... as it seems to perfectly sum up our current plight. The article is from this mornings Times.

Home life in danger of turning sour for Robson BY GEORGE CAULKIN

BOBBY ROBSON’S powers of inspiration will be in evidence this evening, when arguably the most experienced coach of his generation gives a pep talk to the cream of the country’s young players at St James’ Park. The 68-year-old manager has again been invited to weave his magic with England, who later play France in the semi-finals of the European Under-16 Championship, an irony which should not be lost on supporters of Newcastle United. Even at his advanced age, Robson’s reputation precedes him. He is respected and admired on Tyneside for his many achievements, both at home and abroad. He remains confident that, given the necessary resources, he can compete for the Continent’s most accomplished stars and, ensconced at his home-town club, life should be sweet. On Tuesday night, however, after a vapid performance against Southampton, Newcastle’s first team were jeered from the field.

Since Kevin Keegan’s resignation in January 1997, the club have rarely shifted from a state of flux, but another crossroads approaches this summer. Already Robson has begun a series of meetings with Freddy Shepherd, his chairman, aimed at discussing the size of the transfer budget that will be made available during the close season and the outcome of the deliberations will be illustrative.

Injuries to the likes of Kieron Dyer, Alan Shearer, Robert Lee and Nicos Dabizas have not helped this season, but some Newcastle supporters have described the present squad as the weakest of the last decade or so. The concern for Robson, in his final frontline appointment and with just two years ahead of him, is that he is in danger of being humiliated at the club he followed so avidly as a boy.

In recent times, games between Newcastle and Liverpool, particularly at Anfield, have taken on an epic quality but if Robson’s players perform as lamely as they did in midweek, they run the risk of severe embarrassment on Saturday.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001

Answers

All too true. If Robson doesn't get the cash why should he stay?

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001

If he doesn't get the cash he most definitely should not stay.

After Mr. Hall's recent public statements, I personally feel Bobby would be letting down the fans by staying on if an amount of money commensurate with Mr. Halls utterances were not made available to him. He must call their bluff, and if they don't make good on publicly declared promises, then he should resign.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001

I can see Saturday being another 7 goal thriller, just can't see us scoring that's all

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001

Maybe it's just these new glasses(pretty rose-tinted lenses), but the last time we were all resigned to getting stuffed was......Boxing Day.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001

What would stand out a bliddy sight more than Bobby hoyin his hand in would be a big proportion of us hoyin our hands in.

Knowing this lot, both eventualities at the same time would probably take three years to register, let alone provoke a reaction.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001

Pitch invasion after the 1st Liverpool goal is the only way to save the game. After all, the makems can do it without FA censure...

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001

Just be sure to throw on a red n white shirt before invasion. You know black n whites get penalized just for wearing black n white.

And should there be any problem, there's the added bonus of someone else getting the blame. ;-))

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2001