Sir Bobby Robson

A couple of days ago I wrote about the legend that is Sir Bobby Robson. Yesterday, after a long and brave battle against cancer the great man died. Although I only wrote about him so recently, no other matter in world football is more important to acknowledge today.

Fitting

Sir Bobby died at the age of seventy-six just a few days after the game played at his beloved St James’ Park in aid of his cancer foundation. At that game Sir Bobby shook hands with the former greats from Germany and England that played in the game. It was a fitting way to end a life that was totally dedicated to the sport.

Of course, Sir Bobby will be best remembered for leading England to the 1990 World Cup semi-finals but he also took them to the 1986 infamous hand of God quarter-final. At club level he managed successfully at Fulham, Ipswich, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and Newcastle.

Sir Bobby’s family issued the following statement,

“It is with great sadness that it has been announced today that Sir Bobby Robson has lost his long and courageous battle with cancer. 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.”

In the Guardian Sir Bobby Robson was described as ‘the heart that English football wore on its sleeve.’ That is a great description of the man who’s charm, passion and enthusiasm were legendary and infectious.

Another reason that Sir Bobby will be fondly remembered is for the way he spoke. He often got his words muddled up or entirely wrong and fans, players and pundits always enjoyed listening to what he had to say and looking for the amusing errors he made.

I have put together a few examples of Sir Bobbyisms;

“We are all in the same bucket.”

“I played cricket for my local village. It was 40 overs per side, and the team that had the most runs won. It was that sort of football.”

Finally, my personal favourite:

Reporter to Newcastle’s Shola Ameobi, ‘Do you have a nickname?’
Ameobi, ‘No, not really’
Reporter, ‘So what does Bobby Robson call you?’
Ameobi, ‘Carl Cort.’

There is no doubt that Sir Bobby Robson will be sorely missed.