Future looking bright for Newcastle, says Robson

BOBBY ROBSON sees a bright future for his Newcastle side, who demonstrated again at Elland Road that they have usurped Leeds as the Premiership’s up-and-coming force.

Not so long ago Leeds were being hailed as a team capable of overthrowing the old guard of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Money was seemingly no object as former manager David O'Leary spent vast sums on a number of quality players and Leeds appeared ready to conquer at home and abroad. But one by one the wheels have fallen off the bandwagon, and Leeds are now trying to catch up not only on Newcastle but also on the likes of Everton and Southampton.

Newcastle are inspired by 70-year-old Robson, whose enthusiasm for the game shows no sign of diminishing. They remain within touching distance of Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson's sides, trailing the latter by just three points and with a game in hand

While their Champions League campaign might not be as successful as that of Leeds who went on to reach the semi-finals in their one and only foray two years ago unlike the Yorkshire side they at least look certain to qualify again.

"Leeds had good, class players of a good age and we've probably replaced them. I reckon we've now the finest crop of young players in the country -when you think we left behind Lomana LuaLua, Hugo Viana, Jonathan Woodgate and Nolberto Solano for this game.

"We do have a very good squad, not sufficient, but one I think can battle on in the two campaigns.

"We've the Champions League, which we haven't given up on after winning last week (against Bayer Leverkusen) and if we win the return this week then we have a chance.

"We then also have to crack on with the Premiership. Chelsea losing was a help and although Everton won to stay close, we have to look above not behind. That's the policy at the club.

"With the squad we have, with 14 to 15 players aged around 22 to 23, the future is bright," he said.

Leeds' downfall was failing to re-qualify for the Champions League, sparking a mass exodus of players as the club looked to slash crippling debts and a massive wage bill.

Talk of retirement is simply not on the agenda for Robson, who is revelling in his Indian summer.

Robson certainly enjoyed watching his players destroy Leeds, Kieron Dyer scoring his first Premiership goals for 10 months in the 13th and 48th minutes - and captain Alan Shearer netting his 18th of the season before the hour.