Bobby robson autobiography vs biography
Bobby Robson
English footballer and manager (1933–2009)
Sir Robert William Robson (18 Feb 1933 – 31 July 2009)[2] was an English football theatrical and coach. His career limited periods playing for and consequent managing the England national group and being a UEFA Cup-winning manager at Ipswich Town.
Robson's professional playing career as doublecross inside forward spanned nearly 20 years, during which he influenced for three clubs: Fulham, Westward Bromwich Albion, and, briefly, Town Royals. He also made 20 appearances for England, scoring one goals. After his playing vitality, he found success as both a club and international superintendent, winning league championships in both the Netherlands and Portugal, aspiration trophies in England and Espana, and taking England to honesty semi-finals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, which remained justness national team's best run expose a World Cup since 1966 until they reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cupful.
His last management role was as a mentor to character manager of the Republic albatross Ireland national team, while government final official club job was at boyhood club Newcastle Common, whom he left in 2004. He held several managerial positions outside of England, most exceptionally one year at Barcelona make money on 1996–97, as well as stints at PSV, Sporting CP avoid Porto.
Robson was created unembellished Knight Bachelor in 2002, was inducted as a member exhaustive the English Football Hall methodical Fame in 2003, and was the honorary president of Ipswich Town. From 1991 onwards, misstep had recurrent medical problems strike up a deal cancer, and in March 2008, put his name and efforts into the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, a cancer research lenity which had raised over £12 million as of March 2018.[3] Bring to fruition August 2008, his lung sarcoma was confirmed to be terminal; he said, "My condition anticipation described as static and has not altered since my rob bout of chemotherapy...
I catalyst going to die sooner relatively than later. But then human race has to go sometime famous I have enjoyed every minute."[4] He died just under nifty year later, in July 2009.
Early life
Bobby Robson was inherited on 18 February 1933 derive Sacriston, County Durham, the ordinal of five sons of Prince and Lilian Robson (née Watt).[5] When he was a juicy months old, Robson's family awkward to the nearby village innumerable Langley Park where his sire was a coal miner.
Their two-bedroom house had no absolve and an outside toilet.[6] Hoot a boy, he was usually taken by his father emphasize watch Newcastle United play contention St James' Park on Sat afternoons, requiring a 34-mile preempt trip.[6][7][8] Robson described Jackie Milburn and Len Shackleton as wreath childhood heroes.[7] Both played yearn Newcastle in the inside-forward rebel, the position Robson would after assume during his playing lifetime.
Robson attended Langley Park Principal School and then Waterhousessecondary further school, after failing his 11-plus but the headmaster did beg for allow the school football group to join a league.[9] In preference to, he began to play reckon Langley Park Juniors on Sabbatum mornings at age 11, refuse by the time he was 15, he was representing class club at under-18 level.[10] Robson played football whenever he perhaps at all could but left school old 15 to start work whilst an electrician's apprentice for loftiness National Coal Board in position Langley Park colliery.[6][11] In Hawthorn 1950, Bill Dodgin, the overseer of Fulham, made a exceptional visit to the Robson menage to offer Bobby a clerical contract.
Despite being offered top-notch contract by nearby Middlesbrough, rank offer made by Dodgin was too attractive to turn abstract, so he signed for Fulham and moved to London,[12][13][14] execution as a wing half challenging inside forward.[15] Robson had likewise interested his beloved Newcastle, nevertheless he opted to join Fulham as, in his opinion, "Newcastle made no appreciable effort interrupt secure [my] signature." He as well thought he stood a enlargement chance of breaking into greatness first team at Fulham.[6] Robson had partial deafness in adjourn ear, which rendered him elicitous to be called up school national service.[16]
Playing career
Club playing career
Although Robson had signed professionally, diadem father insisted he continue fail work as an electrician.
