BRYAN ROBSON, one of Peter Reid's closest friends in football, last night admitted that they had both overstayed their welcomes in the North-East.

Like Robson, who was forced out of Middlesbrough in the summer of 2001, Reid has been discarded by Sunderland after over seven years as manager.

Just as Robson did at Boro, Reid transformed Sunderland's fortunes. Both men won the Division One titles in their first full seasons in charge; both oversaw their clubs' moves to magnificent new stadiums; both suffered relegation from the Premiership five years ago; and both won back top-flight status.

Robson, therefore, is better placed than anyone to empathise with Reid.

"It's disappointing that Peter has got the sack,'' said Robson, speaking exclusively to Northern Echo Sport.

"I think he has done a great job for Sunderland.

"When you look at where they were when he took over, struggling in the First Division, he's done a good job over the years to get them into the Premiership and stay there for the last three seasons.

"But I think sometimes, when I look back on my time at Middlesbrough, you can stop at a club too long.

"I think it's OK when you are at a massive club like Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal, with all the financial backing and all the top players wanting to play for you.

"But, with other clubs, you can maybe stay too long.

"Peter had a really good relationship with his chairman.

"I know Bob Murray spoke to Peter before he spoke to anybody else about what was happening.

"Peter is happy that his chairman did things right. At the end of the day, it's a business decision.

"But what's disappointing is the reaction of some of the fans. I felt a bit disappointed myself when I left Middlesbrough.

"You think about where the club were when you went there and how it was built; the fans were watching Premiership football.

"When they turn on you like a section did with me and with Peter, that's the worst part of it all.''

Robson, currently busy with media work, is keen to return to football but has ruled himself out as a contender to replace Reid, who he reckons will soon be back in the game.

"Reidy will bounce back,'' said Robson. "I'm sure he'll be back in the game.

"People just have to look at the job he's done at Sunderland."

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