Source: Northern_Echo
Magpies back on top
NEWCASTLE UNITED climbed back to the top of the Championship with a performance Sir Bobby Robson would have been proud of, he just might have preferred it to have been at another time and another place.[LNB] Ipswich Town, who Robson managed to FA Cup and UEFA Cup glory in the late 70s and early 80s, chose the visit of Newcastle, the club he supported and managed, to pay their respects to their hero.[LNB] Abide with Me was sung before kick-off and Frank Sinatras My Way rang out around Portman Road at half-time, while Lady Elsie Robson officially opened the newly-named Sir Bobby Robson stand, which provided the backdrop for the two trophies he won in charge of the Tractor Boys.[LNB] Seven hundred and nine blue and white balloons were let off into the air to commemorate the number of matches Robson had in charge of the Portman Road club in what proved to be a fitting tribute to a man Ipswich fans, Newcastle fans and football fans around the world loved and respected.[LNB] Ipswich, though, were left embarrassed by conceding four without reply.[LNB] A special result, special performance on a special day, said Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton, who was at Durham Cathedral a week ago for Sir Bobbys memorial service.[LNB] This group of lads were all present at Sir Bobbys memorial. That was an emotional occasion and one the players were delighted to attend.[LNB] But what was important was that we put on a performance to go with it and they wanted to do that.[LNB] Its testament to this group of lads. Its a massive boost to be top of the Championship again.[LNB] While West Broms defeat at home to Crystal Palace paved the way for Newcastle to jump top again, Ipswichs defeat left Roy Keane searching for his first win in nine matches since taking over.[LNB] Losing 4-0 has left Ipswich second from bottom and looking unlikely to climb out of danger, but Keane who also attended last weeks memorial service was in no mood to make excuses for his sides sorry display.[LNB] We never once got sidetracked but I thought the club did a great job, the renaming of the stand all added to it, said Keane. If anyone deserved that it was Sir Bobby.[LNB] Theres no way I would take anything away from that by saying it had a part to play in our poor performance. We were professional enough before the game and it is right he was remembered that way.[LNB] Frans Thijssen, one of the Ipswich greats who made the trip to celebrate the life of Robson, was also left frustrated.[LNB] The Dutchman said: The reason I came over was the day for Bobby Robson and it was disappointing for everybody in the stands. Its a little bit sad.[LNB] I cant remember us conceding three goals in four minutes but its difficult to get points when you give so many goals away three last week, four today, especially easy goals.[LNB] With the financial situation likely to become clearer at Newcastle this week, once a verdict has been reached on Kevin Keegans claim of constructive dismissal, potential new owner Barry Moat hopes to purchase the club.[LNB] If Moat is successful then Alan Shearer, who was at Portman Road working for the BBC, is expected to be installed as manager, but Hughton is trying not to worry about things.[LNB] It does not concern me.[LNB] My biggest thrill is winning games.[LNB] The feeling after winning instead of losing changes your weekend, he said.[LNB] Its a long time since I felt as good as this, this regularly.[LNB] Your weeks, days, months are much better when things are going well.[LNB] There has been an incredible amount of change at this club.[LNB] But apart from these lads doing so well, what we are desperate to do is put the smiles back on the faces of these Newcastle supporters, who turn out in their thousands.[LNB] With QPR due at St James Park on Wednesday, Hughton hopes to have Danny Simpson available again after ankle trouble, although he is concerned about the groin problem picked up by Fabricio Coloccini at Ipswich.[LNB]
