The root of Robson's problem, along with the perception he has spent a lot of money on players and failed to get a good return, is the success he enjoyed in his first season. He arrived on Teesside in 1994 and led the team straight into the Premiership. In doing so, he raised expectations to impossible levels. When a manager shows early promise, supporters just want more and more. It becomes a case of them asking him what he is going to do for them tomorrow.
Football fans are a very unrealistic breed.
Because of the thirst for immediate success, Robson was forced to build his empire on sand. He signed Juninho, Emerson and Ravanelli and set about assembling a side who could win things quickly. But when he had problems with the trio and they left, he had to begin all over again. He has had to maintain Premiership position while at the same time laying the foundations for a successful youth set-up. This takes a great deal of time.