Sir Bobby Robson, veteran manager of Newcastle United, will be told later today by the club’s chairman, Freddie Shepherd, that his contract will not be renewed.

Robson, 71, was told in a television interview that he would be replaced at the end of the current season, and as a result the former England coach is seeking showdown talks with his Chairman.

Robson has been in charge of his hometown club since 1999, and has established them as regular top 4 contenders.

Chairman Shepherd earlier stated: “Sir Bobby Robson’s contract expires at the end of the season. We have no plans to extend that arrangement.

“This is Sir Bobby’s sixth season at the club and we have to look to the future.”

In an attempt to calm the situation, Sir Bobby responded that he wouldn’t comment until talks had taken place.

“All I can tell you is that I’m unaware of anything that’s been written about me or anything that’s been said about me,” he said.

“I wish to address the whole situation with the chairman face-to-face then issue what we have to issue

“Until I find out the situation it would be inappropriate to comment on that – I need a dialogue with the chairman.”