Robson 'resignation' rumour denied

Newcastle United yesterday moved to quash speculation that their manager, Sir Bobby Robson, had resigned.

Rumours began circulating earlier yesterday that he had ended his stay at St James' Park after more than four years. However, the club dismissed the suggestion in a brief statement released to the Stock Exchange.

"Newcastle United notes recent media speculation regarding Sir Bobby Robson and confirms that Sir Bobby Robson has not resigned and that any reports to the contrary are completely unfounded," the statement said.

Newcastle go into Saturday's league game with Southampton needing a win to kick-start their season and lift them away from 19th place in the table, the position in which they were lying when Robson took over from Ruud Gullit in September 1999.

Four years on, he has assembled a squad in which proven talent is surrounded by the potential of young, mostly British, players.

Newcastle are running the rule over another, the Welsh international Danny Gabbidon. The 24-year-old Cardiff defender was watched by their chief scout, Charlie Woods, in his side's 3-0 victory over Crewe on Saturday. It is understood that the Magpies have had the £6m-rated stopper watched in his last four games. Arsenal's Stewart Houston was also among the crowd at Ninian Park.

Newcastle also continue to monitor Nottingham Forest's Michael Dawson.