SIR JOHN HALL last night hailed Bobby Robson and the "pensioner power'' which has brought about the regeneration of Newcastle United.

Former chairman Sir John, now club president, was the driving force behind the Geordies' re-emergence under Kevin Keegan.

When Keegan sensationally quit as manager almost four years ago, Sir John wanted fellow sexagenarian Robson to take the United hot-seat.

But Robson honoured his contract with Barcelona and United had to wait more than two-and-a-half years to get their man.

In that time, Kenny Dalglish and Ruud Gullit both failed to fill the void left by Keegan.

Sir John confirmed: "Bobby was the only person in our minds when Kevin left.

"I thought Bobby might come because his wife, Elsie, wanted to come back to the UK at the time.

"Bobby would have come if he hadn't been under contract to Barcelona. If we'd got him then, you think about what might have been.

"But he wouldn't break his contract with Barcelona and that says a lot about him as a person.

"We had a look around and the two managers we had didn't work out. We felt we'd given the fans the best. But we went back for Bobby. He's 67 and a month older than me. We're two pensioners, so you might say that pensioner power has reshaped Newcastle United.

"He's doing a great job and he's rebuilding the team his way. I can see a time when we'll be winning things again. I'm certain the fans will be shouting on winning teams and we'll go on to win many cups.''

Robson has received a boost with £7m striker Carl Cort and key defender Warren Barton both back in full training.

Cort has been out for six weeks with a hamstring injury and Barton has figured only once in two months because of a nagging groin problem.