BOBBY Robson has admitted he would like to carry on as Newcastle manager until he is 70.

Former England chief Robson, 68 yesterday, has rubbished reports he is set to vacate the St. James' Park hotseat and take a behind-the-scenes role.

He said: ''I am fit, healthy and happy and plan to be here for two more seasons after this one.''

Reports have linked the likes of Aston Villa boss John Gregory and former Toon manager Kevin Keegan as possible replacements for Robson, who is the oldest manager in the division.

But Robson said: ''There have been no discussions about me going. It annoys me to read that someone is going to take over. It's not fair on the fans.

''Despite all the problems, I am happy here and I have enjoyed every minute of my life back in the North-East. My enthusiasm for the game and my love of Newcastle are undiminished.

''I have heard the stories about how despondent and tired I've been but they are rubbish.

''I might not have had the same devotion for another club but Newcastle is my club, the club I supported as a kid.

''My love for the club is so deep that I have to see it out. I'll get it right but we need more time.

''I have a 12-month roll-over contract that means every new day I have another year to go and that suits me fine.''

Robson took the job in September 1999 with United languishing at the foot of the Premiership but after guiding them to 11th place that season has since taken them into the top half so far this campaign.

And Robson was keen to reassure critics that he still has the appetite for the job.

He added: ''I have overcome my cancer scare and I am as fit as I have been for years. I am out at training every day.

''The day I stop wanting to be out on that pitch and changing my shoes for football boots is the day I will walk out of football. Not upstairs but out of football.

''I don't ever see myself heading upstairs and there have been no discussions about me going at the end of the season.

''It annoys me rather than hurts me when I keep reading that John Gregory, Kevin Keegan or Joe Bloggs is going to take over when I step down.

''It isn't fair because it misleads the fans and unsettles the club.

''The other name that has been bandied about is Alan Shearer but he is not thinking about coaching or management at present.

''He just wants to get himself fit and that's the right thing to do. He hasn't started his coaching badge and he hasn't talked to me about his future.

''I am desperate to bring success to Newcastle. We are not as advanced as I would like but that is because of an horrific injury list and the moratorium in the transfer market.''

Robson added that the uncertainty over the future of the European transfer system has made the club reluctant to spend huge sums for players who may be free to quit at any time.

He said: ''What has been frustrating is having all the injuries and not being able to spend.