I HAVE an idea I would like to discuss with Sir Bobby Robson when he gets back from the holiday he's taking to get over his sacking at Newcastle.

Between us Bobby and I have a fair amount of managerial experience.

I had over 1,000 games at different levels, Bobby had a few more and we won some major trophies along the way.

Bobby had eight years at international level from 1982 to 1990; I had six involving England and Northern Ireland.

We have both at various times over the last 20 years spoken at conferences about management and motivation.

So I think we could well be considered to take over the England rugby job which became available this week.

Apparently the England rugby team only have about eight games a year and often there is a tour abroad where the sun shines.

At our stage of life, it would be ideal for us.

Daft as seems, if it works for one, why not the other?

In just wonder what Bobby will think...

I warned in this column two weeks ago how wrong it was for Newcastle to announce that Bobby was to leave the manager's seat at the end of the season.

Usually when this happens, players tend to take their foot off the pedal and managers don't go on to complete the season.

But I don't think anyone was ready for the next announcement from Newcastle which came so soon and so cruelly - that Bobby had been relieved of his duties.

It sounded like they were taking a toy from a naughty child.

There was not even the "by mutual consent" line which we all know covers a multitude of sins and usually included by those wielding the axe to soften the blow.

At least Bobby emerged with total dignity, but he did admit that he was devastated after turning up for work expecting to take the training as usual.

He had been in the job five years and had brought Newcastle United into a position where they were rubbing shoulders with Arsenal and Manchester United.

So I can well understand his feelings about being shown the door this week.

He says he will probably go back to St James's Park as a supporter to watch the games and, if it's any consolation, I'm pretty sure he will get a seat in the directors box ...