The football world is mourning the loss of a true legend today after Sir Bobby Robson lost his long battle with cancer. The former Ipswich manager won trophies with teams across four different countries, earning himself numerous awards for his contribution to the game in the process. However, Robson’s reign as Ipswich manager was amongst his greatest achievements. On and off the pitch, Bobby Robson left his mark in Ipswich and will be remembered fondly by all.
Legendary former Ipswich Town and England manager Sir Bobby Robson has died today, aged 76.
He passed away peacefully at around 6:30am this morning at his home in County Durham after a long battle with cancer. He had fought the disease five times since 1991.
Robson will best remembered in Suffolk for his reign as Town Boss which saw him win the FA cup and UEFA cup.
Roger Osborne, who played under Robson said: "Everybody in the area would have known Bobby Robson simply because he put Ipswich on the map. I've travelled all over the country with work and when I ask people where Ipswich is they don;t know. When we were playing in Europe and we were in the top four of the first division all through the seventies, everybody knew where Ipswich was."
"Bobby was a workaholic and absolutely football mad, he would turn up at the club at 9 o'clock in the morning and still b there at 21 o'clock at night if we'd had a youth or reserve game in the evening. He seemed to want to run the club, right through the club, so he was always on very good terms with everybody at the club from the chairman, to the tea lady and the grounds man. In as much as he always had time for people and I suppose that is the one thing I remember about him more than ever."
After 13 years at the club, Robson left Ipswich in 1982 to become England manager. He was to become England's second most successful manager ever, guiding the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup.
He later went on to win league championships in both the Netherlands and Portugal as well as winning trophies in Spain.
Sir Bobby’s death comes just five days after his last public appearance at St. James’ Park, where a charity match was being played to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. On the day, Sir Bobby was also presented the Emerald UEFA Order of Merit award for his contribution to the game.
Early this morning crowds began to gather at Portman Road to pay their respects to the Ipswich Legend. Flowers, scarves, caps and football shirts were laid at the feet of his statue, which was also adorned along with the barriers surrounding it.
There was also a minutes silence before Ipswich’s pre-season friendly with Spanish side Valladolid, which was followed by spontaneous applause from the thousands of fans. The club has announced that all proceeds from tonights game will be donated to the Bobby Robson Foundation.
A book of condolences has been opened at Portman Road and will be available for fans to sign over next 3 days.
No comments:
Post a Comment