Robson had lost players' confidence: Fans' chief

Bobby Robson’s sacking as Newcastle manager has not come as a surprise to Magpies fans.

Steve Cole, head of sports at the Newcastle United Supporters Club believes the 71-year-old former England boss has “brought the club from relegation to the Champions League” but claims he had lost the confidence of the players and fans.

Cole told the ITV News Channel: “I am surprised at the timing of it but I am not really surprised it has happened. I am a bit disappointed he has gone in this way. He has done an awful lot, not just for Newcastle but for football in general.

“Robson brought Newcastle from relegation into the Champions League but recently he has lost the confidence of the players and the fans.

“The club will get on with it. It is not the first time we have had a shock change in management. Kevin Keegan left very suddenly and Ruud Gullit left very suddenly. The fans have got used to it.”

Cole does not think Alan Shearer should get the manager’s job just yet.

“The obvious replacement, in many eyes, is Shearer. But he has not had any experience. He will be a good manager one day, but he needs a bit of grounding first,” said Cole.