Gullit didn't know what derby meant - Bobby

Gullit dropped a bombshell when he axed skipper Alan Shearer as the festering feud between manager and captain came to a head before last season's clash with Sunderland at St. James' Park.

But Gullit was hoist with his own petard as Peter Reid's side claimed a famous 2-1 win in monsoon conditions - and the roof fell in on the Dutchman's reign.

Shearer was humiliatingly reduced to the role of late substitute and the hue and cry which followed his dramatic demotion signalled the end of Gullit, and brought about the appointment of lifelong United fan Robson.

Gullit also ignored the claims of Shearer's close friend Robert Lee, who was banished from the first team, and Duncan Ferguson.

But Robson, who today takes charge of his first home Tyne-Wear tussle, admits he never imagined the repercussions of Gullit's blundering would be so far-reaching.

"I didn't think things would turn out the way they did,'' said Robson. "I knew the club were in difficulty and if that's the case, some repsonsibility has to rest with the manager.

"I thought that would be overriden, but it was such a black night losing to Sunderland. Ruud maybe didn't understand the importance of the match.

"He left out Alan, Duncan and Robert. The last thing I'll do this weekend is leave out Robert Lee. I think Alan and Robert knew what that game against Sunderland last season was all about - and Ruud unfortunately didn't.

"I'm not criticising the guy. Sadly, he just didn't realise. Feyenoord against PSV Eindhoven, as I know because I've handled that, is not like Newcastle against Sunderland.

"You couldn't have written a worse script and the final act of losing was the last straw.

"I think it was Ruud who decided he should go - I don't think he was sacked. The board were very unhappy, but I think they were prepared to back him.

"But I think he realised the Sunderland game was a bridge too far for him and he did the honourable thing and resigned. I think he saw he'd made a blunder and was in a very difficult situation.

"He only had one point from five games. If he'd had eight it might have been different.

"If he'd left out Alan, Duncan and Robert and won people would have said: 'What a brave fella.' He would have been recognised as a genius.

"But I think his comments afterwards, when he said he'd brought Alan and Duncan on and they'd lost the game, lacked a bit of guile.''

Both Shearer and Lee have been battling injuries this week to be ready for the revenge mission.

Robson revealed: "We were a bit worried about Alan at Leicester last week. He didn't feel at his best. He's trained lightly this week, just enough to keep up his muscle tone.

"He's had a problem with his back. He needs a slight manipulation and then that affects his groin.

"But he's OK. We've got him psychologically right for this one. He's confident - and I think he might play!

"Rob's also been sweating on a calf injury.''

On a personal note, Robson is relishing the rivalry of today's occasion.

He said: "I saw quite a bit of the game here last year on TV and I saw the complete sadness of our supporters. They were heartbroken and I hope we avoid that this time.

"The players are aware of what this game is all about - even the foreigners. I've explained it to them several times this week.

"People like Christian Bassedas, Clarence Acuna and Daniel Cordone have played in big games so they understand.''

Sacriston-born and Langley Park-raised, Robson comes from staunch Newcastle stock, but admits he came close to managing Sunderland in the Seventies.

He recalled: "I was tempted to come back to the North-East. It wouldn't have had the same feel as Newcastle but Tom Cowie, the Sunderland chairman, chased me and I was very close to taking the job.

"The reason I didn't was I'd worked hard for years at Ipswich and I was starting to see a bit of daylight. If I'd been at a different seam, I would have changed pits!

"But Newcastle have always meant a lot to me. My village was split between Newcastle and Sunderland. Busloads went to Sunderland and busloads went to Newcastle. It's a battle, a football battle, but it's not a war.''

Sunderland boss Reid has impressed his old boss. Robson said: "Peter played for me - I took him to the World Cup with England. He was a shrewd footballer - tough and tenacious. He was a complete and utter winner. His favourite expression was: 'Let's welly into them.' He'll set a few sparks flying in the dressing room before this game.

"I think he's done very well at Sunderland. He seems to be settled in the North-East and is in charge of a very big club. I don't think he's looking for anything else - it's a way of life for him.

"He's trying to improve things there all the time. They got into the Premiership two seasons ago and they finished seventh last season which was quite remarkable. They were the surprise packet.

"But we know how massively important this game is to us. We haven't done well at home this season and we have to improve on that.

"We hope we can give our supporters a very nice Sunday lunch.''

Robson, whose lack of central defensive options has led him to step up his search for new blood, rates cornerstone Alain Goma "a slight doubt'' with a calf injury.

If the Frenchman fails to make it, Robson will hand 20-year-old Steve Caldwell his first Premiership start.

Robson said: "He's a great, spirited boy and he hasn't let us down. He's not afraid. He's one of our best talkers on the pitch and I like that. I'm sure he would handle it.''

Robson said he "wouldn't be afraid'' to recall right-back Warren Barton, who has played little more than 20 minutes in over two months because of a groin injury.

Winger Nolberto Solano is also back in contention after a hamstring injury.