Soccer: I can go on until I'm 70: Robson

Bobby Robson has admitted he would like to carry on as Newcastle manager until he is 70.

Robson, 68, has rubbished reports he is set to vacate the St James' Park hotseat and take a behind-the-scenes role.

Reports have linked the likes of Aston Villa boss John Gregory and former Toon manager Kevin Keegan as possible replacements for Robson

But he said: "I am fit, healthy and happy and plan to be here for two more seasons after this one".

But Robson said: "There have been no discussions about me going. It annoys me to read that someone is going to take over. It's not fair on the fans.

"Despite all the problems, I am happy here and I have enjoyed every minute of my life back in the north-east. My enthusiasm for the game and my love of Newcastle are undiminished.

"I have heard the stories about how despondent and tired I've been - but they are rubbish.

"I might not have had the same devotion for another club but Newcastle is my club, the club I supported as a kid. My love for the club is so deep that I have to see it out.

"I have a 12-month roll-over contract that means every new day I have another year to go - and that suits me fine."

And Robson was keen to reassure critics that he still has the appetite for the job.

He added: "The day I stop wanting to be out on that pitch and changing my shoes for football boots is the day I will walk out of football. Not upstairs - but out of football.

"I don't ever see myself heading upstairs and there have been no discussions about me going at the end of the season.

"It annoys me rather than hurts me when I keep reading that John Gregory, Kevin Keegan or Joe Bloggs is going to take over when I step down.

"The other name that has been bandied about is Alan Shearer but he is not thinking about coaching or management at present.

"He just wants to get himself fit - and that's the right thing to do. He hasn't started his coaching badge and he hasn't talked to me about his future.