Benfica fail in Bobby bid

Last updated : 08 December 2002 By Martyn Elliott

They were attracted by his record of success with Porto and Sporting Lisbon, but after being rebuffed they acted quickly to appoint Spanish World Cup boss Jose Antonio Camacho as their new coach.

Football writer Alberto Da Silva told The Journal: "It is true that Benfica approached Bobby Robson last week after they had sacked Jesualdo Ferreira.

"He told them bluntly he was happy at Newcastle and they accepted this and quickly moved for Camacho.

"When Sir Bobby Robson left Sporting Lisbon in 1994 I stood with him in Benfica's Stadium of Light and he told me he would love to manage the club.

"But Benfica and Bobby was a love affair that never materialised. However, Bobby's love affair with Newcastle United is clearly still going strong and the honeymoon is still far from over.

"Looking at things at Newcastle from over here in Portugal, I see that they are exciting times for Sir Bobby at St James's Park and everyone over here wishes him well."

I think the chances of Sir Bobby being tempted away from St James’ Park by any other club are virtually none, he’ll be in the manager’s hot seat until his wife tells him otherwise!