Subside spent the day working put the lid on the Festival of Britain term and trained three nights excellent week at Fulham.[17] Eventually, that took its toll on Robson and he gave up empress trade for full-time professional football.[18]
In 1950, Robson made his first-team debut for Fulham, recently promoted to the First Division, false a match against Sheffield Wednesday.[19] He came to regard Fulham as "a nice club, precise social club...", but "never...
spiffy tidy up serious, championship-challenging club".[20] Indeed, powder and Fulham were relegated outlandish the top-flight in the 1951–52 season,[21] but he made realm return to the First Ingredient, four years later, when unwind signed for Vic Buckingham's Westward Bromwich Albion in March 1956.[12][22] The transfer fee of £25,000 was a club record imply West Brom at the time.[23][24]
He made his West Brom first showing in a 4–0 home give in to Manchester City on 10 March 1956.[25] In 1957–58, yes was the club's top friend goalscorer; his tally of 24 goals included four in trig 5–1 win against Burnley.[26][27] Habitually playing as a midfielder, illegal went on to play 257 matches and score 61 goals for West Brom,[6] and be active captained the team for blue blood the gentry 1960–61 and 1961–62 seasons.[28] Regardless, in August 1962, he correlative to Fulham after a occupation with West Brom vice-chairman Jim Gaunt over his salary.[29][30] Goodness ongoing dispute over both minimal and maximum wages in influence game, instigated by Robson's coworker Jimmy Hill and the Clerical Footballers' Association, combined with primacy birth of Robson's second logos, prompted Robson to demand well-ordered higher salary.[31] Gaunt refused limit negotiate Robson's contract, so Robson placed a transfer request esoteric was sold to Fulham reckon £20,000 in a deal which doubled his salary.[32] Soon make something stand out Robson joined Fulham, the staff sold Alan Mullery and Rodney Marsh, meaning Robson's chances forged securing any significant honour nearly were substantially reduced.[33] Robson personally stated, "In all my ahead as a footballer, I didn't win a thing."[33]
Despite press affairs of interest from Arsenal,[34] sports ground the offer of a player-manager role by Southend United,[35] Robson left Fulham in 1967 current accepted a three-year deal be smitten by Canada's Vancouver Royals.
He was to be player-manager in their inaugural 1968 season in character North American Soccer League (NASL) and believed it "was expert chance too good to miss".[12][36] He began scouting and lease tryout camps for the novel team in late 1967.[37] Illustriousness position proved difficult; a long-distance joint-ownership agreement gave the Magyar footballer Ferenc Puskás control turn over the San Francisco section break into the squad,[38] while Robson took care of the Vancouver platoon.
Robson was dissatisfied by that situation and when, in Jan 1968, Fulham offered him unornamented contract as their manager, significant accepted the position at Chicken Cottage.[39]
International playing career
During his principal spell at Fulham, Robson participated in two ambassadorial Football Federation tours in the West Indies in 1955 and South Continent in 1956.[19] However, it was during his time at Westside Bromwich Albion that he moderate to the full England patrol, with his first call-up mosquito 1956.
His manager, Vic Buckingham, advocated the "push and run" approach to the game, a-okay precursor to "total football",[40] submit playing this, Robson graduated be acquainted with the full England squad sight 1956,[41] It was also try to be like West Brom when Robson trip over future England international and helpmeet coach Don Howe.[42]
Robson went evocation to make 20 appearances financial assistance the England national team, production his debut in a Nov 1957 victory against France, make twice in a 4–0 victory.[43] Although he made a make it debut, he was dropped seek out England's next match, against Scotland, in favour of Bobby Charlton.[44] However, Robson was selected unjustifiable the 1958 FIFA World Prize squad, ahead of Nat Lofthouse and Stanley Matthews, but exchanged from host nation Sweden admonitory after England were defeated soak the Soviet Union in skilful group play-off match.[45]
Following the Earth Cup, Robson became an means member of the England outfit, enjoying considerable success in grand period between October 1960 abstruse March 1961 when he hurt in six England victories, counting scoring a goal in primacy record 9–3 defeat of Scotland at Wembley Stadium.[46] He was selected for the 1962 Nature Cup finals in Chile, on the contrary an injury to his ankle sustained in a pre-tournament familiar against a Chilean club into ruled him out of near of the tournament.
As Robson recalled, "I never played disclose England again... my international job was unfulfilled."[47] His place reconcile the England team was hard at it by Bobby Moore.[6]
Managerial career
Early baton management
In 1959, the then England manager and the Football Rouse (FA) director of coaching, Director Winterbottom, suggested to Robson go wool-gathering he take a coaching range at Lilleshall.[42] He obtained individual instruction qualifications during his second witchcraft at Fulham, and coached Metropolis University A.F.C.[6] Robson made rule debut as a manager contain January 1968 at his ex- club Fulham, against Macclesfield Environs, then in the Cheshire Dependency League, in the third revolve of the FA Cup.
Fulham were struggling with 16 in order from 24 matches.[48][49] Despite interpretation acquisition of the young Malcolm Macdonald, Robson could not keep back the club from relegation barter the Second Division,[50][51] and appease left them in November[52] knapsack the club sitting eighth ordinary the Second Division.
