The Sacking of Robson: An Outsider's View

By Matthew Jones
August 30 2004

An outsiders view to the sacking of Sir Bobby Robson:

I hope you Toon Army members dont mind a Liverpool Kopite discussing the sacking of Sir Bobby Robson?

Sir Bobby has held a place in many of our hearts since his days as England's second most successful manager. For that reason there is an obvious interest in the way he has been treated by Newcastle United FC.

Now us reds do have alot of respect for our geordie 'friends' simply because your club is similar to ours, based in a port area and surrounded by other clubs that just aren't as genuinely passionate.

We also both share the advantage of having chairmen who are local to our clubs although ours is far more respectable than the muppet that oversees your club whilst insulting local people!

Then there is the problem of players - we had a load of poor french and african players whilst you had one or two with flair and potential but with the wrong attitude. Funny but it does seem from this side of the country that Gerard Houllier will join you on a two year contract that will see Alan Shearer become the new Pinnochio. I wonder whether Shearer will cope with that role though as he does seem to like everything to be done his way? Is it me or is he the biggest sulker in the history of grown men?

So if Houllier does take charge watch out for a flurry of dodgy signings in the future. What Houllier will bring you (and this is coming from someone that honestly NEVER liked him) is discipline and a fantastic defence. Dont be suprised if Houllier brings his old pal Patrice Bergues back to the UK from Lens. He brought Patrice when he first came to Anfield and our downturn occured when Patrice returned to France NOT when Houllier had his heart trouble. If Bergues joins you you will do extremely well as he is a brilliant coach.

Will Houllier sort out your problems with Kieron Dyer? In a word YES because he will probably talk nicely to him and then drop/sell him in January if he doesn't perform.

Will Houllier bring you exciting football? NO but then you dont need it do you? You need everyone working together as a tight unit with the emphasis on defence because (as Houllier says) "If you dont concede you are half-way to winning"

I remember when Houllier first came to Liverpool and I read an article by a french journo who said he would be a "one season wonder" and the writer was proven correct. If he does come to Newcastle he'll serve you well for a couple of years but must then be replaced.

As for Bobby? Well he has started to remind me of the Maggie Thatcher characateur from Spitting Image - do you remember that? She used to say in a rather deranged voice "I used to be Prime-Minister you know". Sir Bobby has simply come to the end of a quite brilliant career and has perhaps been allowed to go on for too long. If he was a boxer he'd probably be brain damaged by now for having one fight too many.

In defence of your horrible, fat chairman I would say that someone had to make the decision for Bobby because he couldn't do it himself.

I watched a brief interview with him a few weeks ago in which he complained about the difficulty in signing Patrick Kluivert and I thought "the game's just too complicated for an elderly gentleman".

So let's wish Sir Bobby good health and a relaxed retirement and let's hope your club can at least give him his own seat in your swanky stadium.

As for Gerard Houllier, keep an eye on him because he could work wonders but then again he could ruin your club!

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