ROBSON: I Pick The Team - Not The Players!

By Matthew Jones
September 3 2003

Sir Bobby has denied reports that he seeks advice over the team selection from senior players.

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has denied reports that he has been taking advice from senior players over team selection.

Speaking to the Evening Chronicle, Robson said: "I have never asked any player for his opinion on team selection.

"I want no part of that. It's simply not on my agenda.

"I get paid for managing Newcastle United and that's what I do to the best of my ability.

"Sometimes I bounce ideas off my staff, like coaches John Carver and David Geddis, but at the end of the day I always make my own mind up.

"It would not be fair of me to burden my coaches with things like team selection. And I live and stand by my decisions as I have always done."