Jonathan Woodgate reveals brilliant Sir Bobby Robson reaction after Newcastle were thrashed by Man Utd

For Newcastle followers of a sure age, Jonathan Woodgate stays the perfect defender they’ve seen pull on the black-and-white shirt.

Regardless of solely making 37 appearances for the membership throughout an 18 month keep on Tyneside, his performances had been so spectacular that he’s nonetheless held within the highest of regards by the Toon Military.

They actually caught the attention of Spanish giants Actual Madrid, who prised the previous Leeds defender away from St James’ Park in the summertime of 2004.

By his personal admission, the previous England worldwide defender performed the perfect soccer of his storied profession on Tyneside beneath the watchful eye of Sir Bobby Robson.

His efficiency in opposition to Marseille within the first leg of the UEFA Cup semi-finals in 2004, the place he marked Didier Drogba out of the sport (Drogba would rating two within the return leg when Woodgate was injured), has gone down in St James’ Park folklore.

Nevertheless it was a efficiency you maybe would not have anticipated that Robson gave Woodgate essentially the most reward for – the 6-2 drubbing by the hands of Manchester United again in 2003.

Regardless of Jermaine Jenas’ screamer handing Newcastle the dream begin at St James’ Park, Sir Alex Ferguson’s facet ran riot as they edged one step nearer to securing the Premier League title.

Crimson Devils ahead Ruud van Nistelrooy was the Premier League’s high goalscorer that season with 25 targets and he bagged a kind of from the penalty spot that day.

Woodgate was tasked with marking the previous Dutch worldwide, a person Robson knew nicely from his days managing PSV Eindhoven, and though it was maybe detrimental to the staff, he earned reward from his supervisor for finishing up that process.

And through an interview with The Coaches’ Voice the place Woodgate spoke about his greatest managerial influences throughout his profession, it was this sensible instance that he used to show Robson’s ‘wonderful capacity to make you’re feeling 10 ft tall’.

“I bear in mind this one time once I was at Newcastle, we had been enjoying Manchester United at dwelling,” Woodgate stated.

“This was April 2003. United had been going toe-to-toe with Arsenal for the title, and we weren’t too far behind.

“Earlier than the sport, Bobby instructed me he wished me to man-mark Ruud van Nistelrooy.

“I used to get actually, actually, actually nervous earlier than video games. I attempted to not present it within the dressing room – I’d discuss rather a lot and attempt to give off an air of confidence – however deep down I used to be completely sh*tting myself.

“The evening earlier than, the morning of the sport, consuming the pre-match meal. All of it – it was horrible.

“However then Bobby (under) gave you this confidence. Once you stepped over that line, you had been prepared.

“That day, United had been on fireplace. Paul Scholes (under) was unplayable – he scored a hat-trick – Ryan Giggs scored, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer acquired one and Van Nistelrooy scored a penalty. We acquired beat 6-2.

“Again within the altering room, the gamers weren’t completely happy. Somebody requested why I’d been instructed to mark Van Nistelrooy. ‘There have been gaps all over the place,’ they stated.

“Bobby replied: ‘I’ll let you know what, although. Van Nistelrooy didn’t have a sniff, did he?’

“Bobby’s enthusiasm was infectious. He spoke to you in a method that made you’re feeling good. He was so trustworthy with you.”

Woodgate additionally defined how senior gamers like Alan Shearer and Gary Pace gave him the arrogance to flourish on Tyneside.

“There have been additionally senior gamers like Alan Shearer and Gary Pace backing me, too,” Woodgate added.

“One time, we performed Charlton away, and gained 2-0. Alan got here as much as me after the sport and appeared me straight within the eye.

“’You had been completely excellent on the market.’

“Think about me, 23 years outdated and I’ve acquired Alan Shearer telling me that.

“That type of factor gave me a lot confidence. I performed a few of my finest soccer at Newcastle, primarily as a result of I used to be simply so assured.”

You possibly can learn Woodgate’s full interview with The Coaches’ Voice, here.