Robson Comments On Woody, Euro 2004, And Chelsea

By Matthew Jones
April 25 2004

Magpies' manager Sir Bobby Robson was handed a massive blow today as his side attempt to secure a place in next season's Champions League. Defender Jonathon Woodgate COULD miss the rest of the season (and MAYBE even Euro 2004, although Robson thinks that that is unlikey!)

Newcastle picked up a crucial three points this afternoon with a fantastic 2-1 victory over Chelsea at St James' Park, but Sir Bobby has something else on his mind at the moment... Woodgate's 74th minute injury!

As United push for a Champions League spot, Woodgate will join striker Craig Bellamy, and midfielders Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas and Lee Bowyer on the injury-list

Robson said:

"We've had some rotten luck. It's been costly. I looks as though he's pulled his thigh muscle, so that could be the end of him this season, which is a blow to us.

"With the other four out as well not looking as if they might play either, it's just horrendous, it's just rotten luck.

"It's taken the edge off the result, to be honest. It's not taken the edge off the performance, but it'll take the edge off our position. Other teams will be laughing a bit now. It's sad."

Woodgate's injury may mean he will miss Portugal 2004, but Robson claimed:

"No, I don't think that at all. But don't talk to me about Portugal - I'm not interested in Portugal right now, I'm interested in him playing for Newcastle United.

"Portugal's in June; we're talking about April."

Speaking about the game, Robson added:

"It was an epic, an enthralling game, a fantastic game between two good sides.

"I have to applaud Chelsea and say the gave us a fantastic game.

"They got off to an unbelievably great start for them. We were very poor in the first 10 minutes when we conceded - we allowed Cole to walk it in, so we had a collection of about four players who played badly in defence.

"But we recovered very well and got the goal at the right time, just before half-time, a colossal goal. You've seen two goals here today, beautiful goals.

"You'll wait a long time before you see two goals like that in the course of a match."

Newcastle did the fans proud today!  It was a FANTASTIC result against Chel$ki - proved that money doesn't always guaranteed success!  Bring on Marseille!