SIR Bobby Robson is determined to become a Newcastle fan again despite being sensationally sacked as manager of his beloved Magpies.
The 71-year-old, who led England to within a penalty kick of the World Cup final in 1990, was relieved of his duties yesterday after a rollercoaster five-year spell in the St James' Park hotseat.
Robson was summoned by chairman Freddy Shepherd at 9am and told that his services were no longer required following a poor start to the Premiership season.
Newcastle have picked up only two points from their opening four games and Robson has also been beset by a series of dressing room bust-ups that have called his authority into question.
He remained extremely popular among Newcastle's supporters though, with fans speaking of their shock and disappointment when news of his dismissal broke.
Robson, who was brought up in Langley Park, County Durham, used to be one of those supporters, standing on the Gallowgate End with his father, Phillip, to watch the likes of Jackie Milburn in action in the 1940s.
Newcastle's next home game is against Blackburn Rovers on September 11 and, despite being dumped by the club, the former manager will make a public show of support and loyalty.
"I am indebted to the fans - and there is no better set of fans in the world," said Robson, who was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 2002. "Now I want to try to be one of them again.
"I have been at the club and had five great years. I have had the time of my life and I would like to thank the fans for what they have been for me.
"At the next home match I will be one of the fans again - I will be there as a supporter.
"We have 12 players away on international duty this week and I have not seen any of them yet. Maybe I will get an opportunity to say goodbye to those players."
Robson's contract was due to expire at the end of this season, but his position was seriously undermined when Shepherd revealed earlier this month that he would not be offering him a new deal.
The chairman is known to be unhappy at Newcastle's failure to qualify for the Champions League this season and their dreadful start to the new campaign has persuaded him to dispense with Robson's services.
A club statement read: "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 revisit 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."
Former Newcastle captain Bobby Moncur was quick to praise Robson for achieving three top-five finishes in a row, but admitted that the time might have been right for a change.
"He has done a magnificent job for the club and can hold his head up high," said Moncur.
"He wouldn't quit, so (dismissing him) was probably the only thing the chairman thought he could do. Clearly the chairman thinks it's time to get someone fresh."
Robson is expected to take a well-earned break as he decides whether or not to extend his 54-year career in the game - a point he hinted at yesterday when he left the club's training ground carrying a golf club.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will use the two-week international break to search for a new boss. Captain Alan Shearer is due to hang up his boots at the end of the season and could be asked to step into the breach.
But the Magpies may decide they need a more experienced manager such as Birmingham boss Steve Bruce, former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier or ex-England supremo Terry Venables.
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