Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson has died at the age of 76, following a long battle with cancer.

 

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.

 

Robson made his final public appearance at a charity match at Newcastle's St James' Park on Sunday.

 

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 in front of almost 30,000 spectators.

 

The game was a repeat of the 1990 World Cup semi-final when England, managed by Sir Bobby, lost on penalties. Shearer scored the winner from the penalty spot.

 

 

 

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."

 

As a player, Robson was a key member of the Fulham and West Brom team during the 1950s and 1960s and also won 20 caps for England.

 

But it was in management that he made his name.

 

More to follow.

 

Story from BBC SPORT:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/football/8177945.stm

 

Published: 2009/07/31 09:34:36 GMT

Sad news indeed. He had football coursing through his veins.;)

Really does suck to be a Newcastle fan right now.

 

I don't think he was appreciated enough when he was the England manager, but when you think of some of the idiots who got the job after him, and how poorly some of the teams performed, he really was one of our best.

Its sad news for everyone this one..

RIP Sir Bobby, thanks for the good times..

Really does suck to be a Newcastle fan right now.

 

I don't think he was appreciated enough when he was the England manager, but when you think of some of the idiots who got the job after him, and how poorly some of the teams performed, he really was one of our best.

 

 

On the contrary, being a Newcastle fan and a Geordie got me, Nathan and some other thirty thousand fans a chance to be in the stadium again with the sole purpose of giving him the best send off possible.

 

I'm grateful to be a Newcastle fan from up here, to be honest. I don't think there's another club that creates the sort of bond with managers and icons that we do. The list is endless, to be honest. Milburn, Robson, Keegan (although he's doing his best to tarnish that), Shearer, Gazza. The stadium, everything. Everytime I go away to University I genuinely miss being at St James' Park.

 

Whatever league we're in, whatever our team is, Newcastle is the best football club to support.

 

As for Sir Bobby Robson, it seems like it worked out perfectly for him. I have no doubt that he could have easily passed away at any point over the past few weeks or months, but as someone of his magnitude deserves, his luck came through and he was there to experience his tribute.

 

He is the true influence on a lot of people up here. You'll find that unlike a lot of other people who die in the public eye, his achievements in football will be heavily heavily outweighed by stories of his personality. A true man, genuinely.

For sir bobby... !

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgxrRWTM0o4&feature=related]YouTube - New order . World in motion video (best quality)[/ame]

Really does suck to be a Newcastle fan right now.

 

I don't think he was appreciated enough when he was the England manager, but when you think of some of the idiots who got the job after him, and how poorly some of the teams performed, he really was one of our best.

 

I totally agree. I think he actually got the best out of a pretty ordinary bunch of players at the time (with a couple of exceptions).;)

RIP.

RIP

I totally agree. I think he actually got the best out of a pretty ordinary bunch of players at the time (with a couple of exceptions).;)

 

Do you have to just be a cunt constantly?

 

I am genuinely gutted by his death but completely agree with everythign Jack said

RIP, one of the best coaches of his generation. And still England's most successful manager since Sir Alf.

An absolute gentleman. The word legend is overused these days but he was one. He was everything football should have been about, personalities that we don't see much of these days in the sport. The world of football and sport has lost a true hero. Rest in peace Sir Bobby.

I just saw the news on Sky Sports. Absolute legend and true gentleman. RIP Sir Bobby.

RIP Sir Bobby.

Very gutted still ! On August 19th Barcelona are having their annual el gamper against Manchester City . and they are using this as a oppurtunity to play a tribute to him.

 

I am truly honured and privliged I will be able to be a part of this... !

R.I.P. Bob.