Newcastle begin manager hunt

Newcastle were tonight launching the hunt for their fifth manager in less than eight years after dispensing with the services of Bobby Robson.

Former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier was immediately installed as 2-1 favourite by bookmakers’ Ladbrokes.

But talk of a partnership between skipper Alan Shearer and his one-time England manager Terry Venables, who is currently recovering from hip replacement surgery, has quickly gathered pace on Tyneside.

Chairman Freddy Shepherd, who has spent the last few days attempting to sign Wayne Rooney and find a defender to fill Jonathan Woodgate’s boots, finally wielded the axe this morning and handed himself another monumental task.

Birmingham immediately voiced confidence they can hang on to manager Steve Bruce, who recently signed a five-year contract at St Andrews despite, along with Celtic’s Martin O’Neill, being linked with the St James’ Park post for some time.

The news of Robson’s departure came this morning as the implications of Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa began to sink in.

Robson, in a repeat of Ruud Gullit’s famous decision for the derby clash with Sunderland five years previously, left skipper Alan Shearer sitting on the bench for the game at Villa Park.

United currently lie 16th in the Barclays Premiership table and have won just three of their last 16 league games .

“After a disappointing start to the Barclays Premier League season, the directors of Newcastle United have informed Sir Bobby Robson that they have decided that he is to be replaced as team manager,” a statement issued by the club read.

“The directors of Newcastle United wish to place on record their thanks for the way in which Sir Bobby has worked tirelessly over the past five years to try to bring success to the club.

“There is no hesitation by the club in recording its sincere appreciation for the way in which Sir Bobby has handled team affairs during that five-year spell which has seen a significant turnaround in the club’s fortunes.

“The club agreed, early in 2003, to extend Sir Bobby’s contract by one further season. However, after careful consideration, the club decided it was in the best interests of all concerned to re-visit that decision.

“The club continues to have the greatest respect and admiration for Sir Bobby and his lifelong achievements both at home, abroad and particularly at the club he has supported since a boy, his beloved Newcastle United.

“He leaves having remodelled the Newcastle team with many young players admired and coveted across the UK and Europe. The club will no doubt continue to benefit from the knowledge and experience he has given during his time here.”

The news received a mixed response from United fans disappointed with their club’s start to the season but acutely aware of the role played by Robson in its re-emergence as a genuine force under his charge.

For his part, Robson was naturally disappointed to relinquish his grip on the reins before completing the mission to which he was appointed, the quest for a first trophy in 35 years for the club he supported as a boy.

“I am massively disappointed not to be able to finish the job I came here to do,” he said.

“I have immensely enjoyed my time here as manager, and I wish the club all the best of success in the future.

“At the present moment, I have absolutely nothing to say except to thank the Geordie fans for their tremendous enthusiasm, loyalty and support.”

Shearer, whose pursuit of his coaching qualifications has thrown him firmly into the frame for the vacant post, is one of several players to have had a run-in with Robson this summer.

He fired a shot across the manager’s bows before the season started when he warned that he would not be happy sitting on the bench for the final season of his playing career, and although he found himself doing just that on Saturday as Patrick Kluivert got to play, his mood was conciliatory.

“We have four quality strikers at Newcastle United and all four of us cannot play every week,” he said before the news of Robson’s departure was released.

“I understand that as much as anyone and I thought Patrick played very well. He scored a good goal and could easily have got another one.

“Yes, I asked the manager why he had left me out, but it is nonsense to say that there was any bust-up between us.”

Shearer’s stance, coupled with Kieron Dyer’s refusal to play at Middlesbrough, Woodgate’s departure for Real Madrid and the seemingly fruitless pursuit of Rooney, had cast a shadow over Robson.

Craig Bellamy stating publicly he would not sit on the bench if Rooney was signed added to the unrest at the club.

Shepherd must now act swiftly and decisively after dispatching his third manager, all of them in the in the last few days of August.

The departing manager took his leave of his players at the club’s training headquarters after being informed of his dismissal, although he hinted earlier this summer that his retirement may not be immediate.

Now the task of replacing him with a man who has similar charisma, expertise and enthusiasm – and not necessarily a Geordie – is underway, and United can waste little time if they are to get their season back on track before it is too late.