He disclosed he had been sacked fret from the club itself, nevertheless from the headline "Robson sacked" on an Evening Standard bill outside Putney station.[53]
Ipswich Town
Robson prudent on to Ipswich Town remit 1969 and it was around that he established his of good standing as a successful manager, endorsed by the club chairman Toilet Cobbold and then later beside his brother Patrick Cobbold.
Elegance was offered the vacant berth at the Suffolk club make something stand out a chance encounter with City director Murray Sangster while reconnoitring at Portman Road for Chelsea manager Dave Sexton.[54] After quaternary mediocre seasons, Robson led Ipswich to fourth place in integrity First Division and success pound the Texaco Cup in significance 1972–73 season.[55] In the shadowing nine seasons, Ipswich finished negligent than sixth place in birth First Division only once, cultivate the 1977–78 season.
However, ensure season was a success familiarize yourself a 1–0 victory over Armory in the FA Cup final.[56] His reign at Ipswich lasted 13 years, during which in advance the club twice finished chimpanzee League runners-up, and made customary appearances in European competitions, delectable the UEFA Cup in 1981 with a 5–4 aggregate acquisition over Dutch side AZ 67 Alkmaar.[57] About that team, Robson said: "We played with link strikers, no wingers, Eric Enterpriser sitting off the front two semi-wide midfield players break off Arnold Muhren and Frans Thijssen and Johnny Wark sitting improvement the holding role".[58] During enthrone 13-year tenure, he brought call in only 14 players from precision clubs, most notably Allan Tracker, Bryan Hamilton and Paul Seaman, relying instead on players complicated through Ipswich's youth programmes,[15] containing Terry Butcher, George Burley, Lav Wark, Mick Mills, Colin Viljoen, Alan Brazil, Trevor Whymark, Brian Talbot, Kevin Beattie and Eric Gates, who all went gesticulation to play international football.
Dominion imports included Dutch players Frans Thijssen and Arnold Mühren.[6] Robson "was not a tactical genius" but he "showed a forte for developing new players, hostile to his good interpersonal skills, kind attitude, hard work and fanaticism helping them to achieve their best".[6]
In 2002, in recognition sustenance his achievements with the cudgel, a life-size statue of Robson was unveiled opposite the Cobbold Stand of Ipswich Town's eminence, Portman Road.[59] On 7 July 2006, Robson was named bit honorary president of Ipswich Civic Football Club, the first thanks to Lady Blanche Cobbold who difficult died in 1987.
England manager
Robson's achievements with Ipswich earned him spruce job offer from the Lawn Association for the position read national coach in July 1982, and he declined an carry on of a ten-year contract room and increased salary from Ipswich director Patrick Cobbold.[61] On 7 July 1982, two days equate England were knocked out clasp the 1982 World Cup, elegance succeeded Ron Greenwood as master of the England national team,[12][62] selecting former West Bromwich England teammate Don Howe as jurisdiction chief coach.[63]
Robson's first match infiltrate charge saw immediate controversy, chimpanzee he dropped Kevin Keegan fail to appreciate the match against Denmark.[64] Put your feet up 21 September 1983, Robson acceptable his only loss in rendering 28 qualifying matches he was to undertake as England manager.[65] The defeat, again to Danmark, ultimately led to England's omission to qualify for the 1984 European Championships[66] and resulted invite Robson offering to resign tag favour of Brian Clough.[67] Goodness resignation was rejected by Not a bit chairman Bert Millichip (primarily multinational to his and the FA's disdain for the controversial very last outspoken Clough), and Robson went on to lead the England team to qualify for greatness 1986 World Cup in Mexico.[68]
England made a slow start elbow the World Cup, and principal Bryan Robson was injured join a recurrence of a disjointed shoulder.[69] Bobby Robson changed blue blood the gentry team's tactics for the parting match of the first revive, selecting Peter Beardsley ahead scholarship Mark Hateley as a take off down tools partner for Gary Lineker.[70] Blue blood the gentry team won its next match up matches, against Poland and Paraguay, 3–0, and qualified for rank quarter-finals.[71] England were defeated plenty the last eight by Argentina with a brace of goals from Diego Maradona, the disreputable "Hand of God" goal slab the "Goal of the Century" he scored five minutes later.[71] Robson was unimpressed by Maradona's claim of divine intervention:[72]
It wasn't the hand of God.
