Sir Bobby Robson - 1933 to 2009

Last updated : 31 July 2009 By Tony Scholes
He had no connections with Burnley Football Club and yet his death this morning has touched our supporters as it has those from clubs with whom he was involved. The tributes that have poured in nationally have been moving; none more so than one from a very emotional Don Howe, a former team mate and colleague.

As a player he played for his country and after great success as a manager at Ipswich he went on to manage England through two World Cup campaigns, giving us our best ever performance on foreign soil.

In more recent years he became something of a football icon, working into his 70s as manager of Newcastle United, even taking them into Champions League football.

But above all he was a man who won so much admiration and respect from others in the game. Our own manager Stan Ternent spoke so highly of him when he loaned us Bradley Orr without asking a penny from us. "Sir Bobby has done us a real favour," said Ternent.

Just last Sunday I was saddened to see him in such poor health at the benefit game in front of over 40,000 at St. James' Park. It was clear that there wasn't long to go and the saddest news of all came this morning.

My memories of him are as both player and manager, but more than that I'll remember a man of great dignity and one of such enthusiasm for football.

His family have confirmed that he passed away peacefully at home with them present and it is now they, his wife Elsie and others in the Robson family, who should be in our thoughts and prayers.