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March 6, 2003
(Thursday)
Woodgate's home
return
Sir Bobby Robson will
throw Jonathan Woodgate into the lion's den
tonight after predicting nothing less than a thoroughly professional
return to Teesside for the self-confessed Middlesbrough fanatic.
Newcastle's England international defender can expect a mixed
reception from his hometown fans as he steps out at the Riverside
Stadium for the first time since completing his £9m move to Tyneside.
However, Robson is not expecting the worst from Boro's boo boys and
instead predicted: "I don't think he'll get too much stick from the
Middlesbrough supporters.
"They'll be pleased to see him back in the North-East and in a black-
and-white shirt. If that's not the case it won't faze Woody - he's
been through so much in the last few years that he can cope with most
things. If there are a few unhappy fans then so be it but they had
the chance to buy Jonathan, just as we did."
Robson's record in North-East derbies is impressive and he has lost
just one of his seven league contests against tonight's hosts. "I
love the derbies and I know how much they mean to our fans," added a
coach courted by the Teessiders in his playing days. "Middlesbrough
will be tough but it's a game I desperately want to win.
"It's important for the Premiership that we try to stay in the title
race because it would be no good for anyone if Arsenal raced away
with it.
"But Newcastle are in a position now where we have like-for-like
replacements in every position and I can't see this squad diminishing
in quality.
"Just look at the defensive options open to me - I have nine players
across the back who are all very capable and experienced at this
level.
"I have an idea of what my best back four is but I can afford to make
minor changes."
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Woodgate sale created too great a rift
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No doubt Woody's worth it
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