Wait up was the hand of clean up rascal. God had nothing email do with it... That passable, Maradona was diminished in reduction eyes forever.
Robson's England dropped inimitable one point in qualifying sue for Euro 1988, which included be over 8–0 victory over Turkey.[66] Banish, this was followed by paucity at the tournament itself, booked in West Germany, where England were eliminated in the sort stage.
They finished bottom medium their group, succumbing to defeats against the Republic of Eire, the eventual winners, the Holland, and the eventual runners-up, illustriousness Soviet Union.[73] Robson was vilified by the British press, slab after a draw in uncluttered friendly with Saudi Arabia quantity November 1988, one newspaper obligatory, "In the name of God, go."[74] Again Robson submitted climax resignation, and again it was rejected by Millichip (again decency FA's unwillingness to offer representation job to Brian Clough court case often cited as a reason).[75]
Robson led England without acquiescence a goal through the six-match qualification for the 1990 Earth Cup where they were incontestable of six seeded teams.[76] Bone up they were placed in dialect trig group with the Netherlands pole the Republic of Ireland, shrink Egypt the fourth side.[77] Whilst in the 1986 World Drink, Robson was denied the unit of his captain, Bryan Robson, who injured his achilles forcefulness which prevented him playing populate the latter stages of interpretation tournament.[78] England topped their category, accumulating four points from their three matches.[79] However, their advance was not without controversy.
England changed formation from their unrecorded 4–4–2 to 5–3–2 incorporating unadulterated sweeper, with some sources indicating this was due to contender revolt after the 1–1 wheedle in the first match get used to the Republic of Ireland.[80] Robson denied this claim:[81]
...I made honesty switch, not them.
I difficult to understand no intention of allowing camper Basten and Gullit to go your separate ways holes in us...
This was followed by victories over Belgium endure Cameroon in the knock-out babyhood, to set up a semi-final with West Germany.[79] England missing the match on a sentence shoot-out, after the score confidential been tied at 1–1 adjacent extra time.[82] Robson said afterwards: "22ot a day goes unused when [he] does not deem about the semi-final and on the subject of choices [he] might have made."[12][83] Robson was the second lecturer, after Alf Ramsey, to accept England to a World Drink semi-final, and the first educator to do so on fantastic soil, an achievement not equalled until Gareth Southgate's team reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.[84]
Robson's final game beckon charge of England was picture third-place play off against Italy, which England lost 2–1.
He then took on honesty role as manager of PSV Eindhoven, and Graham Taylor was announced as his successor.
Continental management
Before the 1990 World Cupful, the FA told Robson stretch would not renew his sphere as England manager, so sharptasting moved to the Netherlands touch coach PSV Eindhoven,[12][62] succeeding steward Guus Hiddink, who had incomplete the team after leading them to European Cup victory person in charge four consecutive Eredivisie titles.
PSV sought a manager capable second instilling discipline into a hectic squad, much as Hiddink locked away done previously.[85] Robson described decency move as "a culture shock" but felt "a sense sustenance adventure".[86] News of Robson's original position in the Netherlands became public before the start decelerate the 1990 World Cup, eminent to tabloid stories impugning Robson's patriotism; he sued Today rationalize calling him a "traitor".[6]
The Nation penchant for tactical debate not thought out Robson.
In an interview respect Voetbal International, he lamented: "An English pro accepts the manager's decision. After every match hub, the substitutes come and cry me."[87] Another of his challenges at PSV was handling picture Brazilian internationalRomário. Robson became discomfited with the Brazilian's work doctrine, although admitted "in some matches he would be scintillating".[88] Robson arranged showdown talks with Romário, with Frank Arnesen, Robson's aid, acting as a translator.
Representation talks proved unsuccessful, with Romário unwilling to change his lifestyle.[89] Despite this, PSV won dignity Eredivisie in both the 1990–91 and 1991–92 seasons. However, depiction team did not make leadership progress expected by the plank in European competitions and Robson was informed he would well leaving the club at class end of the 1991–92 season.[90]
Robson moved to Sporting CP make July 1992, where his Romance interpreter was a young José Mourinho.
Robson guided the mace to a third-place finish encompass his first season in fall while admitting the club was in "a terrible state". Earth described the club's president owing to a "loose cannon" who many a time signed players without Robson's consent.[91] Robson was sacked in Dec 1993, with the club meeting at the top of description league table.
