Carver summons spirit of Newcastle’s legends

John Carver is convinced he will have Bobby Robson standing alongside him on one side and Gary Speed on the other when he walks out at St James’ Park today.

The 49-year-old will deputise as Newcastle boss as the Magpies take on Burnley in the Premier League with manager Alan Pardew bound for Crystal Palace.

Carver, a boyhood Newcastle fan who spent two years as a professional at his home-town club without making a senior appearance, has been asked to take charge of the next two games, along with first-team coach Steve Stone and football development manager Peter Beardsley.