VILLAGERS in a tiny fellside hamlet are worried that if Sir Bobby Robson agrees to manage Wales it could affect the prices of their homes.

The former Newcastle United boss is renovating a wing of historic Urpeth Hall, in High Urpeth, near Stanley, County Durham, after buying it last autumn for a reputed £850,000.

Villagers were delighted that the football legend was to make his retirement home there, close to his roots and his family in Esh Winning.

However, since his sacking as Newcastle manager, rumours are rife that he may not move in after all.

In the past fortnight, there has been speculation he may manage Wales or West Bromwich Albion, and residents now fear they may lose their famous neighbour - and the surge in house prices his presence would likely cause - before he even moves in.

Builders are close to completing the expansion for a kitchen, conservatory and triple garage after the plans were approved by Chester-le-Street District Council in January.

One villager, who has lived in High Urpeth for more than 30 years, said: "It would certainly be disappointing if Sir Bobby did not move in.

"It would be an ideal retirement retreat because we are a very small community here and Sir Bobby is a very private man, which is exactly the way the villagers would keep it."

Urpeth Hall dates back to 1890. During the Second World War, it was used as a searchlight station operated by the US Skylighters battalion. It also served as a prisoner of war camp for a time.