SIR BOBBY ROBSON'S former right-hand man Mick Wadsworth, who quit Newcastle for Southampton three years ago, has taken charge of Portuguese side Beira Mar, writes Clive Hetherington.

Wadsworth, who coached the Democratic Republic of Congo at the African Nations Cup, has chosen Portugal - where Robson managed Porto and Sporting Lisbon - to make a fresh start.

Beira Mar include former Sunderland keeper Andy Marriott and Wadsworth said: "This is a chance to coach at a higher level in a league which is of a very high standard. Sir Bobby speaks very highly of the Portuguese league, and I am really looking forward to it.

"I wanted to wait to get my career on track. It was good until I left Newcastle three years ago. I got caught in the crossfire at Southampton when Stuart Gray was sacked, enjoyed my time at Oldham until there was a clash with the chairman and then I took the poisoned chalice at Huddersfield. Taking over the Congo was an interesting and bizarre experience. Although it is not something I would want to repeat, I am glad I did it. I will never forget that."