Former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson believes the club have made a mistake by dismissing academy boss John Carver.
Carver - caretaker boss at the Magpies after Robson's sacking last August - left the club after Glenn Roeder was brought into run the academy.

Robson told the Daily Mirror: "He's a mighty fine coach.

"Newcastle have parted company with a top man. I was sorry to see him go as I know what the club meant to him."

Robson added: "He's a Geordie who bled black and white. I always thought that was the type of person they wanted at the club.

"If I ever get back into management, the first thing I will do is bring John in as my right-hand man. That's how highly I rate him.

"I know he's looking to break into management. I wouldn't hestitate in giving him a glowing reference."