Robson: Pardew is boss of the year

Newcastle approach Sunday's final round of fixtures still in contention for Champions League qualification after a remarkable campaign in which the Magpies have defied all expectation.

Pardew has secured some fantastic deals in the transfer market - most notably the £9 million capture of Papiss Cisse from Freiburg in January - as well as constructing a side that plays a positive and laudable brand of football.

While a place in the top four will be denied to Newcastle if both Arsenal and Tottenham beat West Brom and Fulham respectively, Robson feels that Pardew has still been the standout manager in the top flight.

Robson said: "For me he is the manager of the year ... Alan Pardew has had a fantastic season."

In a wide-ranging interview, Robson also explained why Danny Welbeck "wouldn't let England down" if asked to deputise for Wayne Rooney at Euro 2012, though he was sceptical over suggestions that Paul Scholes could return to the international fold.

As well as discussing his time as Middlesbrough manager and an enjoyable spell with the Thailand national team, Robson also explained exactly what his role as a global ambassador with Manchester United entails.

Bryan Robson was speaking to Yahoo!'s 'The Dugout' through its partnership with the League Managers Association