ANDY GRAY 'S COLUMN: Hats off to Bobby Dazzler

YOU run out of superlatives to describe Sir Bobby Robson. I have nothing but admiration for the man who created history by taking Newcastle into the second phase of the Champions League having lost their opening three matches.

It was a superb effort and I am absolutely delighted that they have drawn Barcelona in the next round, because Bobby can go back there and will probably get as good a reception as any visiting manager has ever had.

If you could bottle what makes Bobby such a great manager you'd make a fortune, but there is another star at Newcastle who is a vital ingredient of the kind of fighting spirit we saw against Feyenoord ... Alan Shearer.

All great teams have someone on the pitch who is almost an extension of the manager and in Newcastle's case that is Alan. He has the kind of experience that is invaluable.

Alan has been tremendous this season, in fact he has probably been the best player in the Premiership since it was formed. He could still do a good job for England but I think he was absolutely right to retire from international football when he did because it has allowed him to rest at the right times, recharge his batteries and give his club 100 per cent.

I would love to see Newcastle progress but they have got a really tough group and I fear for them - but you never write off a side which has just made history.

Copyright 2002 MGN LTD
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.