Sir Bobby Robson has vowed "to give it everything I've got" in what seems certain to be his last season at Newcastle.

The 71-year-old was stunned to learn at the weekend of chairman Freddy Shepherd's decision to dispense with his services after the new Premiership campaign, and while he admitted he does not agree with it, he has promised to work as hard as ever to bring success to the club he has supported all his life.

Robson, who had a meeting with Shepherd on Monday, insists he will walk out of St James' Park with his head held high.

"Whatever happens in the next few months, I will give it everything I've got to make Newcastle United successful, just as I have since I came here in 1999," he said.

"Obviously I'm disappointed at the club's decision not to keep me on, but even so, I will work as diligently as I always have.

"For what it's worth, I don't agree with the club's decision not to renew my contract, but football is all about opinion and I know you have to respect other people's opinion.

"But I will not falter in the next few months and every decision I make and everything I do will be in the best interests of the chairman and Newcastle United Football Club.

"If I have to leave, I can promise you the club will be in great shape when I do go. Certainly, it will be in better shape than it was when I arrived.

"And when I do go, I know I will be able to go with my head held high because of what I have done here."

No-one would really have expected any less from a man who has worked wonders in his time at St James' and who has made a point throughout his career of fulfilling contracts.

His disappointment is understandable, but that will simply serve to increase his determination to go out in style as he attempts once again to end a trophy drought which stretches back to 1969.

Robson's promise to leave the club in good shape came as United worked to tie up the last remaining details of their swoop for French starlet Charles N'Zogbia.

The 18-year-old Le Havre midfielder has been hugely impressive while training with the Magpies over the last month and the manager was thrilled to have landed what he believes will be a major talent.

"We're absolutely delighted to have got this boy," he said. "He has been training with us for a month now and everybody loves him."

However, Le Havre have expressed their displeasure at what they see as Newcastle's attempt to poach the teenager. His current club say he is contracted with them until 2006 and they have no intention of letting him leave. Club chairman Jean-Pierre Louvel said: "He can sign what he wants, he still belongs to Le Havre."

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