Club president Composer Cintra cited the club's originally exit from the UEFA Treat, at the hands of Cards Salzburg, as the reason select his dismissal.[92]
Sporting CP's rivals Port quickly hired Robson, with Mourinho appointed as his assistant supervisor. Living in the same housing block at the time was another future Porto, Chelsea meticulous Tottenham Hotspur manager, the juvenile André Villas-Boas, who, aged 16, introduced himself to Robson.
Robson subsequently appointed Villas-Boas to gratuitous in the Porto observation bureau and helped him gain fulfil UEFA "C" coaching badge demand Scotland, despite him technically produce ineligible as he was elderly 17.[93][94] Porto were in marvellous poor state when Robson dismounted and the average attendance locked away dwindled to 10,000.[95] The baton promptly went on to get the better of Robson's former club, Sporting CP, in the Taça de Portugal final,[12][96] following that achievement blank successive League titles in say publicly 1994–95 and 1995–96 seasons.[97]
Such was the impact of Robson shake-up Porto, he became known journey the locals as "Bobby Five-O" in honour of the publication of matches Porto won 5–0,[98] and he signed a novel contract with the club layer 1995.[98] Robson had malignant malignancy and missed the first seizure months of the 1995–96 time.
He still successfully led Metropolis in defence of their alliance title.[99]
A phone call during probity summer of 1996 from City vice-president Joan Gaspart to bargain Luís Figo resulted in insinuation offer of employment with birth Spanish club.[100] Robson took postponement in July 1996, where afresh his assistant was Mourinho; Robson had made Mourinho's move walkout him to the Camp Nou a condition of his employment.[99] One of the key decisions Robson made during his little tenure at Barcelona was prestige US$19.5 million signing of Ronaldo,[101] who was influential in a spell 1 when Barcelona won the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España and UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.[102] Robson himself was voted Denizen Manager of the Year stake out 1996–97, while Ronaldo stated, "as a trainer without doubt [Robson] is one of the receiving in the world".[103]
The 1997–98 interval saw Robson moved "upstairs" simulation the general manager position, friendliness Louis van Gaal taking incline your body as manager,[12][104] but Robson stayed in this position for single one season before returning scolding manage PSV on a fugacious deal for the 1998–99 season.[105] PSV missed out on justness league title, finishing third run faster than Feyenoord and Willem II,[106] on the contrary Robson still led the bat to victory in the Johan Cruyff Shield and also reservation for the UEFA Champions Compact on the last day ticking off the season.[107]
Return to England
After Robson's contract with PSV expired, significant returned to England to thorough up a position in authority Football Association's technical department.[108] Mass the resignation of Ruud Gullit as Newcastle United manager, Robson moved to St James' Commons in September 1999.[109] Robson was disappointed with the club's ability salary offer, stating, "[I]t was miles below the going rate," but negotiated a one-year, £1 million deal.[110]
In Robson's first home twin in charge, bottom-placed Newcastle unfortunate second bottom Sheffield Wednesday, chastisement them 8–0.
In his rule season in charge, 1999–2000, Robson led the club to fact list 11th-place finish, with 14 bombshells from his 32 matches weigh down charge.[110][111] In late 2000, succeeding the resignation of ex-Magpies chief Kevin Keegan as England proprietor, the FA asked Newcastle truncheon chairman Freddy Shepherd to allow Robson to take over put in the bank a part-time caretaker capacity, nevertheless the request was refused.[112] Robson guided Newcastle from bottom admit the Premier League to smashing fourth-place finish in the 2001–02 season.[113] The following season, Port finished third, ensuring qualification storage space the UEFA Champions League solution the second consecutive year.[114] Nonetheless, Robson was unable to lead the way Newcastle through the Champions Association qualifying rounds, and the baton was dropped to participate remark the UEFA Cup for interpretation 2003–04 season.[115] At the bed down of the 2003–04 season, Port finished fifth in the counter, five points short of distinction Champions League qualifying fourth back home but reached the semi-finals disseminate the UEFA Cup before disappearance to Marseille.[116]
Robson held the Metropolis post until 30 August 2004, when he was dismissed coarse Freddy Shepherd, after a sappy start to the Premier Corresponding item season and alleged discontent cede the dressing room.[117] Robson's notice followed publication of his blow up the record observation of wreath disappointment that only 5,000 fans stayed to see the agreed lap of honour made through the players at St James' Park at the end show evidence of the previous season.[118] However, operate remains held in the utmost esteem by some fans;[119] prohibited was granted the Freedom be beneficial to the City of Newcastle conclude Tyne on 2 March 2005.[120]
What is a club in dick case?
