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Bobby Robson has been named as the Barclaycard Premiership manager of the month for December after taking Newcastle United to the top of the league over Christmas. In a memorable month for the 68-year-old Magpies boss, his team pulled off amazing away victories against two of the title favourites with a 3-1 win at Highbury and an incredible 4-3 triumph over Leeds at Elland Road. Newcastle chalked up 16 points from seven league games in December with further victories over Ipswich, Blackburn and Middlesbrough, taking them to the top of the league for the first time since 1996. The decision was made by the Barclaycard Awards Panel, which includes representatives from football’s governing bodies, the media and fans. The Barclaycard Awards Panel said: "Despite being the oldest manager in the Barclaycard Premiership, Bobby Robson has not lost any of the enthusiasm and drive that has been the hallmark of his managerial style. "To the delight of the St James’ Park faithful, he has got Newcastle United playing attractive, attacking football and there can be little doubt he is moving the club in the right direction. He is one of the most respected and likeable men in football." Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, who worked with Robson for a short time at PSV Eindhoven, has claimed the player of the month award. The Dutch front-man scored seven league goals for United in December, notching his first Old Trafford hat-trick in the 6-1 demolition of Southampton just before Christmas to help put the champions' Barclaycard Premiership campaign back on track. Robson certainly believes the former PSV forward has been a very good addition to United's attack. "They've bought very well in Van Nistelrooy – he's a great player, he'll score goals all the time," he said. "I worked with him for a whole year at PSV. I went for a one-year contract there, I was finishing my contract at Barcelona and I thought one year there and I'll retire. "So I went for one year and we'd just bought Van Nistelrooy so we went there together. I spent a whole year with him on the pitch. Terrific, they've bought well – I don't care how much they paid for him, they'll get their money's worth from him. "Top striker, will score goals, wonderful boy. Don't just buy good players, buy good people and they've bought two in one with him." Ruud's prolific form in front of goal makes him one of only five players who can claim to be a member of the "Seven Up Club", having scored seven times in the Premiership in a month, the others being Alan Shearer (September 1999), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (October 2000), Dion Dublin (November 1998) and Michael Owen (May 2001). The Barclaycard’s Awards Panel again made the decision and said: "Ruud Van Nistelrooy has quickly established himself as one of the best strikers in the Barclaycard Premiership. His skills, pace and of course his eye for goal has quickly established him as an Old Trafford favourite. "As the title race hot’s up 'Van the Man' will clearly be a key player for United and must be an early candidate for Barclaycard Player of the Year."
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