Robson Chasing Champions League/Domestic Trophy

By Matthew Jones
August 12 2003

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson last night jetted out of Tyneside with one thing on his mind - to make sure the Magpies get back into the Champions League.

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson last night jetted out of Tyneside with one thing on his mind - to make sure the Magpies get back into the Champions League.

Meanwhile in the Premiership, Manchester United and Arsenal will lead the way, with big-spenders Chelsea also tipped to challenge for the title. Newcastle are tipped for a top four finish, and Robson is confident that his side are making good progress.

"If you say to me what do we have to do to get near to Arsenal and Manchester United, it's to improve the depth and quality of our pool," he said.

"As long as we stick together as a side and keep working hard on certain things in training, I think we've got the players and the talent and the ability. It's about consistency.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to do a bit better. We had a good run in the Champions League last season, but now we've got that experience from last year, maybe we'll be able to develop that and go further.

"We weren't that far away from the quarter-finals last season. We finished fourth in the league the season before last, and we finished third last season.

"A slight improvement next season and you never know. It's all about improving."

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