Newcastle Boss Robson Hails Bernard

By Matthew Jones
December 5 2003

Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson has hailed French wing-back Olivier Bernard's form so far this season and has explained how pleased he is that The Magpies' fought West Ham for him two years ago.

Robson said: "He's come along. There's no doubt about that. That's why we fought so hard for him over the scenario with West Ham two years ago.

"I would have thought that he would have been glad about that now although he hasn't thanked us for it.

"He is progressing very well. He's a strong boy and he's quite good in the air with that spring and he has a thunderous left foot.

"He likes to defend and give cover but first and foremost he's a defender but what he does in the other half of the field is also very valuable to us.

"He's working hard on both sides of his game and that takes a little while to do but he is doing very well for us."