FORMER Ipswich Town boss Sir Bobby Robson was this morning "relieved of his duties" as Newcastle manager.The former England boss has had to contend with a series of on and off-field problems at St James' Park this season and the Magpies have failed to win any of their four games so far.

FORMER Ipswich Town boss Sir Bobby Robson was this morning "relieved of his duties" as Newcastle manager.

The former England boss has had to contend with a series of on and off-field problems at St James' Park this season and the Magpies have failed to win any of their four games so far.

They are 16th in the Barclays Premiership, with two draws and two defeats.

A statement from Newcastle read: "After a disappointing start to the Barclays Premiership season the directors of Newcastle United have informed Sir Bobby Robson that they have decided he is to be replaced as team manager.

"The directors of Newcastle wish to place on record their thanks for the way in which Sir Bobby has worked tirelessly over the past five years to try to bring success to the club.

"There is no hesitation by the club in recording its sincere appreciation for the way in which Sir Bobby has handled team affairs during that five-year spell which has seen a significant turnaround in the club's fortunes.

"The club agreed early in 2003 to extend Sir Bobby's contract by one further season. However after careful consideration the club decided it was in the best interest of all concerned to revisit that decision.

"The club continues to have the greatest respect and admiration for Sir Bobby and his lifelong achievements both at home, abroad and particularly at the club he has supported since a boy, his beloved Newcastle.

"He leaves having remodelled the Newcastle team with many young players who are admired and coveted across the UK and Europe. The club will no doubt continue to benefit from the knowledge and experience he has given during his time here."

Throughout his career Robson brought success to Ipswich Town, PSV Eindhoven, Porto and Barcelona and guided England to the World Cup quarter-finals in 1986 and the semi-final four years later.

He enjoyed his first major silverware at Ipswich Town, where he brought the FA Cup and the Uefa Cup.

After England, he won the Dutch title twice at PSV Eindhoven and nurtured the talent of a brilliant young Brazilian called Ronaldo.

He also won the European Cup Winners Cup at Barcelona and is still revered and respected at the Nou Camp.

Robson took over at St James's Park in September 1999, succeeding Ruud Gullit and inheriting a side lying second bottom of the Premiership.