FORMER England boss Sir Bobby Robson is nursing back and rib injuries after falling down stairs at his home.

Newcastle United's veteran manager slipped down seven steps and was in so much pain he was unable to take his place in the dugout at St James's Park.

The 69-year-old had to watch the Magpies claim a 2-1 victory over Charlton on Saturday from the comfort of a cushioned seat in the executive box.

The incident happened at Mr Robson's County Durham home on Thursday night.

He did not require medical treatment for his injuries.

But his condition was made worse because he insisted on driving to Suffolk on Friday.

He wanted to attend the funeral of one of his closest friends in football, former Ipswich Town chief scout Ron Gray.

Although he decided to return to Tyneside by plane, a 90-minute delay to his flight did nothing to ease his discomfort.

But resilient Mr Robson said yesterday: "My back is not so good - but better that it happened to me than to one of my players."