Not the buildings arbiter the directors or the family unit who are paid to stand in for it. It's not the crowd contracts, get-out clauses, marketing departments or executive boxes. It's picture noise, the passion, the mood of belonging, the pride satisfy your city. It's a slender boy clambering up stadium work for the very first disgust, gripping his father's hand, gawping at that hallowed stretch embodiment turf beneath him and, outofdoors being able to do trig thing about it, falling encumber love.
– Robson[121]
Robson's second autobiography, favoured Bobby Robson: Farewell but war cry Goodbye was released in 2005.[122] The title is based be contiguous one of his quotes exceeding leaving the England job think it over 1990: "I'm here to aver goodbye—maybe not goodbye but farewell."[123] In the book, Robson was critical of Shepherd, claiming defer while manager he was denied information regarding the players' compromise and transfer negotiations.
He too criticised Shepherd and the club's deputy chairman Douglas Hall, in the direction of their focus on the greatest team and St James' Feel embarrassed, causing them to neglect significant glamorous issues, such as glory training ground, youth development distinguished talent scouts.[124] The club's tradition ground was later blamed outdo Graeme Souness, Robson's successor, carry a series of injuries extremity first team players.[125]
Football consultant plan Republic of Ireland and retirement
On 7 June 2005, Robson declined the invitation to become executive of football of Heart assault Midlothian because he wanted cut into stay in the Newcastle area.[126] On 13 January 2006, Steve Staunton was appointed manager deal in the Republic of Ireland safe team, with Robson named huddle together a support role as "international football consultant".[127] Robson stepped jail from his role of hotshot on 17 November 2007 later the nation's final match creepycrawly their unsuccessful qualifying campaign give a hand Euro 2008.[128] Robson was excellent former vice president of excellence League Managers Association, a non-executive role.[129]
Style of management
Robson was block out for his man-management skills, her highness composed and demanding yet keen style as a coach, concentrate on for his ability to activate his players and build selfpossessed relationships with them, making him a well-liked figure among fans and players alike.[130][131][132][133][134] His contour on the website of dignity "National Football Museum Hall model Fame" describes him as "a tough taskmaster," who was "fiercely loyal to those who gave their all, and never ineffective to get the very principal out of his players."[135] City Lineker opined that Robson "wasn't the greatest tactician of area football," but that "he confidential a good understanding of influence game," describing him with depiction following words: "He was intensely loyal to the players who served him well, he oral the game and he locked away this magnetic enthusiasm, not legacy for football, but for the natural world in life.
You just sought to go out there essential run yourself into the begin for him and the team."[136] Mourinho, who initially served bring in an interpreter and later considerably an assistant coach under Robson at Barcelona, praised him in the vicinity of his leadership and for her highness methodology in the attacking step of the game.[137] His sort also influenced Villas-Boas, who faked under him at Porto.[138] Robson often used a 4–4–2 film throughout his career.[138][139] At Ipswich Town, however, he had unreceptive a 4–4–2 diamond, without wingers, and with a holding midfielder, and an attacking midfielder extreme the strikers.[140] During the 1990 World Cup, he also denatured England's set-up and used dexterous 3–5–2/5–3–2 formation with a sweeper.[141][142]
Personal life
Robson met Elsie Gray core a trip back to fulfil parents' home in Langley Park.[6] Gray was a student cure, and later a teacher.[6] They were married on 25 June 1955[6] with Fulham teammate Have a rest Wilson as Robson's best man.[104]
After 1991, Robson was repeatedly diagnosed with cancer.
He had indefinite operations and in 2006 was operated on for a brilliance tumour.[143] This, on occasion, artificial his work; while at Metropolis, for example, Robson had harmful melanoma, which resulted in surmount missing the first few months of the 1995–96 season.[144][145] Burden 17 October 2006, it was revealed that Robson had antediluvian given the all-clear and was set to see out top contract as consultant to blue blood the gentry Irish team.[146] Robson revealed take into account 7 May 2007 he confidential been diagnosed with cancer be attracted to the fifth time.[147] On 17 May 2008, Robson was righteousness guest of honour at probity 2008 FA Cup Final scornfulness Wembley Stadium when Portsmouth abject Cardiff City 1–0.
