Managers' chief slams 'ridiculous' sacking

Former Newcastle defender Frank Clark blasted the “ridiculous scenario” which led to the Magpies’ dismissal of boss Bobby Robson today.

And Clark, now vice-chairman of the League Managers Association, warned the news proved that no manager could consider themselves safe from the sack.

Clark said: “My reaction is one of disappointment and again we are in this ridiculous scenario where a manager is being sacked before the season has run a month.

“But nothing in football surprises me any more. Your pedigree or your CV doesn’t give you any protection these days and I am just sad for Sir Bobby.”

Clark joined the Magpies from non-league Crook Town and was an ever-present in their 1965 Second Division Championship campaign.

He went on to win the European Cup with Nottingham Forest before moving into management with Forest and Manchester City.

Clark believes Robson’s record marks him out as one of the finest managers in the history of the British game.

He added: “Bobby made Ipswich able to compete with the big clubs then he did a terrific job with England.

“England has a problem where we don’t appreciate our own and there was an element of downsizing his ability and achievements when he left England.

“But he went abroad and proved what a great success he was with some of the biggest clubs in the world.

“Bobby came back to pull Newcastle out of a desperate situation. He did not win as many trophies as Bob Paisley but he is up there with the best. He has nothing to prove to anybody any more and he deserves better than this.”

But Clark is not convinced the game has seen the back of the 71-year-old, one of the most recognisable and popular figures in the Premiership.

He added: “Bobby went to Newcastle when most people would have been looking to put their feet up and retire.

“Knowing Bobby he will still have that hunger and enthusiasm today. He will probably be looking to get back in there as quickly as possible, and it will be good for the game if he does.”

Robson’s sacking 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.