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Topics: Newcastle United, Premier League, Champions League, Sir Bobby Robson, Football
Luke Davies
Topics: Newcastle United, Premier League, Champions League, Sir Bobby Robson, Football
A former Newcastle star has revealed the brutal fine system once used by the Premier League side.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side maintain ambitions of competing in the Champions League, having enjoyed a hugely successful 2024/25 campaign during which the Magpies won the Carabao Cup and finished fifth in the Premier League, allowing them to qualify for the 2025/26 Champions League league phase.
After two European fixtures this term, the Magpies sit 11th in the 36-team league phase with one win – a 4-0 victory against Union Saint-Gillioise – as well as sustaining a 2-1 loss against Barcelona in September thanks to a Marcus Rashford brace.
Tuesday provides another opportunity to add to their tally as Jose Mourinho’s Benfica side makes the trip to St. James’ Park.
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This year’s European campaign is just the second time the Northeast club have competed in Europe’s premier club competition since 2003/04 when Sir Bobby Robson was the side’s manager.
The season prior, Newcastle had finished third in the Premier League, which meant they still had to compete in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
The Magpies were knocked out on penalties against Partizan Belgrade and then entered the UEFA Cup – now Europa League.
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Robson’s side went on to reach the semi-finals of the competition before being eliminated by Ligue 1 side Marseille.
The former England head coach had earlier guided Newcastle to the second group stage in the Champions League in 2002/03.
Robson, who died aged 76 in July 2009, is fondly remembered by Newcastle supporters as one of their greatest managers of the last three decades or so.
The ex-England international also enjoyed spells managing abroad with PSV Eindhoven, Sporting CP, Porto and Barcelona after coaching the Three Lions between 1982 and 1990.
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The Englishman was known for his man-management skills, but he was still not afraid to issue harsh financial punishments if he felt players had broken rules.
According to former Magpies midfielder Jermaine Jenas, Robson hated lateness so much that he “instantly” dished out a fine of £1,000.
Speaking on the ‘Beast Mode On’ podcast alongside former footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa, Jenas said: “Bobby Robson, if you think Shearer hated it (being late). He really hated it to the point where he charged you it was £1,000 instant. No, it might have been more like a £3,000 instant fine and then like a grand a minute.
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“It was something silly like that. It was insane.
“If you heard that number, you aren’t being late, are you?”