Robson: Seven year itch. ROBBO EXIT PAVES WAY FOR MCCLAREN

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Middlesbrough have announced that manager Bryan Robson and his assistant Viv Anderson have left the club by mutual consent.

Manchester United assistant manager Steve McClaren is now the clear favourite to become Boro's new boss. Club chairman Steve Gibson said he expects a decision from McClaren by the weekend.

Robson said his decision to leave was due to the club's supporters: "The fans made my mind up at the last game of the season," he told a news conference.

Chairman Steve Gibson said: "I have held long and amicable discussions with Bryan, after which we decided it was in the best interests of both parties that he and Viv leave the club with immediate effect.

"The pressure on Bryan from the supporters and the Press has played a part in us reaching this conclusion.

"Since learning of Terry Venables' decision to turn down our offer to stay on as first team coach we have been in discussions and feel this is the best decision.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Bryan in particular for the huge part he has played in helping establish Middlesbrough in the Premier League.

"During his seven years as manager, we reached three successive cup finals, achieved promotion twice and brought some of the world's top stars to Teesside. Bryan was a giant at this club and has left his imprint."

"The progress we have made would not have been possible without his help. I wish Bryan and Viv the best of luck in their future careers. We remain firm friends."

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Answers

It was always on the cards really, I think they were just waiting for conformation that they had their replacemnet lined up before Robson left.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Hey Jay, you managed all of that without any noticeable (to me anyway) spilling mistooks ;-)

As Paul says, it's been on the cards for a long while. It must have been hard for Gibson to sever the relationship which they've enjoyed over the years. But in the end, and despite some great words from SG, Robbo just wasn't good enough. Now, where will he go next???

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Nowhere near us I hope. I'll miss them, though only for the comedy value.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Feel a bit sorry for Robbo. I'm sure he will reappear before too long, but I suspect he will make the mistake of being too loyal to his mate Viv Anderson.

I see parallels with KK here: Robbo is clearly not a good coach, and it would seem to me that Anderson isn't either. Robbo should dump Anderson in his next job get himself a really good coach as his No.2. In fact, he can have Mick Wadsworth if he wants!

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001