I was going to write about my weekend this week but had to change following the news I have just heard. The football manager Sir Bobby Robson has died.
In a time where footballers seem more intent on image and how much they earn rather than the game, Sir Bobby was one of those men who would have played and managed for nothing. He is one of the most kind, caring and successful managers of all time.
Robson will be best remembered on the international stage for leading England to the 1990 World Cup semi-final.
At club level, he cut his managerial teeth at Fulham before establishing his credentials at Ipswich where he won the FA Cup and Uefa Cup in a 13-year stay.
Spells at PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona followed before he managed at Newcastle.
I remember as a young teenager staying in to watch that incredible game in 1990. You had to be in this country to experience it. The streets were deserted, the pub were empty. Over thirty million people watched as England crashed out to the Germans on penalties. Even now I have still never experienced such emotion in a sporting achievement. Many men cried that day, Gazza especially. But Robson, a man who was cruelly robbed four years earlier by Maradonna’s “Hand of God” goal put on a brave face and said “The lads done well”. What a man.
Robson was at St James’ Park for a charity match earlier this week.
An England side, featuring Alan Shearer and several members of the 1990 World Cup squad including Paul Gascoigne and Peter Shilton, beat a Germany team 3-2. Shearer scored the winner from the penalty spot.
The game was a repeat of the 1990 World Cup semi-final when England, managed by Sir Bobby, lost on penalties.
He may not have been the most successful of managers, nor the most controversial, but he certainly was the greatest and kindest man to manage the England team. Bless you Bobby; you’re an inspiration to any footballer or manager. RIP.