By Matthew Jones
March 5 2003

Tonights away tie at Middlesbrough will NOT hold any grudges Sir Bobby Robson today announced. Robson and Boro' Boss, Steve McClaren have been working together to defuse talks of a potential grudge match at the Riverside Stadium. Steve McClaren and Sir Bobby Robson have joined forces to defuse a potential grudge match at The Riverside on Wednesday night.

At the weekend, Newcastle manager Robson was once again questioning Middlesbrough's motives for calling off the original tie at The Riverside on 1 February.

Boro were having a bad run of results at the time, but now have four senior players able to play which weren't available on the scheduled date - Michael Ricketts, Juninho, Ugo Ehiogu and Gareth Southgate.

The Teessiders, however, have always insisted the decision was made on safety grounds - with ice and snow affecting the stadium and approach roads - and Robson has now revealed he has contacted his opposite number in an attempt to play down the row.

"I spoke to Steve McClaren and I told him I'm keeping a low profile about the postponement,"he said.

"It's history now and any embarrassment will be from them. We have a good relationship with Middlesbrough."

McClaren is equally anxious that no bad feeling spills out onto the pitch, insisting: "The game is on and we are looking forward to it.

"A lot has been said about the weather but it's on now, and Newcastle are going very well so it should be a very good game."

Tonights North East Derby clash is a sell-out and supporters have been urged to travel in good time to avoid congestion on the way to the stadium, and at the turnstiles.