From today's Torygraph.

Jenas signs in at Robson's school of excellence By Henry Winter  (Filed: 04/02/2002)

SHARING the same birthday (Feb 18) yet separated by 50 years, Bobby Robson and Jermaine Jenas, Newcastle United's £5 million signing from Nottingham Forest, sat side by side at St James' Park yesterday. Jenas, 18, impressed with the maturity more associated with a 68-year-old while Robson spoke with all the eager-eyed enthusiasm of someone aged 18.   New boy in toon: Newcastle United's £5 million signing Jermaine Jenas is unvwiled at St James' Park In guiding Newcastle to second place in the Premiership, Robson has evoked memories of Kevin Keegan's era here but the Toon's current flair is expressed within a sensible framework. Unlike Keegan, steel complements the skill and Newcastle, enjoying their billing as the "comeback kings" following another astonishing revival against Bolton Wanderers, now see deficits as challenges. Robson has overseen more recoveries than the AA. The canny campaigner deliberately dampens any title talk. Even the players trot out the "there's a long way to go" party line. Even the Toon Army have resisted getting the bunting out. But Robson did observe yesterday: "A lot of people outside of this city feel that, if the championship is going anywhere, they would like Newcastle to get it." The reasons are manifold. Discipline is good (their only two red cards have been overturned) while expert technique executed at speed is invariably intoxicating to watch. "Newcastle are second, scoring goals, winning games and the whole town is on a high," Jenas said. Few teams excite more than Robson's Newcastle in full flight, with the ball skimming between the dancing feet of Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer, Laurent Robert and the intelligent forward clearing house and finisher that is Alan Shearer. Newcastle attack with width at a time when rivals have wide players tucking in. "Winning is first and excitement comes second," advised Robson. "But we have brought into the side some inventiveness, creative ability and extra pace. When we are in possession, we do look an attractive team. That's exciting to the public." The atmosphere at St James' invariably quickens the pulse. In the run-up to their FA Cup tie with Newcastle at London Road, Peterborough United fans were openly hoping for a draw, simply so they could savour the St James' experience. "The public are very passionate here," said Jenas, sporting a well-chosen black shirt and white tie. Robson, a real local hero, retains enormous widespread affection for his England achievements and for his wonderful expressions. Only Robson could describe Jenas yesterday as "a player for now and for the future" and find everyone nodding in agreement. Neutrals nationwide would also have nodded when Robson said of Arsene Wenger that the Arsenal manager had to learn how to lose. Robson himself is invariably generous and dignified in defeat. Retired from England duty, Robson still helps the Three Lions by continuing the advancement of players such as Dyer, sadly currently injured, and now Jenas. "The manager will be able to develop me as a player and as a person," said the England Under-19s captain and midfielder, who joins after only 29 League appearances for Forest. "Jermaine has come to a good footballing school," added Robson. "I have seen how Bellamy has mushroomed from good to outstanding in seven months. Whatever I can do to make Jenas hit the jackpot I will do. I buy good people. Jermaine's top class. He's slightly different to Kieron as a midfielder but they can certainly play together." Jenas seems mature for 18. "You have to have certain leadership skills to become a captain," replied Jenas, who even led Forest. In recruiting such talented youngsters as Jenas, Robson will leave quite a legacy when he eventually steps down. "We have 14 players here who are 22 or under like Hughes, Bellamy, Ameobi, Cort and Dyer. I might not see the best of Jermaine; I bought him for the next manager in a way." With Dyer out and Robert Lee choosing between Derby County and West Ham United, Jenas could be needed in central midfield as Newcastle push for the Premiership. "The only question I ever get asked is `do I think we will win the championship'," said Robson. "I say `no'. No one asks me whether we have a very good team. We do. I thought last year that if we got all the injured players back like Shearer and Dyer and if we invested wisely in the summer, like we did with Robert and Bellamy, two very special and quick players, then we would finish in the top eight. At the minute, we are doing better than that. We are not lucky to be there. The players have worked jolly hard." Typical Robson: praising the players. But the real plaudits should go to the master motivator and tactician - Robson himself, 68 going on 18. Newcastle's Premiership run-in: Feb 9, Southampton (h); Feb 24, Sunderland (a); March 2, Arsenal (h); March 6, Liverpool (a); March 16, Ipswich (h); March 23, Blackburn (a); March 29, Everton (a); April 2, Aston Villa (a); April 6, Fulham (h); April 13, Derby (a); April 20, Charlton (h); April 27, West Ham (h); May 11, South

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2002

Answers

Not so much a change of heart .. a worm has turned?

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

I've always liked Henry Winter as a journo - he has always seemed pretty fair towards us. So not a case of the worm turning here. Now if that t*sser Harry Wotisface from the Mirror or that cockney barrow boy Rob Shpeherd ever said ANYTHING positive about the Toon, I would be in shock.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

Aye, and that brother of his, Jeff, has been a decent sort of blerk toward us as well. Feckin' glory hunters ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

I hope that last one is South Shields (c;

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002

Henry Winter is one of the best. Always fair. He does have that infuriating trait of referring to ManYoo as 'United' mind.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2002