My wife and I arrived back home here in Raleigh at 3:30 am this morning local time after a harrowing journey back from Paris.
Sir Bobby Robson – alongside his statue at St. James’ Park
And the very sad news we have just seen is the death of the great man, Bobby Robson.
Born in Sacriston, County Durham, England on 18th February, 1933 the great man was 76.
He lived to see a tribute given to him at St. James’ Park last Sunday, to commemorate England’s narrow loss to Germany in the 1990 World Cup semi-final on penalties in Italy.
He was admired and loved throughout the football world.
His exploits of management at Ipswich are now legendary, and he was also one of England’s best ever managers.
In the five five years he graced St. James’ Park he not only saved us from relegation in the first season (1999-2000) but he got us into the Champions League with finishes of 4th, 3rd and 5th in his last 3 seasons.
As my son Neil has already said he was a legend as far as this site goes and his passing makes the world a much less place by his absence.
We feel that words cannot express the sadness we feel at Bobby’s passing, but we know he is now in a much better place.
He was a very good player and a terrific manager who was able to inspire his players to the greatest of heights.
In his home debut game as Newcastle manager against fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday he did just that and we were 5-0 up at the break with the lads going on for one of the great home performances of modern times with an 8-0 win and Alan Shearer scoring 5.
But the very best thing that can be said about this man, for as great a football manager he was – he was an even greater man.
Rest in peace Bobby – we love you – and always will.
7 comments so far
Toon Graeme
Aug 1, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Comment #1Ed, not much of a welcome news story to get home to.
I hope you enjoyed your holiday and time back in the toon.
Neil has done a spot on job updated the blog, as well as yourself. I hope the wife didnt give you too much earache.
I heard this on Talksport last night and think its an excellent idea:
Lets put all Ashley and Llambias grienvences aside and unite and fill SJP on the 15th of August.
We are on the tele and shoudl show the world the support we give not only our club but for the great man that is/was Sir Bobby.
baro
Aug 1, 2009 at 4:01 PM
Comment #2Toon Graeme i absolutely agree with you
Rodzilla
Aug 1, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Comment #3There’s a 3 hour long tribute programme in honour of wor Bob on ITV4 at 4:30pm today (Saturday). Should be better than the rubbish 20minuter we had from Sky yesterday.
Geordie-Gerrard7
Aug 1, 2009 at 4:32 PM
Comment #4lads someone, on talksport at 2.30ish today has said we have been sold to mega rich arabs
Doocey
Aug 1, 2009 at 4:35 PM
Comment #5I doubt it Geordie Gerrard
geordie_graham
Aug 1, 2009 at 4:51 PM
Comment #6R.I.P SIR BOBBY. SAY HI TO MY GRANDMA WHILE UR UP THERE. U WILL BE SADLY MISSED. THANK YOU FOR BRILLIANT YEARS
Jimi
Aug 1, 2009 at 6:32 PM
Comment #7And everything else now just falls into insignificance.
A true legend. A true great. The dignity and class that Bobby had is unrivalled. Every man on the planet would do well to take a few notes from Bobby’s book. What he achieved in life, both on and off the field, was immense. I’m not sure we’ll see his like again, but I hope so.
I’m going to miss seeing and listening to the great man.
God bless you Bobby; I hope your in a better place. Respect to all your family. x