Bobby Robson's 5 Worst Newcastle United Signings

Even the best get it wrong.

By Jamie Roberts /

On a day that would have marked his 83rd birthday, it's safe to say that Sir Bobby Robson is still one of the most respected figures in football. He is part of a unique group of professionals who rightly command and receive the respect they deserve, and although cancer may have got the final goal in a game which Sir Bob won 4-1, his memory will forever live on. The North East native had an illustrious career - both playing and managing - and he worked with some of the biggest names to ever grace the sport, many of whom looked up to him as a father figure. From Ipswich to Eindhoven, Barcelona to Newcastle, the prodigal son of Sacriston's memory will always live on fondly in those who were lucky enough to witness his sides in action. Newcastle fans long for the return of days like those Robson brought to Tyneside after he turned the club around from a gloomy situation in 1999. A team that looked destined for relegation was able to stand up and be counted for before being turned into 'The Entertainers Mk II'. Once again the people of Newcastle's dreams of winning another major trophy were so close to being a reality. However, he did make the odd mistake when given free reign to splash the cash and a few duds were given the chance to wear the famous black and white stripes. So, who, unlike their gaffer, is unlucky enough to be remembered for all the wrong reasons?

5. Diego Gavilan

The £2 million signing from Cerro Porteno became the first Paraguayan to play in the Premier League when he was signed in 2000 on the back of a successful Copa America. Thrown in at the deep end, the then 19 year old made his debut in a fiery Tyne-Wear derby that ended in a draw, but he struggled to make any immediate impact and he couldn't hold down a starting position. A bit too lightweight for the Premier League, Gavilan wasn't able to fulfil his potential and after several loan moves, his career on Tyneside came to an end when he jumped at the chance to return to South America to join Brazilian side Internacional. Maybe it was too soon for the youngster to leave his roots and target the demanding world of English football, or maybe he was better suited to the South American style of play - Gavilan went on to win 43 caps for his country.