LAURENT Robert last night revealed that he was "really mad" when Sir Bobby Robson told him he had been sacked as manager of Newcastle United.

The French midfielder was one of the players Robson gathered together at Newcastle's Benton training ground on Monday to inform them that he had been relieved of his duties by chairman Freddy Shepherd.

Robert and Robson have not always seen eye to eye, with the former United boss famously admitting that he would "tear his hair out" at the winger's inconsistent displays.

But, after being signed by the former England boss in August 2001, the 28-year-old was greatly disappointed to learn that his mentor's time at St James' Park had come to an end.

"He hired me and we had worked together for four years, so I was really mad," said Robert, who has struggled to hit top form in the first four games of the new season.

"Here he was a great man, respected by everyone. He just asked us to go on working.

"When he told us the news during a training session he had tears in his eye and a lump in his throat.

"He was sorry because he was so attached to the club. It was his club, the one of his father too."

Striker Craig Bellamy has also spoken of his regret at this week's events, despite contributing the sense of impending crisis seven days ago by claiming that he would look to leave Tyneside if Newcastle signed Wayne Rooney.

Robson took something of a gamble when he splashed out £6m to sign the striker in 2001, but 35 goals from 95 starts have provided a ringing endorsement of the 71-year-old's judgement.

"I will never forget Bobby," said Bellamy, who is currently training with the Wales squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan.

"I can't thank him enough for the chance he gave me to play at the very highest level.

"It is a massive club and he took me there. He gave me the opportunity to play for a really great club, and it is something I will never forget him for.

"It is a massive stage to play on and being part of Newcastle has been a dream for me, and it was a dream I owe him thanks for.

"If I achieve anything in my career it will be Sir Bobby I owe for a major part of that. he will always be a big part of my football career and I can only thank him for that and wish him well."

* Newcastle midfielder Nicky Butt has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier in Austria this weekend.

Butt did not train yesterday because of a hamstring problem, and Sven-Goran Eriksson is considering whether or not to send him back to Tyneside for treatment.

"We have a problem with Nicky Butt," confirmed Eriksson. "He is almost for sure out of Saturday's game and is doubtful for next Wednesday."

Butt's absence could open the door for team-mate Kieron Dyer, with Eriksson likely to switch Steven Gerrard inside to partner Frank Lampard.

Dyer could be handed a starting role on the left of midfield, although early indications are that Eriksson will go with Owen Hargreaves in an attempt to add some solidity to his side.

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