Rob lee wanted the MAGPIES TO LOSE So says Sky Sports today I reckon it's a bit of contoversy to plug his new book out this week.

Robert Lee is determined to put in a memorable performance when Newcastle United play Sunderland at St James' Park on Saturday. But Lee admitted on Monday that in the corresponding game last season he wanted United to lose.

The United midfielderBs reasoms centred around Ruud Gullit, who not only froze him out of the first team frame but was also denied a squad number by the Dutchman.

Lee told the Newcastle Evening Chronicle: "Next Saturday's match with Sunderland at St James' Park will bring back all those bad memories.

"I didn't even have a shirt, never mind any involvement in the match. So I didn't even go to the game. It is the only time I have ever missed a Newcastle United match.

"Quite bluntly I did not feel as though I was welcome and I stayed at home. I sat and stared at the text until Kieron Dyer scored.

"I then turned it off until 10 minutes from the end when I put it back on and found that we were losing. And I have to say that I was happy. It was the only time I have ever wanted Newcastle to lose." Most United fans will understand LeeBs situation, in view of his poor treatment by Gullit.

The Dutchman also memorably left Alan Shearer on the bench that night, prompting the phrase - it wasn't so much a team selection as a letter of resignation.

And, within 72 hours of that cataclysmic defeat to the Wearsiders, Gullit had handed in his resignation to chairman Freddie Shepherd.

Lee added: "If we had beaten Sunderland that night I would not be at the club today. And, perhaps more importantly, neither would Alan Shearer or Bobby Robson.

"But really things could not have turned out better. The old manager went and we got a new one in and he saved us from relegation. For make no mistake about it - that's where we were heading.

"And as far as I am concerned when you have bad times it makes you appreciate the good times even more. And it just reminded me just what a great club Newcastle United is.

"I would not say that every game I play is a bonus but I am enjoying every game I play these days. Even the games when we do not play well," he added.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2000

Answers

You gotta love Rob Lee for standing up and being counted. No one want to lose espically to the makems but I think that was the only way that that dutch twat would leave. Something had to give and fortunatly for us it was Ruud giving Freddy his resignation. Saturday will be a day for revenge, how I am so glad I am not a sunderland fan. I forcast a drubbing of mammoth proportions. Kinda Man u like.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2000

And I'll bet Rob Lee wasn't the only one hoping we'd lose that game. I can just see Shearer on the bench thinking " I hope we get knackered and that will be the end of you, Mr. Dreadlocks." Having said that, I am sure everyone on the field that night did give their all, but sadly under Rude boy, their "all" wasn't a whole helluva lot anyway. Different this year, YBR is on a mission this week. I just got done reading the "poetry" from last year on the RTG site. What a load of shite. If I were YBR I would make all the players read it too.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2000

For those interested in drivvel, here is where it's at: http://www.readytogo.net/news/538.html Sorry can't make a link for you.

-- Anonymous, November 13, 2000