By Matthew Jones
August 5 2002

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has insisted manager Sir Bobby Robson will be at St James' Park for life - whether he likes it or not. Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has insisted manager Sir Bobby Robson will be at St James' Park for life - whether he likes it or not.

Robson - who will be 70 in February - has hinted he will spend another two years at the Newcastle helm before finally retiring. But he has insisted he will not take up an upstairs role at the club when he relinquishes charge of team affairs.

However, Shepherd argued otherwise, saying: "When Bobby Robson retires, he will stay here - and never mind what Bobby Robson says or wants.

"His experience, even when he finally does retire, will be invaluable to Newcastle and we will keep him here."

Shepherd added: "People may question me when I say this, but in my mind he's probably at his peak at the moment and long may that continue.
"Bobby is certainly fitter than me and is as bright as a button. Never let it be said any other way, he is very sharp.

"It would be foolish to let that knowledge leave the club and I think Bobby will find it difficult to break completely from football anyway.

"It is also my belief that he will be here for some time yet. He's on a 12-month rolling contract which suits everybody.

"Bobby has given us the profile this club deserves and the football the fans like to watch."