Roeder strengthens hand as Magpies end season in style

GLENN ROEDER laid down his credentials to the men who will decide his future when he steered Newcastle to a top-seven finish with a final day victory over champions Chelsea.

The 50-year-old saw his side ride their luck to clinch a place in the Intertoto Cup and a chance of UEFA Cup qualification through Titus Bramble’s 73rd-minute strike despite Stephen Carr’s dismissal two minutes later.

It was a personal triumph for Roeder, who took his points tally to 32 from a possible 45 since replacing Graeme Souness as caretaker.