Robson Still Waiting For St James' Park Pay-Off

By Matthew Jones
December 5 2004

Newcastle United & Sir Bobby Robson are still to reach a financial settlemen, following Robson's sacking early in the season. Report suggested that the 71-year-old had been given a pay-off, but Robson, writing in the Mail on Sunday, is adamant that nothing has been agreed.

An agreement has not yet been reached over the remainder of his contract, despite Robson being sacked from Newcastle after just four games in charge this season.

Robson has been linked with several management moves, including a move to Wolves, but he isn't going anywhere until he sorts things out with Newcastle United.

Robson said:

"The case is still ongoing at the moment and until it is resolved it continues to be my number one priority.

"Of course I hope it is resolved sooner rather than later and I hope I have more news in the future."

League Managers Association chief executive John Barnwell has urged former Newcastle United boss Sir Bobby Robson to take his settlement dispute with his former club to a managers arbitration tribunal. Even if he does, the matter could still end up in the High Court.

League Managers Association chief executive John Barnwell said: "Both parties have tried to make a settlement but not with an independent mediator. Lawyers tend to drag it out and elongate it. "If a settlement cannot be reached Bobby Robson could ask for the managers' arbitration tribunal to sit, where there is no right of appeal. "It's the manager's decision every time but we're educated and have the best employment people with us. "What they (Newcastle) can do [if they feel the decision is wrong] is take it to the High Court. Do you think they want to want to do that and throw more money at it? I would say that is highly unlikely."