‘We would clash’ - Former Newcastle United man honest on Sir Bobby Robson relationship
Steven Caldwell has revealed he used to clash with Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle United - but remains “so grateful” for working under the legendary manager.
Then a youth prospect, the former Scotland international was learning his craft on Tyneside and would eventually play for Sunderland, Burnley, Wigan Athletic and Toronto, where he now resides. But those formative years at St James’ Park - where he was picked up as a 14-year-old - gave him the foundations for a solid career.
Just 37 appearances for Newcastle saw Caldwell move on for first-team football - controversially to the Black Cats on a free transfer. His entire senior career at the Magpies was spent under Robson.
The revered figure drafted him into the squad during the 1999-00 campaign, throwing the Scot among high-profile names like Alan Shearer, Shay Given and Gary Speed. A high point saw Caldwell start Newcastle’s 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
Speaking to RG, the now 44-year-old was grateful for the lessons learned from Robson. He admitted a lack of first-team action is what ultimately resulted in him joining Sunderland.
“He was a great coach,” Caldwell said. “He was every bit as charismatic and impressive as you can imagine from the outside. It was challenging because I wanted to play every week and at that time I was in and out of the team, but I’m very thankful for my experience with him and to be given a chance to play for Newcastle.
“I was very ambitious and wanted to play more football, so there were times when we would clash but, when I look back now, I see a lot of the lessons that Sir Bobby taught me that I still hold to this day. In the end, we understood what we were both trying to achieve and gained respect for each other.
“We finished on a great note when I returned from my loan spell at Leeds, played the last couple of games and completed my Newcastle journey quite nicely by helping them qualify for Europe. I only have great memories of Sir Bobby and I’m so grateful that I got to play under him and learn so much.”