Bobby - Speed showdown

By Matthew Jones
September 12 2002

Manager Sir Bobby Robson will demand words with midfielder Gary Speed after the Welshman's angry reaction to being substituted against Leeds.

Manager Sir Bobby Robson will demand words with midfielder Gary Speed after the Welshman's angry reaction to being substituted against Leeds.

Veteran Speed was clearly upset by Robson's decision to haul him off in favour of Portuguese teenager Hugo Viana midway through the second half of the Magpies' 2-0 home defeat. As he entered the dug-out, Speed angrily pulled away from Robson's attempt to pat him on the back.
Manager and player will both have words to say about the incident, which underlined Newcastle's night of frustration against the men from Elland Road.

Robson was not critical of his team's performance but acknowledged his charges were made to pay for not taking their chances.

Robson said: "I am disappointed by the result, but not too much by the performance because our play at times was scintillating and I can't fault the effort and commitment of my players.

"We've done everything but score, and it was just one of those nights when the ball would not go in for us.

"We had our chances but couldn't put them away and when we have come close to scoring their goalkeeper has had a fine game and stopped everything we have thrown at him.

"I think it's fair to say that we'll play worse than that against good teams and end up winning 2-0," said Robson.