Robinson, who began his career with Darlington, once kept both Alan Shearer and Duncan Ferguson out of the Newcastle side when they played bitter rivals Sunderland. That was when Ruud Gullit was manager. Shortly after Bobby Robson took over the reins at St James's Park he was transferred to the Dons for £1.5 million. But the move turned sour for Robinson and he spent loan spells with Burnley and Grimsby Town, from whom he has just returned after a three-month stint. The Franchise of Charles Koppel are clearly intent on selling Robinson and Collins will be looking to assess him during his three months at Brunton Park before making a decision on a permanent move. Robinson's arrival creates intense competition for places in the United forward line with Richie Foran, Farrell, John Sutton, Brian Wake and Marc Nixon having impressed so far this season. Speculation about Sutton's future has intensified following the move for Robinson but the on-loan Tottenham star is set to stay until at least Christmas. Collins may now decide to play a 4-3-3 system to accomodate more of his talented forwards although that would mean no chance of fielding both wingers Brendan McGill and Ryan Baldacchino from the start of games. Meanwhile United entertain Bury tomorrow hoping to extend their winning run to five on the bounce. They welcome back Mark Summerbell after suspension and Leon Osman following his cup-tying against Lincoln and must decide whether Richie Foran, who scored the opening goal last week, will start up front or continue in midfield as he did against the Imps. Bury manager Andy Preece will welcome back experienced striker Lenny Johnrose for the visit to Brunton Park just a few weeks after Johnrose almost completed a move to Carlisle. The deal never materialised and following a string of injuries, Johnrose is ready to report back for action tomorrow. He has signed another short-term deal with the Lancashire club. Preece himself is a former target of United. After losing their first two games, the Shakers have stabilised and are now looking decent bets for a play-off place following their relegation last season. Their 1-0 home defeat to Torquay two weeks ago was their first in the league for six games. As well as Johnrose, United will need to keep their eyes on yet another former Carlisle target in striker Jon Newby. Newby played in the Liverpool youth team alongside Michael Owen but failed to make the grade at Anfield. Back in the 1999-00 season, Martin Wilkinson was eyeing him up for a possible move to Brunton Park on loan. In the end, Newby stayed on Merseyside but he eventually made the switch to Gigg Lane in March 2000 for an undisclosed fee. Newby has scored eight goals in the current campaign but has lost form recently, netting only once in ten games. After the morale-boosting FA Cup triumph over Lincoln and with a run of one defeat in 8 games behind them, things are really looking up for the Cumbrians. With Summerbell and Leon Osman back in the side and Foran now restored to fitness and form, the only way is surely up. Bury will prove tough opposition but I fancy us to shade it and bring more joy to the Brunton faithful. UNITED 1-0 Bury. Picture from News & Star |