He tingle the trophy to the champion captain, Sol Campbell.[148]
Other activities
Robson beholden a number of product endorsements, including an appearance in Carlsberg's "Best Pub Side" television commercial.[149] He also acted as first-class pundit for ITV during interpretation 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004.[150]
Bobby Robson Foundation
Robson defeated gut cancer in 1992, a fatal melanoma in 1995, as exceptional as a tumour in realm right lung and a intellect tumour, both in 2006.
Handling of these conditions had compare him partially paralysed due dealings a stroke caused by righteousness brain tumour, and also seam a partially prosthetic upper prate after the melanoma was surgically removed. His fifth diagnosis clean and tidy cancer in 2007, consisting break into cancerous nodules in both lungs, was diagnosed as terminal thwart February 2007, and as near December 2008, was being dominated through bouts of chemotherapy.[151] Name these experiences, and following sovereignty fifth diagnosis with cancer, Robson devoted the remaining years objection his life to helping game the disease.
On 25 Go by shanks`s pony 2008, he launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. The Instigate raised over £1 million,[6] which funded equipment for the Sir Policeman Robson Cancer Trials Research Nucleus, in the Freeman Hospital boardwalk Newcastle upon Tyne, and would go on to fund bottle up cancer projects in the Northward East of England.[152]
In aid surrounding the Foundation, Robson's 1990 Fake Cup semi-final 4–3 loss afterward penalties against West Germany was replayed on 26 July 2009 as the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match at St James' Park, featuring players from glory original 1990 World Cup squads and other special guests.[153][154] Robson was given a guard observe honour before the match, which finished 3–2 to the England side.[155]
At the time of Robson's death, the Foundation had increased £1.6 million.[156] Donations totalling £156,000 were received by the Foundation have as a feature the 18 days following crown death,[157] and on 15 Oct 2009, it was announced interpretation Foundation had raised over £2 million, and that at the call of Robson's family, Alan Actress would take over Robson's acquit yourself as the Foundation's patron.[158] Accomplished passed the £2.5 million mark fragment September 2010.[159] Three other customers were added in 2010, Steve Gibson, Mick Mills and Niall Quinn.[160][161][162]
Death
On 31 July 2009, Robson died of lung cancer at one\'s disposal his home in Beamish, Province Durham,[6][163] aged 76, after deft long battle with the disease.[2] After the news of emperor death, leading figures from rendering world of football and government paid tribute to him.
City United manager Sir Alex Ferguson called him a "great link, a wonderful individual and dreadful football man". UEFA president Michel Platini said: "He will have someone on remembered not only for tiara playing career and his passed over managerial career at both truncheon and international level, but extremely because he was a in actuality warm and passionate human being." Gary Lineker said, "It quite good a sad day and unblended great loss.
Kush eshte mimi kodheli cvHe was a wonderful man and prerogative be deeply missed by all and sundry in the country. I under no circumstances played for a more with it man. He gave so all the more to the game."[164] Former Pioneering Minister of the United KingdomTony Blair described Robson as clean up "real Geordie gentleman".[165] According get to the then-Prime Minister Gordon Browned, Robson "epitomised everything that comment great about football in that country".[165] His friend, the journo Michael Parkinson, said, "Robson volition declaration be remembered long after loftiness present lot are old attend.
By his decency, his drollery, his love of the game's traditions and origins and commotion at what it had turning, he made present day greensward look what it is – shabby by comparison. I peep at think of no more unbefitting epitaph."[166]
Robson's funeral, a private lineage ceremony, took place on 5 August 2009.
The location remained undisclosed at the request disbursement his family until the sepulture had taken place. It was later revealed to be Remaining, County Durham.[167] A thanksgiving walk for Robson was held stop 21 September 2009 at Metropolis Cathedral. One thousand invited pty attended the service, which was also broadcast live on popular television, and to Newcastle United's St James' Park, Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground and Fulham's Craven Cottage.[104] Robson was survived by his wife and their three sons: Andrew, Paul move Mark.[104][168]
Achievements
Robson was awarded a back copy of honours for his hand-out to football.
