Okay, all very well delivering the scathing attack but changes need to be made and will they be made. I shudder to think that the same incompetent bunch will walk out against Villa on Saturday. Newcastle manager Bobby Robson launched a scathing attack on his team after a last-minute goal from Birmingham defender Michael Johnson dumped them out of the Worthington Cup.

It was a case of history repeating itself as the Blues, who triumphed 2-0 over United in the competition last season, clinched a home quarter-final tie with Sheffield Wednesday.

Robson pulled no punches after Blues striker Dele Adebola had cancelled out an early effort from Newcastle midfielder Kieron Dyer.

It was a result which left Robson looking back on what might have been as he chastised his players for their approach to this fourth round tie.

"I have no sympathy for them. I hope it hurts them because it hurts me. It has to hurt them because it is a depressing result," he said.

"It's very disappointing but in truth we didn't deserve it. I have to commend Birmingham because they wanted it badly and we didn't seem to want it so much.

"We didn't press and mark and step up and we allowed them too much possession."

Having lost at St Andrews in the third round of this competition last year, Robson's side completed an unwanted double and now have to pick themselves up for Saturday's tough trip across Birmingham at Villa Park.

Robson added: "At a goal to the good we should be in the driving seat and go on to win but we didn't. Where we were poor tonight was when we didn't have the ball.

"We've lost the game on two corners. There was a free header for the first goal from one and for the second goal we didn't clear the ball from the box."

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2000

Answers

"It's very disappointing but in truth we didn't deserve it. I have to commend Birmingham because they wanted it badly and we didn't seem to want it so much.

For Birmingham read, Charlton, Everton and Sunderland. How many more times do we have to hear this?!

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2000

I don't like to read Managers about slagging off their players in public. Personally disowning the problem is poor management practice and doesn't really achieve anything. Criticism should be vented in private - LOUDLY.

-- Anonymous, November 30, 2000