Robson to stay after Newcastle resolve Cort case

Sir Bobby Robson, the Newcastle United manager, held discussions with the chairman, Freddy Shepherd, last night amid claims he was considering resigning from the club.

Robson had been infuriated bycriticism in a newspaper report of the departing striker Carl Cort that included quotes attributed to a club insider suggesting that his £7m signing had been a waste of money. Reports yesterday claimed Robson had threatened to resign if the mole was not sacked, but a statement issued by the club last night claimed the problem had been resolved.

"Following reports of Sir Bobby Robson quitting which have appeared in today's Sunday papers, Sir Bobby confirms he has been to see the chairman privately ... regarding the stories," the statement read. "As far as both the chairman and the manager are concerned, the matter has been resolved amicably and the subject is now closed."

Cort, whose £2m transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers was confirmed yesterday, was introduced to the club's supporters on the pitch before the 3-1 FA Cup defeat to West Ham United. Cort said: "Wolves have given me a second chance to show what I can do and I honestly do think I'm capable of playing at the highest level. I feel this is a chance for me to relaunch myself, it's another test, it's another challenge.

"I'm a confident person and I go out each time believing I'm going to score goals, it was just unfortunate I never had the run of games which allowed me to prove myself at Newcastle and show I could do it at the highest level ...

"Obviously I've not played a Premiership game for a while which means it'll take me time to get back into it, but I don't think it'll be too long."