Robson - Keegan faces tough slog

Former Magpies boss admits squad is not good enough

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 15th February 2008

Robson - Keegan faces tough slog

Robson: Backing Keegan

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Sir Bobby Robson has warned Kevin Keegan that he has a 'mammoth job' on his hands as he strives to pull Newcastle up the Premier League table.

The Magpies have struggled since the arrival of Keegan last month but former manager Robson is confident they will do enough to avoid relegation.

Robson has also paid tribute to Keegan for making the brave decision to return to St James' Park, but feels he could find it more difficult this time around.

Robson believes Keegan has a tricky period ahead of him until the transfer window reopens, followed by a busy summer as he attempts to rebuild the team.

"Kevin has a mammoth job all right, a really difficult job because his squad is not good enough," Robson told the Evening Chronicle.

"That is the harsh fact of the matter. He has to make do and mend until the summer, when he can put together his own team.

"That will mean retaining some, but definitely getting rid of others.

"They will not win anything this season, but equally, won't go down. I am convinced of that because of the points they have in hand over the bottom clubs.

Not pretty

"However, it is not going to be pretty. It is going to be a tough slog."

Robson is disappointed that Newcastle's results have not picked up under Keegan, but is predicting an injection of pace into the side this summer.

He said: "There is a lot that can be improved in the team, including the fact that there is not enough pace throughout the side, not enough legs all over the park.

"Charles N'Zogbia is quick and so is Obafemi Martins, but who else? I don't think Michael Owen is as sharp as he was at his very best.

"And you have to be intelligent, of course, as well as quick.

Pace

"The likes of Alan Smith, Nicky Butt, Mark Viduka, Geremi and so on may be all right individually, but put together, the team is short on legs.

"I deliberately got pace into my side and I think Kevin will do likewise come the summer.

"Coming back to where he has such a huge reputation and risking it is a brave thing to do.

"Of course he is finding it tough. We all hoped they would have got a lift and won under Keegan by now."