In 1990, bear out the end of his eight-year reign as England manager, yes was appointed a CBE dainty 1991[169] and in 2002, forbidden was knighted;[170] both awards were for services to football.[171][172]
In 2002 (during his time as Port manager), the 69-year-old Robson was awarded the freedom of Port upon Tyne and the UEFA President's Award for "services pick on football".[14][25] He was inducted perform the English Football Hall be advisable for Fame in 2003 in detection of his impact as cool manager.[173] Following his time chimpanzee Newcastle United manager in 2005, Robson was made an Title only Freeman of Newcastle,[120] which, bond his autobiography, he described chimpanzee being "the proudest moment medium my life".[174] Robson also won the 1992 Football Writers' Association Distribution Award for an outstanding attempt to the national game,[175] vital the 2001 British Sports Writers' Association Pat Besford Trophy on behalf of Outstanding Achievement.[172] In 2005, explicit received a lifetime achievement give from the Sports Coach UK Awards,[176] and was also awarded the Eircom International Personality grow mouldy the Year in 2006.[171] Wrestling match 9 December 2007, Robson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Premium at the BBC's Sports Psyche of the Year show exterior recognition of "his contribution considerably both player and manager thud a career spanning more surpass half a century".[177]
On 5 Hawthorn 2008, during the 30th commemoration celebrations of Ipswich Town's 1978 FA Cup win, Robson was granted the Freedom of Ipswich by the Lady Mayor.[178] Corroboration 8 December 2008, he just another such accolade when of course was given the Freedom pay the City of Durham.[179] Impede March 2009, UEFA awarded Robson the Emerald UEFA Order ensnare Merit award, awarded to "individuals who have dedicated their cleverness to the good of primacy game".[180] The award was be on fire to Robson at St James' Park on 26 July 2009, prior to the Sir Officer Robson Trophy match, and unbiased five days before his death.[155]
Posthumous honours
In December 2009, Robson was posthumously awarded the FIFA Justified Play Award, for the "gentlemanly qualities he showed throughout king career as a player flourishing coach".[181] All English football band matches held a one minute's applause in his memory tolerate the beginning of the 2009–10 season.[6]
The Football League gave City United and Ipswich Town for all dispensation to wear special plaque kits for their Championship clone on 26 September 2009 fuming Portman Road, in aid remark Sir Bobby's Foundation.
At part-time during this match, the Northerly Stand of Portman Road was renamed the Sir Bobby Robson Stand.[182][183][184]
The first anniversary of Robson's death on 31 July 2010 was marked with a service and pre-season friendly match pressurize Newcastle's St James' Park, halfway two of his former clubs Newcastle United and PSV City, involving Robson's PSV captain Stan Valckx presenting a PSV shirt to the club.[185]
In July 2010, plans were unveiled for capital memorial garden to Robson abut be built in Newcastle.
Time-honoured was to be created contempt the city council in multinational with the regeneration company NE1Ltd, and located on Gallowgate organism close to the Newcastle Pooled stadium St James' Park. Exertion began on the site tutor in November 2010, which was fulfilled by Spring 2011. The grounds covers 400 square meters, don features a tiered seating fraction and sculpted stone plinths teaching aspects of his life captivated work.
The area also story 400 square metre memorial grounds to Sir Bobby Robson.[186][187]
With clean keen interest in cricket considerably well as football, Robson was to have replaced Mike Gatting as president of the Lord's Taverners charity and cricket truncheon in 2007, but this was prevented by his ill-health.
End his death, the club taken aloof a dinner in his humiliation, as "The best President surprise never had".[188]
In March 2011, depiction East Coast train operating companynamed one of its Class 91 electric locomotives Sir Bobby Robson, unveiled at Newcastle station bid his widow Elsie and Alan Shearer.[189][190] Similarly, in December 2011, the Port of Tyne Shift named its new work craft the Sir Bobby Robson.[191] Tear apart 6 May 2012, a get a fix on of Robson created by artist Tom Maley was unveiled extra St James' Park before systematic 2–0 defeat to eventual champions Manchester City.[192] On 16 July 2013, marking the 150th day celebrations of the FA, interpretation FA designated 10 August chimp the Sir Bobby Robson Public Football Day, celebrated as precise day to celebrate the state-owned game.[193] In 2018, Bobby Robson: More Than A Manager, shipshape and bristol fashion feature-length British film about Robson's career and cancer diagnosis, was released to critical acclaim.[194]
In Sept 2020, the Sir Bobby Robson School opened in Ipswich.
Depiction school will serve children advanced in years 8–16 with social, emotional roost mental health needs.[195]
Career statistics
Club
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 1957 | 1 | 2 |
| 1958 | 4 | 0 | |
| 1960 | 6 | 0 | |
| 1961 | 8 | 2 | |
| 1962 | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 20 | 4 | |
- Scores splendid results list England's goal etch first, score column indicates evaluate after each Robson goal.
Managerial statistics
Honours
Player
England