Robson admitted in an interview with Talk Radio, that he wanted to join the Tyneside club two years ago.

"I was offered the manager's job two years ago but I had to turn it down.

"It was the most difficult decision of my managerial career for sure," said Robson

The 66-year-old was Barcelona manager at the time and had to reject an approach by former Newcastle chairman Sir John Hall because he still had one year remaining on his contract.

"It's embarrassing for me to talk about it because people think I am touting for the job when my favourite wish is that Newcastle get back to winning football matches."

Derby abandon Fuertes chase

Derby have abandoned their move for Argentinian striker Esteban Fuertes.

International clearance failed to come through by 9am on Friday - the deadline set by the Pride Park club.

Derby manager Jim Smith has admitted his side need another forward.

The decision to pull out of the deal ends a saga that has lasted for over a month.

Three parties - all of whom wanted 50% of the £2.3m fee - own the player's registration.

Cardiff await FA Cup decision

Reports suggesting Cardiff's Millennium Stadium could stage the 2001 FA Cup final are being played down by the Football Association.

The FA insist that the Wales venue is just one of a number of options they could consider.

Wembley will not be able to stage the final because of redevelopment work.

"We could consider Cardiff as an option but there is still a long period of time before a decision has to be made," said FA spokesman Adrian Bevington.

Mols could miss Parma clash

Michael Mols could miss Rangers' crucial Champions' League clash against Parma next week.

The Dutch striker, who grabbed all four goals in the win over Motherwell, may not make the trip to Italy because his wife is expecting their first child.

She is due to give birth on Monday but any delay would put his place in Wednesday's match in doubt.

Gers chairman David Murray has promised to supply a private jet to fly Mols out to the game if necessary.

Stubbs warns Barnes

Celtic central defender Alan Stubbs has warned coach John Barnes he will consider quitting Parkhead if he is not a first team regular.

Stubbs, fit again after surgery on a cancer-related illness, believes he should make the first-choice line-up.

"It's not easy sitting in the stands watching bad goals being given away," he explained.

"I recognise I'm not going to waltz into the team.

"I don't want the manager thinking I'm going to be patient though."

Leeds sign a Kiwi

Leeds have spent £200,000 on 24-year-old New Zealand central defender Danny Hay.

New Wales coach Mark Hughes has named his first coach at Manchester United, Eric Harrison as his assistant, and left himself out of his first squad.