FULHAM STAFF SPEAK

Fulham boss Chris Coleman may admire Sir Bobby Robson, but claims his side have nothing to fear ahead of their clash with Newcastle on Monday night.

Monday's clash at St James' will see the oldest manager in the league take on the youngest as Coleman seeks a victory against one his rivals for the fourth and final Champions League spot.

Although Newcastle's goalless draw at Old Trafford last weekend gives the indication that the Magpies' are in good shape for the game, former Wales international Coleman believes that his side has the power to take at least a point back to the capital.

"I had a chat with Sir Bobby at a soccer course last weekend. He's a great bloke, full of knowledge. Few people have been in the game as long as he has and he's probably forgotten more than I'll ever learn," he said.

"But there is nothing to fear. I'll be happy if we can come away with a point and although we're not performing to the best of our ability at the moment, I'm confident that we can do it."

Fulham skipper Lee Clark is also looking forward to the game, and has described his return to St James' Park this Monday as his biggest game since leaving the club nearly seven years ago.

Clark, who arrived at Fulham from Sunderland in 1999 for £3m (a record transfer for the club at that time). Monday night will see him make his first appearance at St James' for another club in what promises to be an emotional evening for one of the Magpies' staunchest fans.

Clark said: "My mind will be focused on the job in hand but I won't beat around the bush - it's going to be the biggest game I've had after leaving Newcastle. Going to Old Trafford and going to Highbury pale into insignificance compared to this one.

"This is the big one in my eyes. It's a big game for the club but for me personally this is the one that stands out. It's gives me a chance to thank the people at the club who helped me along.

"The supporters were fantastic from day one when I got into the team as a 17-year-old. It was a dream and they were behind me all the way through, so it's my opportunity to thank them.

"I will have my family there. My little boy will be on the pitch leading us out. I just hope that we can give a performance which will justify our position in the table and get a positive result."

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