IT may only have been a joke, and his right arm may well have been in a sling, but for a moment yesterday, Brazilian maestro Pele answered the prayers of every Newcastle United fan.

Laughing and joking with people who had turned up to see the the world's greatest football player, Pele just could not help joking he had just signed for the Toon.

He had just spent time in private talks with Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd.

And when he emerged, Pele told the crowd at St James' Park that he was ready to put pen to paper.

Given the team's torrid start to the season and last week's rumours that Sir Bobby Robson was ready to step down as manager, his suggestion that he was ready to take over may not have sounded that far-fetched.

Pele laughed as he said: "I met Freddy and he said he wants to sign me. I can come here as the manager or play up front!"

Pele was at St James's Park to promote an exhibition of photographs dedicated to him.

It will be the introduction to a larger exhibition of art devoted to the 100 greatest players of all time.

The football roll of honour has been selected by Pele and Fifa officials.

The identities of the players Pele's thinks are the greatest remain a secret.

But yesterday he said some British players would be among them.

He said: "There are some great England players such as Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore. And, of course, George Best was one of the greatest players I ever saw."

Pele himself is the only person to have played in three World Cup-winning teams.

He retired from the game in 1974 but returned to competition the following year in the US with the New York Cosmos.

After leading the team to the North American Soccer League title in 1977, he quit the sport for good.

It had been hoped Pele could be joined by another football legend yesterday.

Unfortunately, Newcastle United's skipper, Alan Shearer, had charity commitments.

An NUFC spokeswoman said: "Alan did not receive his invitation until Monday and he had other commitments.

"It is international week and most have reported for international duty, but those who have not, like Alan, have been given time off."

Pele said: "I have known Alan Shearer a long time, he is the kind of guy I would want in my team.

"I like him very much as a person and he is an excellent example."

A spokesman for Eyestorm, the art gallery organising The Pele Collection, said the Brazilian's appearance more than made up for the disappointment.

* The Pele Collection opened at Northumbria University, Newcastle, last night, where Sir Bobby Robson was Pele's guest.