Bryan Robson Turns Down Toon Position!

Last updated : 06 October 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
Francis was given the offer on Friday, but he turned up at Fratton Park to watch Stoke City, rather than go to Goodison to talk to Newcastle.

But Geordie-boy Bryan Robson is said to be another to turn down the position.

Sunday Sun: "Mystery continues to surround the identity of the specialist coach interim manager Joe Kinnear WILL bring in to St James's Park.

"Kinnear has revealed a former England Under-19 manager and close friend, who has been out of the game recently but working in the media, will train the Magpies squad on Tuesday and Thursday from this week.

"Kinnear's cryptic clues suggest ex-Middlesbrough boss Robson is not the man he has in mind.

"But a source close to the Chester-le-Street-born ex-England star has told the Sunday Sun he was sounded out about some level of involvement, but opted against it."

Kinnear: "I've got plans to bring in other people around me but I daren't even mention it because I know he'd probably be in serious trouble before he got here.

"He'll be involved in coaching and we'll just get on with it. No one's leaving, no one at all. I've assured them all that there's no problem with the jobs for everyone Kevin Keegan employed. That's not a problem, I just need to bring in someone else.

"I've negotiated to bring in some- one else but it will be specialised stuff, Tuesday and Thursday only, two hours after we finish training to work on specific things I want to work on, individual stuff.

"Him coming in will be a different voice, he's got a vast amount of experience. It shouldn't get an adverse reaction but the way things are going at the moment, who would you trust?"

Stoke City appear to be winning their tug-of-war with Newcastle United for the services of former Tottenham manager Gerry Francis.

Francis, who is wanted by both clubs as a first-team coach, gave Stoke an apparent vote of confidence by turning up to Fratton Park yesterday afternoon to watch City's 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth.

And afterwards manager Tony Pulis revealed: "I think it's almost sorted with Gerry and he's coming to us. We've got a part-time role in mind, probably two days a week, and I'll be delighted to have someone of his experience on board with us."