Footballers and managers come and go but one name lives on and that’s Robson.
Sir Bobby Robson, the man that brought so much success to Ipswich Town would have been 90 years old today.
They’re also planning another on the 81st minute to remember the UEFA cup win in 1981 and a third on the 90th minute to mark what would have been his 90th birthday today.
It’s 14 years since he passed away, but his legacy certainly lives on.
We’ve got a special programme at BBC Radio Suffolk today from midday when those who knew him best will be paying tribute to the legend.
Our guest list is out of this world and all of them were delighted to take part.
From his England days we’ll be hearing from Peter Shilton, Chris Waddle, Stuart Pearce and Paul Parker.
We’ll also be joined by Ipswich legends, Terry Butcher, Russell Osman, Paul Cooper, Eric Gates, Brian Talbot, Frans Thijssen and Arnold Muhren. We may well have one or two other surprises, if we can fit them in!
Two people who knew him well will also be joining us, Pat Godbold who was his secretary for decades and Charlie Woods who also closely worked alongside Sir Bobby.
So, if you’re a Town fan and even if you’re not tune in as I’m expecting some great stories to be shared.
If you’re going to the ground today, Ipswich Town will be marking the occasion too and later today Newcastle will be doing the same at their match at St James’s Park.
Fans going to Portman Road are being encouraged to wear retro shirts, bring along their old scarves and who knows we might even see the odd blue and white rosette.
The club is also going to play Sir Bobby’s favourite song My Way over they PA which for some of us will be quite an emotional moment.
His legacy isn’t just football, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation was launched by the great man back in 2008 and continues to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer.
Speaking on the foundation website Bobby’s widow Lady Elsie, says, “Bob really loved his birthdays and he’d talk about them for weeks ahead of the day. He’d be just the same if he was here to celebrate his 90th and I wish he was.
“It’s wonderful that so many people are remembering Bob this week and celebrating what he achieved, in football and through his cancer foundation”.
His courage and determination to speak so openly about his fight with cancer was inspirational when he was alive and through the foundation continues to be even today.
I can’t think of another football manager that this celebration would happen for, not even our other great manager Sir Alf Ramsey who won the Division One title with Town and the World Cup with England.
What’s so special about Sir Bobby? Yes, he brought success nearly everywhere he went but it was the time he had for people too. His secretary, Pat Godbold, told me she would often have to book out family time in his diary, if not he’d be here, there and everywhere talking football!
For me I was lucky enough to watch his teams and I got to meet and interview him too, he was lovely and very open when I spoke to him, particularly about his cancer.
So, Bobby thank you for all you did and continue to do. I along with thousands of others be proud to join in the applause at Portman Road later.
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