Newcastle United and England football legend Sir Bobby Robson dies
Friday, 31 July 2009
former England manager Sir Bobby Robson - seen as Ipswich Town manager (left) with coach Cyril Lea and players David Geddis and captain Mick Mills (hat) as they parade the FA Cup in triumph at Wembley Stadium in London
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The football world was today mourning the death of legendary manager Sir Bobby Robson.
The former England coach passed away this morning at the age of 76 following a long battle against cancer, his family confirmed.
He was England’s most successful manager since 1966 and guided them to the World Cup semi-final in 1990.
A family statement said: “He died very peacefully this morning at his home in County Durham with his wife and family beside him.
“Sir Bobby's funeral will be private and for family members only. A thanksgiving service in celebration of Sir Bobby's life will be held at a later date for his many friends and colleagues.
“Lady Robson and the family would very much appreciate it if their privacy could be respected at this difficult time.”
Sir Bobby made his playing debut in 1950 but was better known as a coach, managing Ipswich, Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, PC Porto and Newcastle United. He was voted European manager of the year in 1997.
He married Elsie in 1955 and leaves three sons. His fifth diagnosis of cancer, consisting of cancer in both lungs, was confirmed as terminal in February 2007.
Robson was regarded as one of the game’s finest and most charismatic coaches, with a managerial CV as impressive as any in the game.
Newcastle United legend and Belfast man Tommy Cassidy told the Belfast Telegraph Sir Bobby was one of the biggest names in football.
He said: “He’s a big hero in Newcastle and in football circles everywhere. We go back to the 1970s when he was managing Ipswich Town and I was playing for Newcastle and we played against each other.
“He has always been a true gentleman, one of the good guys in football over the last 40 years.”
Cassidy, a former Northern Ireland and Glentoran player, also said the former England manager was “an inspiration”.
“He was diagnosed with cancer eight or nine years ago, but he kept his head up,” he said.
“He inspired everyone and his charity, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, has raised millions for cancer.”
Ray Wilkins, who played under Sir Bobby for England, said he was “absolutely devastated”.
“You don’t come across people like Bobby very often”
Former FA executive David Davies said: “The players took to him in a big way ... but they will be immensely sad this morning.”
Football pundit Alan Hansen described Sir Bobby as a “tremendous manager, a tremendous person”.
Sir Bobby made his managerial name at unfashionable Ipswich Town, leading them to European and domestic glory in 13 years.
Robson made his final public appearance last Sunday. A crowd of 33,000 turned out to honour him at St James’ Park. He attended in a wheelchair and was introduced to both teams and presented with a Uefa lifetime achievement award before the kick-off.
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a true gentleman , a huge football name for me from my childhood & teens ....... such strength and dignity , even in his last weeks , you can ONLY have had admiration for Sir Bobby Robson ! Our current youth could take a BIG leaf out of his book. So hard to believe that that giant football character is no longer with us. R.I.P. Sir Bobby.
Posted by saddened admirer | 01.08.09, 19:45 GMT
"A Gentlemen, a Scholar and a Judge of Good Liqueur" An old Ulster salute for a truly fine man.
Posted by Ulsterman | 01.08.09, 08:44 GMT
just had a really bad day today and just finished work and to come home and hear about bobby as just knocked me only seen him on the box the other day in a wheel chair and i was stund then god bless bobby :coley from hudds
Posted by coley | 31.07.09, 18:37 GMT
RIP Bobby you were a good ambasidor to the game and I know you loved the Irish people as well. you were all that is good about the game.
Posted by sean from co down Ireland | 31.07.09, 17:28 GMT
The world of football is a much lesser place today
RIP Sir Bobby
Posted by Strucker | 31.07.09, 16:14 GMT
What sad loss for sport a truly wonderful man respected by all who new him,and loved by everyone, a legend is not too great a description of this true Geordie. RIP Sir Bobby.
Posted by a lover of the game | 31.07.09, 15:19 GMT
A true gentleman of the first order, reveered by many,loved by all RIP
Posted by a lover of the game | 31.07.09, 15:04 GMT
Sir Bobby, never forget. Rest in peace.
b00ts, The Netherlands.
Posted by b00ts | 31.07.09, 14:32 GMT
Great man who will be sorely missed by all. I'd recommend his autobiography as a great read to all.
RIP Bobby - You'll Never Walk Alone
Posted by Paul aka Subby | 31.07.09, 13:51 GMT
Legend
Posted by cally | 31.07.09, 13:08 GMT
holy moly, thanks for those posts, they encapsulate Sir Bobby, and the endearing way he had about him.
As per the other post, the world has lost a true gentleman, as a Newcastle United supporter, I am proud to pay tribute to a real Geordie and footballing legend.
Ho way the lads.
Posted by sjc | 31.07.09, 13:07 GMT
From Holy Moly:
Journalist to Shola Ameobi: Do you have a nickname at the club?
Ameobi: Not really, no
J: So what do the lads call you?
SA: Shola
J: And what about Sir Bobby? What does he call you?
SA: Carl Cort.
Posted by holy moly | 31.07.09, 12:59 GMT
From Holy Moly:
Bobby is at a book-signing in Newcastle. Little kid gets Sir Bobby to sign his book after queuing for ages.
'Have you signed a lot of books today, Sir Bobby?'
'Oh, hundreds, son. Absolutely hundreds'
Kid walks off with his signed book, and glances down at the inscription; 'Best Wishes, Bobby Hundreds.'
Amazing. RIP Bobby Hundreds.
Posted by holy moly | 31.07.09, 12:59 GMT
As a Newcastle fan it is an extremely sad day. Sir Bobby brought fight and passion back to the club and in his time at St James Park we had Champions League football for 2 seasons and finished 3rd and 4th in the league. If only we had someone like him now the club would not be in the mess that it is.
In addition the way he bravely fought and dealt with cancer over the past 5 years and the amount of money he has raised through his foundation speaks volumes of the man. Only last Sunday was he raising more money to help people less fortunate than himself battle and beat the terrible disease.
May your rest in peace Sir Bobby, you truly were a legend a word that is used too often nowadays in football.
Toon Toon
Posted by NI toon | 31.07.09, 12:23 GMT
An absolute legend. Sir Bobby had personality and charisma in abundance. Football will never see his like again. Only 5 years ago, at the age of 71 he was running around the training pitch. He fought cancer and won 5 times. Always showing strength and dignity in public. I'm so glad he got to manage Newcastle and "come home" as he described it. The world has lost a great, great gentleman.
Posted by Geordie | 31.07.09, 12:13 GMT
Great man, great life. Thanks for the memories!
Posted by Will Hawkes | 31.07.09, 11:45 GMT