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Robson shows Ipswich no mercy
LONDON (Reuters) -- There was nostalgia but no mercy from Bobby Robson on Saturday as his Newcastle United side came back for a 2-1 win over his former passion, Ipswich Town. Robson's illustrious coaching career, which now spans five decades, took off at the East Anglian club, where he arrived in January 1969. His 13 years in charge were their most successful ever, with an FA Cup trophy in 1978, the UEFA Cup in 1981 and two first division runners-up places in 1981 and 1982. Given the history, Robson had made no secret of his feelings before Saturday's match on Tyneside. "This will be my first competitive, aggressive fixture against them," he said. "It's been 18 years since I left -- it will be special." Looking back at his move from Ipswich to the England manager's job, he added: "It was sad to say goodbye, but the Ipswich president took me out for a meal when I told him my decision. It was that kind of club." On Saturday, Robson was equally complimentary about a current Ipswich side that has surprised many with the quality of its football, despite the absence of big name players. They even threatened to give Robson a nasty surprise after taking a 13th-minute early lead through Marcus Stewart, exploiting United's poor home record of just two wins from five previous matches at St James' Park. But United skipper Alan Shearer soon equalized before later winning and converting a 67th minute penalty. It was his fourth goal in as many days, after a brace in a midweek League Cup win over Bradford City, and signaled a welcome return to form for the Geordie idol. Down in the dugout, the final whistle lifted a weight from Robson's shoulders. "We went behind and we haven't won here for some time in the league. So, I have to say it's a relief," he said. "But it's very pleasurable. We probably deserve it overall over the match. Praise for Ipswich"They shaded us in the first half, they played very well, great credit to them and they actually are one of the best sides we've played here this season. "We've lost to other teams here who weren't as good as the team display here by Ipswich." But the wily manager drew on his experience to change the course of the match in the second half, moving Robert Lee up from defense and into a pivotal role in midfield. Paying tribute to Shearer, he said: "He gave a sterling performance, what an example he's given today. "Tough, resilient, he dealt with the ball, got his two goals, led the line well, chased people, held it up, knocked people over, got knocked over himself -- he just gave a great English performance. "A great England performance I should say." Stronger personRobson reckoned Shearer was now a better United player for having left the international scene after Euro 2000. "We're finding the benefit of that," Robson said. "He's now just homing in on Newcastle United, domestic football and all that goes with it. He's fresher now, a stronger person. For me, he's the man of the match." Shearer was equally relieved at the result. "It was very important for us to put in a good performance today and I must admit I feared the worst when we went one down," the 30-year-old admitted. "It would have been easy for us to put our heads down after going 1-0 down. We all could have thought 'here we go again, we're not going to score, the luck's not on our side.' "But we dug deep. The manager changed things slightly at halftime, brought Rob Lee further into midfield and I thought that was the turning point in the game for us." United's win moved the team up to fifth and well in the running for a place next year in the UEFA Cup -- the competition Robson won 20 years before from Portman Road.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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