By Matthew Jones
September 17 2002

Sir Bobby Robson has challenged his players to get Newcastle United back on track in what he describes as "a monumental week". Remember, Newcastle face D. Kiev, Feyenoord and Juventus soon. The players need to sort themselves out. Sir Bobby Robson has challenged his players to get Newcastle United back on track in what he describes as "a monumental week".

The Magpies face Dynamo Kiev in the Ukraine on Tuesday night, before putting Champions League matters aside for the small matter of a Tyne-Wear Premiership derby on Saturday. And, with three defeats already this season, Robson knows that the pressure is on his second-bottom side to produce results fast.

"It is a monumental week, but it gives us the opportunity to get back on track and I am sure that the players are aware of that - I know I am," he said. We haven't had the start we wanted.­ We have to stop this run of defeats and get back to winning ways."

Robson added: "I'm angry that the club is where it was when I first came. We are in the same league position as we were three years ago and that doesn't please me.

"But this is the first month of the season and I'm sure the character of the side will come through - the sooner the better."