SIR BOBBY ROBSON last night slammed the "bewildering, nonsensical and disturbing" speculation surrounding his future as Newcastle United manager.

And as Gary Speed reaffirmed the players' total support for their boss, Robson told his squad to have "the best game of their lives" against Southampton to steady the Newcastle ship.

Robson has tried to remain upbeat this week, despite the confusion that ensued after it was widely rumoured that he had resigned.

He is still unhappy at having been thrust into such a difficult position, but Newcastle's plight in the Premiership relegation is now of greater interest to the 70-year-old.

Without a win in the League this season, the Magpies host Southampton today desperate for a victory to quell the mounting discontent among the Toon Army.

Robson has tried to put the events of this week to the back of his mind, but only a win this afternoon would lift the gloom enveloping St James Park.

He said: "Where it (the rumour that he had quit) came from and how it transpired is quite bewildering, nonsensical and disturbing.

"I'm trying to have a laugh about it and be full of humour about it, but how these things come out I'll never know.

"It was like a bush fire, one thing led to another, and you can make a book out of two words.

"But we're through that, everything's back to normal, and all I'm concerned with is the team and their passion, commitment and responsibilities.

"The players are aware of the club's situation and the name of the game is win - w-i-n.

"What's happened this season is already in the past and we're now looking ahead, and I'm asking the players to give me the best game of their lives to kickstart our season.

"I've told them they've got to play better than they've ever done before, and if we get a sterling performance we'll be fine.

"It's in the hands of the players. I can motivate people, give them guidance and whatever, but it's got to come from them.

"The mood that I saw in training on Thursday and Friday suggests there won't be anything lacking from them.

"I've had a very good response this week. They've been bubbly and full of spirit; they've enjoyed their training. But it's now their turn to show the public what they can do.

"This is a vital match for us. The game is not about Southampton, but about Newcastle United. We've got to help ourselves, and not rely on or look to other people."

Speed, who with Alan Shearer is one of the senior pros in a youthful Newcastle squad, defended Robson after this tumultuous week.

Criticism of Newcastle's venerable manager and his side has risen during their appalling start to the season.

Talk of dressing room discontent has compounded the club's problems, but Speed was unequivocal when asked about Robson's popularity among the squad.

He said: "The players are 100 per cent behind Bobby. The players took no notice of the stuff about him resigning; anyone who knows what type of man he is knew that wouldn't have happened.

"A lot of stuff has been said this week that has been complete rubbish.

"The team and the spirit of the team now is in no way comparable to what it was towards the end of Ruud Gullit's time here.

"We're all good mates, contrary to things said elsewhere. There's no defeatist attitude or alarm bells ringing whatsoever.

"The situation now isn't on the same planet to four years ago, and it's in our nature as footballers to have a laugh about everything - including the rumours about Bobby."

Robson claims Newcastle fans have backed him this week, describing their reaction as "terrific, unbelievable".

"The public are right behind us, I don't think there's any doubt about that," he added.

But Robson now wants his team to give the faithful something to cheer against Southampton after so many anaemic displays already this season.

"We need two good teams in the ground: one on the pitch and one in the stands," he said.

"But I've also told the players that it must first come from them. If they show the public they're scrapping for every ball, they'll respond.

"It's such a good public that maybe they'll give us support when it's a little bit flat, but the players have to show them from the word go that we want to win this match."

Three points today would probably lift Newcastle clear of the bottom three and Robson is confident a revival is imminent.

The first Premiership win is crucial to boost the mood, but the Magpies manager reckons the forthcoming fixtures give them a great opportunity to march up the table.

"We have a series of games coming up that, with respect, are games we can consistently pick up points from to get this club out of trouble," Robson added.

"We have some good games ahead that we believe we're capable of winning, and if we win our game in hand at Fulham then it becomes a completely different scenario."

* Former Newcastle full-back Warren Barton has joined QPR on a non-contract basis after being released by Derby.

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