But although Robson stuck with the winger until Freddy Shepherd called time on Bobby's Newcastle career, new boss Graeme Souness could not wait to get rid of "the trouble makers in the dressing room" and Robert and Craig Bellamy were top of his hit list.
Robert returned to English football with Derby County this season, but a after disappointing campaign, Rams boss Paul Jewell has no hopes of keeping him on the staff.
Derby Set To Dump Laurent Robert!
The former French international arrived at Pride Park on a short-term contract in January but has made just three first-team appearances and has not featured in the squad for over a month.
Jewell has blamed Robert's lack of effort in training for his omission from the team, and we could have seen the last of the winger in the English game.