PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Robins:

Former Manchester United striker Mark Robins has announced his retirement.
Robins, who is credited with saving Sir Alex Ferguson's career, has called time after his release by Sheffield Wednesday following a knee injury.

The 34-year-old, who is now eyeing a career in management, said: "I've got 20 years experience which I'd like to pass on.

"I've always had a strong desire to become a manager," said Robins who is completing his Uefa coaching badges."

"He's never said thanks to me for that goal. But growing up as a massive United fan, I'm proud to look back and say that I played an important part in the upturn in the club's fortunes, particularly with that goal against Forest."

Robins played for 11 clubs in his career and scored the first televised Premiership hat-trick when Norwich beat Oldham 3-2 during the 1992-93 season.

He is now looking to get into management, with a glowing reference from Ferguson.

"I'll never forget when I was at United and Sir Alex Ferguson said to me on the training field, `If anyone's going to make it as a manager, then it will be you'.

"It was an off-the-cuff remark but hopefully he will be proved right.

"I look at my old team-mates such as Mark Hughes and Steve Bruce, who've done phenomenally well as managers.

"Mark Bowen, who I played with at Norwich, has worked with both Sparky for Wales and now with Brucie at Birmingham, so I'd like to think I can achieve something similar.

MARK ROBINS LANDMARKS
Lge apps: 256
Lge goals: 100

"I've played under some great managers such as Ferguson, Martin O'Neill at Leicester and Ronnie Moore at Rotherham.

"I've learned a lot from them but I'd have to say Martin was the best manager that I have played under, from a personal point of view.”

Ole:
The expected arrival of Alan Smith, along with what may fans took to be a farewell lap of honour at Cardiff, has excaerbated rumours that Ole has played his last game for the Reds.

However, such beliefs are news to the 31-year-old who insists he's still a wanted man by Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I'm wanted by the boss so I will not change club," Solskaer told Dagbladet.

"He has not quit in believing in me. Rumours about players leaving the club can affect the fans. But the players know what is going on."

And Solskjaer has moved to reassure Reds fans about his fitness levels after question marks had been raised about whether Ole will be able to get back to his best.

"Now I am in great shape, at my best if I only get to play games. The time when you could take six weeks' rest just to get a tan in the sun is over. We have got an important Champions League game at the start of August. We must use our days off well.”

Ruud in the Sun:
RVN has branded Dutch team-mate Arjen Robben “stupid” for joining Chelsea instead of Manchester United.

Both clubs were locked in a chase for the PSV wideman until Robben, 20, signed an agreement with the Blues in March.

Chelsea won the day over United with a £12million bid — but Van Nistelrooy believes Robben should have insisted on moving to Old Trafford. He said:

“It’s very stupid to choose Chelsea when United are interested in you. I don’t understand that boy. He came to United for a day and was very enthusiastic. It was his dream to play for United.

“But while United and PSV were trying to reach an agreement, he suddenly chose Chelsea.

“He is very young but he is a big talent and has years ahead of him. Money should not be the most important thing in your life at that age. He can earn a lot in the future.”

Joe Jordan:
“Alan has done exceptionally well for Leeds but the way I understand it, he has been put up for sale because they need the money,' said the former Scotland forward.

“Under those circumstances, it seems only fair that he should have the opportunity to sign for who he likes. If he is fortunate enough to have a few options, that is better for him but he should still be able to choose the one he wants.

“Alan Smith is a smashing player and he wants to do the best for himself. I don't see why he should be condemned for that when it is Leeds who have made him available.”

Denis Law:

“When you think of the transfer fees that are going around, £20million, £30million, if it is £7million then really that is a bit of a bargain.

“Leeds are in a position, of course, that they need money desperately and unfortunately they've got to sell some of their best players, but from United's point of view I think it's a good buy.

“When you go into a team like Manchester United, into a good team and a far better team with better players etc, you can only improve and I think he'll be a huge success.

“Alan Smith will bring a lot to Manchester United, he's a good goalscorer, he's a good header of the ball, he's a tough guy, he shields the ball well.

“I think he'll cause people a lot of heartache and I think he'll be a good buy.”