SIR BOBBY Robson has been signed up to coach a Premiership Legends XI to face a celebrity side, as part of a new reality TV show.

The Newcastle United boss will pit his wits against fellow former England manager Graham Taylor, whose squad will live and train at the Toon's football academy.

The 18-strong celebrity squad includes Royle Family star Ralf Little, ex-Footballers Wives actor Gary Lucy, Blue singer Simon Webbe and George Best's son, Calum.

The Match, which is hosted by Newcastle United, will be broadcast on Sky One in October.

Viewers will decide which of the celebrities, who also include GMTV presenter Ben Shepherd, ex-Steps star Lee Latchford Evans and former So Solid Crew star MC Harvey, make the final cut.

Every night, Taylor will nominate three celebrities who have not been pulling their weight, to face the public vote, to see which is relegated from the team.

Those who get through will play a charity match on October 10 against the Premiership Legends, whose players include Paul Gascoigne, Peter Beardsley, Bryan Robson, Mark Lawrenson, Rob Lee and Matthew Le Tissier.

Former Chelsea, Manchester United and Aston Villa player Mark Bosnich will keep goal for the celebrity team, which also includes actor Jonathan Wilkes, former Holby City star Rocky Marshall and Brookside's Phil Olivier.

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said: "We are delighted that our friends from Sky Television have chosen Newcastle United to host The Match.

"Our facilities, both at St James' Park and the academy, are second to none and the decision to produce the programme on Tyneside reflects Newcastle United's standing in the game."

The show, from the makers of Big Brother, is to be fronted by Ulrika Jonsson and Mark Durden-Smith.