Robson future in balance

Newcastle fans are used to failure. The years between their Fairs Cup success in 1969 and last week's UEFA Cup semifinal defeat to Marseille have featured more bad teams than good. What they will not tolerate are millionaire footballers with a contemptuous attitude.

Robert may have the skill and technique but most Newcastle supporters would be delighted to see him do it elsewhere.

So might Robson but whether Shepherd will permit him to carry on in charge is uncertain.

The failure to qualify for the Champions League will cost the club £20m in lost revenue and that could now cost Robson his job.

Although there is one season left remaining on his contract, Shepherd will not be afraid to act quickly if he feels Birmingham's Steve Bruce or Graeme Souness of Blackburn would be prepared to take over. Shearer is also refusing to be ruled out.

Robson rescued the club from relegation in his first season and took them to two Champions League qualifying places.

But they have never recovered from the August penalty shoot-out defeat by Partizan Belgrade in the Champions League and their poor away form has undoubtedly cost them. They have also been hit badly by injuries and a side containing Woodgate, Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and Jermaine Jenas would have gone close to overcoming Marseille.

But Robson has made mistakes. He has not always controlled his younger players nor stopped splits in the dressing room.

Whatever happens, chief scout Charlie Woods will have his work cut out scouring the free transfer lists for new talent.

And Shepherd's task is to ensure Newcastle maintain a challenge for the European places next season without paying the same price as Leeds.