Sir Bobby Robson R.I.P

Gary Smith

FORMER England and Newcastle United manager
Sir Bobby Robson has died at the age of 76.

He died after a long battle against lung cancer
and passed away at his home at 6:30 this morning

He is survived by wife Elsie and their three
Children Andrew, Mark and Paul.

A statement issued on behalf of his family said: "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 (Friday) 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."

Tributes from former players and managers have been pouring in

Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias said " Sir Bobby
was one of the games true footballing legends. A unique passionate man
who gave so much to the game.

He Continued " he will be enormously missed by the whole football community
worldwide and we extend our sincere condolences to his wife Elsie and family."
"We may never see his like again."

Don Howe who was Robsons assistant at England said "It is a sad day, and although we
knew he was ill it still comes as a shock to the system.
He wanted good football being played and wanted the players to have good discipline on and off the pitch."

Former Newcastle United Number two Terry McDermott also paid tribute, he said " "It's devastating really.
Everyone knew it was coming - the people that saw him last weekend in the charity game could see he wasn't well,
but it shows the courage of the man to turn up in front of 33,000 people and get the send-off he deserved.
He was a fantastic football person."

Former England boss Glen Hoddle was saddened by the news he said Playing under him, he was a very
endearing man and you endeared yourself to him. He was quite a comical man - not knowingly sometimes
- and a wonderful football man. You could see the respect the players gave him, around the world. The respect was worldwide."

Newcastle United players on hearing the news held a minutes silence.

Robson who had been battling cancer for the last 15 years was one of the most
well loved characters in the game and will be remembered by Ipswich fans as
the man who guided them to UEFA Cup glory in 1981 defeating Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.

He also had succesful spells Fulham,PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Barcelona,FC Porto and most
notably a homecoming spell with his beloved Newcastle United.

His international career also spanded an eight year career as England boss were he took
them to quarter and semi final places in Mexico 86 and Italia 90.

The man who knocked England out of the 1986 world cup Diego Maradonna came under criticism from Robson
as the infamous hand of god eliminated Robson's side.

Speaking in 1986 he said "that was not the hand of god, that was the hand of a rascal,
that day Maradonna was Diminished in my eyes."

in 2006-07 Robson accepted the invitation to become special consultant with the Republic of Ireland
however due to bad health stepped down after a year.

He made his final public appearance at St James Park at a charity match on Sunday
between all star sides from England and Germany in which Sir Bobby shook the hand of every player.