John Carver
The Geordie was Sir Bobby Robson’s assistant in the early 00s but he was brought back to the club by Alan Pardew at the start of 2011. However, following Pardew’s departure for Crystal Palace in 2015, Carver was appointed interim manager until the end of the season.
It quickly became apparent that he wasn’t up to the task despite Carver immodestly stating he was the “best coach” in the Premier League. Eight league defeats in a row meant the Magpies were teetering on the brink of relegation before a final day win against West Ham secured safety. He was sacked and replaced by Steve McClaren a month after the campaign had ended.