Robson Gutted as Partizan Beat Newcastle United

By Matthew Jones
August 28 2003

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson was devastated after The Magpies' lost to Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League qualification.

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson was devastated after The Magpies' lost to Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League qualification.

Sir Bobby said: "Everyone is quite distraught, to be honest. That's how it's affected us.

"After Manchester United, it hasn't been one of our better weeks.

"But I have to compliment our visitors, who I thought played very well. They gave us a tough match - they played better than they did at home.

"It was never easy and it was a tough night. We knew it wasn't finished. It was only half-time, it was only halfway house, and they played very well on the night."

On the fact that Newcastle lost out on a huge amount of cash, Robson added: "I'm not thinking about money, I'm thinking about the disappointment because the lads are distraught.

"It just shows how disappointed we are. We're going to play in the Uefa Cup and everyone is disappointed and thinks it's awful.

"But we've got to soldier on, pick ourselves up. We have another important match on Saturday, then we get a break.

"We're in the Uefa Cup and we just hope that we can give our supporters something to be thrilled about and shout about.

"I know how they feel, but nobody out there is worse than we are. But we are in the Uefa Cup and we'll have a go at that.

"It's not where we wanted to be. It's second choice, but we'll just have to settle for that this season."

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