Fans turn out to thank 'Robbo'

Ray Hepburn

28 Jul 1992

Hearts 1, Newcastle Utd 0

A CROWD of 11,105 turned out to celebrate a career of goal-scoring excellence by John Robertson in his testimonial match at Tynecastle last night -- 4000 more than paid to see Tottenham Hotspur -- and thus saluting the forward's decision to remain despite a £900,000 bid by Aberdeen.

Newcastle were entertaining and fitting opponents as Robertson had spent eight months with them in 1988.

Their manager, Kevin Keegan, joined in the congratulations by playing for 20 minutes.

"Robbo" was signed for Hearts in January 1981 by former Newcastle captain, Bobby Moncur, and has scored 217 goals in 413 games since then.

Last night though, he had to give best to strike partner Ian Baird when it came to prising open the powerful Newcastle defence.

Also a former Newcastle player, Baird found room at the far post two minutes after the break to meet Eamonn Bannon's cross, and head past Tommy Wright.

However, the highlight of Hearts' last warm-up match and Newcastle's first, was the performance of Tynecastle goalkeeper, Henry Smith.

Although the Edinburgh team had the major share of possession, four times in the second half Smith made spectacular saves from Ray Ranson, Lee Clark, Kevin Brock and Mickey Quinn.

The result wasn't of crucial importance, of course, more a tribute to the fans' favourite, and a further chance to gauge Hearts' readiness for the new season.

The use of Peter Van de Ven to replace Dave McPherson will work, but there is still much to be done to the new defensive unit before the wheels work smoothly, and Celtic will be an interesting test on Saturday.

HEARTS -- Smith, McLaren, McKinlay, Levein, Mackay, Van de Ven, Robertson, Wright, Baird, Mauchlen, Bannon.

Substitutes -- Walker, Crabbe, Snodin, Foster, D Ferguson, I Ferguson, Berry.

NEWCASTLE -- Wright, Venison, Beresford, Kristensen, Kilcline, Howey, Carr, Peacock, Kelly, Keegan, Sheedy.

Substitutes -- Scott, Quinn, Hunt, Ranson, Brock.

Referee -- J Timmons (Musselburgh).

Taken from the Herald