Rob Lee delivers scathing verdict on Ruud Gullit’s Newcastle reign

Former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee has sharply criticised Ruud Gullit’s treatment of senior players during the Dutchman’s turbulent spell as manager at St James’ Park. Speaking on the Undr the Cosh podcast, Lee described that period as the worst of his decade at the club and called Gullit “the most arrogant man” he had encountered, as reported by FCUpdate and Voetbalzone.

Lee said Gullit did not know how to handle several established members of the squad, naming himself alongside John Barnes, Ian Rush and Stuart Pearce. According to Lee, Gullit removed his number seven shirt during pre-season and initially wanted him omitted from the team photograph. Lee said he was not informed directly and was told by a member of the club’s media staff that no shirt had been allocated to him.

The former midfielder subsequently spent several months training with Newcastle’s youngsters. He recalled having few productive conversations with Gullit and said the manager regularly referred to his previous time at Chelsea rather than focusing on Newcastle.

Their relationship reached its lowest point around the derby defeat by Sunderland in 1999. Lee was left at home, while Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson were omitted from the starting line-up. Lee admitted he wanted Sunderland to win because he believed victory for Newcastle would have strengthened Gullit’s position and pushed several senior players towards the exit. Gullit left the club two days after the 2-1 loss.