English football’s leading figures paid tribute to Sir Bobby Robson on Friday after the former England coach lost his long battle with cancer.
Robson passed away aged 76 at his family home on Friday morning, and his death brought an immediate outpouring of love and respect from the football community.
England manager Fabio Capello said: ”Sir Bobby was a wonderful man, a real gentleman.
”To manage the England national team for so long was a remarkable achievement and we all remember how close he came to leading England to the World Cup final in Italy.
”His spirit and courage was incredible. To fight cancer so many times really showed the strength of the man.
”All the time we spoke over a cup of coffee with his close family, his passion for football shone through. He loved the game and was extremely proud of his country and the north-east region.
”I also recall the tribute dinner hosted for Bobby when he wasn’t planning to say more than a few words. In the end he stayed on the stage for a very long time, telling story after story, much to everyone’s amusement.”
Former England manager Glenn Hoddle, who played under Robson at the 1986 World Cup, told Sky Sports News: ”It’s devastating. Our feelings and thoughts go out to Bobby’s family. Obviously for everybody in the football world it’s a very, very sad day.
”He’s the closest we’ve come to winning the World Cup since 1966 — that’s how good Bobby was.
”In the 1990 World Cup with a little bit more luck and calmness in the penalty shoot-out, who knows what could have happened? He was right up there behind [1966 World Cup winning manager] Sir Alf Ramsey in that sense.
”You can see how respected he was all around the world. I was absolutely amazed to see, when he went back to Newcastle, the passion he had for continuing at Newcastle when he’d done most jobs he wanted to.”
Former England and Newcastle captain Alan Shearer, like Robson an idol in Newcastle, paid tribute to a ”great man”.
”He will be sadly missed by everyone, not just by people in the football world but from all walks of life,” Shearer said. ”It’s a very sad day for everyone, especially his family, his close friends and anyone who’s ever worked with him.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker, who played under Robson at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, said: ”He had a tremendous enthusiasm and passion for football and life and continued to retain this right to the last days of his life.
”He will be deeply missed by everyone, especially those who played for him. I have the fondest memories of playing for him at two World Cups.”
Former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence, who also played under Robson, said: ”He had such honesty and enthusiasm for the game as a player and manager. Even right up to the very end, when he spoke about football, the enthusiasm still shone through how much he loved and cared about the game.”
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid tribute to Robson and said he would be ”sorely missed”.
”I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of Sir Bobby Robson,” Brown said.
”I had the privilege of meeting Bobby on many occasions. He epitomised everything that is great about football in this country.
”His passion, patriotism, dedication and professionalism knew no equal during his time both as a player and a manager.”
Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias added: ”Sir Bobby was one of the game’s true footballing legends, a unique, passionate man who gave so much to the game.”
Newcastle players and staff, upon hearing the news, held a minute’s silence at the training ground on Friday and Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium was opened for fans to lay tributes to Robson. — AFP
