Robson wishes successor well

Bobby Robson walked out of St James’ Park with his head held high – and then wished the man who will replace him every success.

As speculation mounted that Robson’s captain Alan Shearer would take over from the 71-year-old, possibly in harness with a more experienced coach, Robson made an emotional departure just a few days short of five years in the job.

“It has naturally stopped me finishing the job I would have wanted to have done,” he said.

“I have had a marvellous time at the club, it has been a phenomenal experience.

“I am black and white through and through and I have had five marvellous years here. I am sorry to leave.

“It has not been easy for me today, but it is football and I have to get on with my life,” he told Sky Sports News.

“I would like to wish the club every success in the world. I would also like to wish my successor tremendous success and every happiness.

“I know we have probably the best squad of players we have assembled in many a year.”

Robson has been responsible the the recruitment of youngsters Olivier Bernard, Andy O’Brien, Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Jenas, Titus Bramble, Darren Ambrose and James Milner, as well as more established players Laurent Robert, Robbie Elliott, Lee Bowyer, Patrick Kluivert, Nicky Butt and Stephen Carr.

In addition, he has masterminded the emergence through the ranks of the likes of Aaron Hughes and Shola Ameobi to assemble a squad packed with promise.

The fact that he has lost his job before achieving the dream of ending United’s 35-year wait for a trophy will weigh heavily on his mind, but his love for the club he was brought up supporting means that his thoughts will never be far away from them as he contemplates the future and the matter of retirement.

“We have a fantastic stadium and a fantastic public,” he added.

“There is no better group of fans in the world. They are very enthusiastic, they have been great and I am now going to try to be one of them

“They have been great to me, I have treasured them, and who’s to say next week I won’t be among them? I don’t know where else I could go.”