Sir Bobby Robson (1967 - 2007)
The God father of the English game – there is nothing that this likeable man had not turned around – from having transformed Ipswich Town FC into the top English club, he was beckoned to lead England into Mexico in 1986. Put out by the infamous ‘hand of god’ goal, he battled away leading England to their most impressive competitive run of games, when knocked out agonisingly on penalties, by Germany during Italia 90. Most people would have disappeared from the game following his treatment as national coach, but he simply went away and re-invented himself across Europe, successfully managing clubs such as PSV, Sporting Lisbon & Barcelona, before returning home to his real love – Newcastle United. A true legend, who is loved by all who meet or hear him talk enthusiastically about the game he loves.

HONOURS

European Trophies (3)

• European Cup Winners Cup Winners (1997)
• Super Cup Winners (1994)
• UEFA Cup Winners (1981)

League Titles (4)

• Portuguese Liga Champions (1996, 1995)
• Dutch Eredivisie League Champions (1992, 1991)

Domestic Trophies (4)

• Copa del Rey Winners (1997)
• Cup of Portugal Winners (1994)
• FA Cup Winners (1978)
• Texaco Cup Winners (1973)

Personal Awards (15)

• Knighted (2002)
• Awarded CBE (1990)
• Honorary Freeman of Newcastle (2005)
• Awarded The Freedom of Ipswich (2002)
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year [Lifetime Achievement Award] (2006)
• Sports Coach UK Awards [Lifetime Achievement Award] (2005)
• Manager of the Month, FA Barclaycard Premiership (Oct 03, Jan 03, Feb 02, Dec 01, Aug 00)
• Inducted into English Football Hall of Fame (2003)
• UEFA Presidents Award (2002)
• British Sports Writers Association [Pat Besford Trophy for Outstanding Achievement] (2001)
• Dutch Football Writers Association [Tribute Award] (1992)

KEY PLAYERS

Mick Mills, Terry Butcher, Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne, Bryan Robson, Ronaldo, Romario, Luis Figo, Alan Shearer

QUOTES

“In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above Bobby Robson."
Sir Alex Ferguson

"He called me his Captain Marvel and it stuck for the rest of my playing career”
Bryan Robson

"He is immortal because he leaves in everybody who knows him a mark of his personality - a great coach but, more than that, a great person."
Jose Mourinho