Kieron Dyer has been handed a stark warning by Bobby Robson: Hog the limelight on the pitch, and avoid it like the plague off it. The 22-year-old England midfielder was the subject of lurid tabloid headlines regarding his holiday activities. He has been 'court-martialled' by his club, and told in no uncertain terms that he must modify his behavior off the pitch.

"We've actually court-martialled him, but he needs our support and our guidance and he will get that, absolutely 100 per cent," said Robson.

"He'll get that from the players, he'll get that from the management and he'll get that from the board of directors. We've just got to get that kid back on track and being a great player, which he has the potential to do.

"He's extremely remorseful. I want him to duck low and keep out of the limelight and just concentrate on achieving the great things in football we feel he can do."

Robson's comments came as he officially unveiled new signings Carl Cort, Christian Bassedas and Daniel Cordone - #11.5million worth of summer investment.

However the Geordie boss was quick to stress that Duncan Ferguson and Stephen Glass would be staying at the club, despite constant speculation to the contrary.

"I would say that Duncan Ferguson's future is as bright today as it was when he first came," he said.

"We're not looking to sell any of our top-class players. We don't have to, and the acquisition of these boys was not dependent on the sale of any player.

As to talk of Glass moving to Ipswich, Robson countered: "He wants to put his heart and soul behind Newcastle United and in view of that, I'm looking at the possibility and the thought of extending Glass's contract."

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Answers

Whoops sorry did't see it had already been posted. Sorry!!

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

I have to say that I don't like the sound of this "Court Marshall" in front of the Chairman, Chief Executive and Team Manager - presumably Uncle Tom Cobley wasn't available.
This is a young player who has gone a little astray, and needs a little discipline but a lot of fatherly guidance.
Being disciplined in what looks like a heavy-handed fashion, could have a negative impact, and IMHO is not the way it should have been handled. Frankly, I don't understand why the Chairman and CE need to have been directly involved in a matter that should have been dealt with by YKD's boss. Too many bloody Chiefs for my liking!

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

We don't know what was said but I imagine Bobby did most of the talking anyway. Most of this is probably to highlight to the reat of the world that something was done about it.

Ole Freddie was probably asking for a copy of the video. After all he knows more than most about News of the World exclusives.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

I wouldn't believe everything that Sky TV come up with. They are probably short of a main story today.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

It wasn't just on sky Rik....most of the major news networks were carrying it...

Do you ot

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

It wasn't just on sky Rik....most of the major news networks were carrying it...

Do you not feel even slightly like a thief for registering these other sites so blatantly? I take it you're doing it like all the other gold rushers to try and make a quick buck out of someone else without working for it?

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Doahhhh There's just no fooling some people

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

...on the other hand perhaps the so-called Court Martial was actually a NOTW Scammers Reunion. I'll bet Douggie was also there.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000