Robson Prepared to Take Bowyer Criticism

By Matthew Jones
June 4 2003

Sir Bobby is "big enough" to take and criticism over the signing of Lee Bowyer. Some agree with the transfer and some disagree. Let us know your views by posting them on the forum, or e-mailing them to jones_ufc@hotmail.com

Sir Bobby Robson today insisted that is prepared to take the criticism over Newcastle United's recent controversial signing of Lee Bowyer.

The Former Leeds and West Ham player was signed on a bosman after West Ham United were relegated.

Former Magpie Les Ferdinand yesterday told The Evening Chronicle that he believes Lee Bowyer will be a good signing for his old club.

Sir Bobby Robson said: "I knew the criticism would keep on coming. And I knew it would be directed at me.

"But you don't have to worry about me. I have a broad back and I can take the criticism. I won't argue with the people who are having a go at me.

"They have a point and they have to write what they feel. It's their job to write articles, but I am a football manager and their roles and my role are completely different.

"They do not have to get results for Newcastle United, but I do.

"I understand their point of view completely and utterly, but we will not be replying to them. We will take any criticism on the chin.

"We expected the criticism and we took this into consideration when we took the decision to sign Bowyer.

"I am running a football club and we went ahead with the signing on the promise that Bowyer will be a good lad and will behave properly, and in the football sense he will be an excellent signing for us.

"Newcastle United can only improve by signing good players. And Lee Bowyer is a good player."

Newcastle United today refused to confirm the fact that Bowyer was on a £50K contract.

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