of the prolific striking force of Kevin Phillips and Irishman, Niall Quinn.
Aug 28, 1999 – Gullit resigns
Newcastle United manager Rudd Gullit resigns three days after losing 2-1 at St James’ Park to newly promoted rivals Sunderland whose goals come from the prolific striking partnership of Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips. Bizarrely, Gullit had omitted the Magpies’ own strike force of Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson from the starting line up. Steve Clarke takes over temporarily as caretaker manager.
Sep 2, 1999 – Bobby Robson’s NUFC
Newcastle United appoint 66-year old County Durham-born Bobby Robson as their new manager and successor to Ruud Gullit. Former Ipswich Town and England manager, Robson was a boyhood Newcastle fan. Since he left the England job in 1990 he has pursued an international managing career taking charge at PSV Eindhoven (twice); Sporting CP and Barcelona. In Robson’s first game in charge on September 19, Newcastle United won 8-0 at home to Sheffield Wednesday with five goals from Alan Shearer.
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