WE have all regretted the things we have said in the heat of the moment.

Sir Bobby Robson is no exception, and whatever he did or didn't say in an unguarded moment while television cameras were still running has to be kept in the perspective of a remarkable career in football.

The boos which rang out at St James' Park on Sunday clearly hurt him, just as much as they will have hurt Alan Shearer, who - just like his manager - is a Magpies' fan at heart.

The damp squib of a lap of honour, in front of deserted stands, was an embarrassment.

Compare the scenes at Leeds the previous day, where a club brought to its knees by financial incompetence played its last game at Elland Road before heading towards Division One. It looked more like Leeds had won the Premiership.

A few weeks ago, Newcastle were unlucky not to beat unbeaten champions Arsenal in a battling draw at St James', were still looking good for a Champions League place, and remained on the brink of an UEFA Cup final.

Since then it has all gone wrong. Bad luck has undeniably played a big part with the loss of key players through injury. The European dream is over and reaching the vital fourth place in the Premiership is now an uphill task.

But hope is far from gone. Newcastle, the club which was in the doldrums near the bottom of the league when Sir Bobby took over, can still make it. The fans should dig deep into their memories and realise that all is not lost.

There are two more games to go and Newcastle have to win them both. In the fickle world of football Sir Bobby Robson would then be a hero all over again.