Newcastle boss still relishing task
Rob Stewart, Reuters, Newcastle, England
Newcastle United manager Bobby Robson's inclusion in the Queen's Birthday Honors list this year confirmed what many club fans knew already -- he is their very own knight in shining armor.
Robson rode into town on a sunny afternoon in September 1999 to rescue the ailing premier league club after the resignation of Dutchman Ruud Gullit.
The Tyneside giants were in disarray and seemed relegation certainties but County Durham-born, Newcastle-supporting Robson quickly restored order and harmony in dramatic style.
His first home game was a remarkable 8-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, a result that set the tone for his St James' Park career.
Robson guided his new charges to safety and last season they finished fourth to earn a place in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League.
Newcastle's upward mobility must be credited to Robson who greeted his knighthood for services to football, in a career spanning 52 years, by saying he was "flattered but a little embarrassed".
His man-management skills, motivational ability, tactical nous and knowledge of the game have been crucial factors in bringing a huge smile back to Tyneside as memories of the golden era of Kevin Keegan faded under Kenny Dalglish and Gullit.
Robson is hugely popular with the Toon Army -- as Newcastle's supporters are known -- always ready to sign autographs, attend local functions and chat with the fans.
Robson is worshiped like a god by the fans and thrives on the fact that they share his enthusiasm for the club and the beautiful game -- a trait always in evidence when Robson meets the public and the media.
While some managers treat journalists with contempt, Robson seems almost to regard them as old friends.
There can, however, be no doubt about the former England manager's shrewd judgment and his determination to provide thrills and spills.
The 69-year-old's team have become known as 'entertainers' again as they were under Keegan.
They have gained countless admirers -- including Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson -- with their fast, attacking brand of play in which quicksilver striker Craig Bellamy and midfielder Kieron Dyer form a formidable alliance alongside the likes of Nolberto Solano and Alan Shearer.
Since taking over at Newcastle, Robson has enthusiastically mixed youth with experience, never afraid to blood new players.
That has again been in evidence this summer with the signing of Portugal's rising star Hugo Viana from Sporting Lisbon and defender Titus Bramble from his old club Ipswich Town.