Andrew WhiteToday is a very sad day for football. Sir Bobby Robson, one of the most respected men in the world of soccer, passed away today. No one seems to be more respected. He had am amazing career – taking England closer to the World Cup than anyone else since the famous 1966 win over Germany.
His career resulting in 9 years in the (then) Division 1 (UK) where his beloved Ipswich Town finished more frequently in the top 10 of top tier of English league soccer, than any other team, other than one (Manchester United). Twice they finished second. He won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and European Cup.
I was 12, with my little hand-held radio under the covers (my mum and dad thought I was asleep), listening to Ipswich playing Barcelona in the UEFA (a European competition) Cup 3rd round second leg game. After the two legs the game was 3-3 and Ipswich lost 1-3 on penalties. I cried. The following year Ipswich won the F.A. Cup, Britain’s top nock-out competition; and 2 years after that, the UEFA Cup too. To be a boy, a young boy at that, in love with a soccer team, that challenged the worlds best as a soccer team should (little money, hard work, graft, and love of the game) was just magic.
I had the good fortune to meet Sir Bobby once – in 1978 – the year Ipswich on the ‘Cup. My mother, God bless her, was able to arrange for me to attend the club’s home ground for a “home day” where the entire team was to present the F.A. Cup to the fans. I was a wet-eyed 13 year old fan. I sat next to Sir Bobby for 5 minutes and chatted to him and the team. I collected his autograph and lot of others, including Mick Mills and Paul Mariner. I even had my picture taken of me with the F.A. Cup and Paul Mariner (Ipswich, and England striker). My feet did not touch the ground for months. I will never forget how I felt as, one by one, the team entered the room – led by Sir Bobby, and they just sat around the room, next to me (and 20 or so other lucky kids). What a day. I still smile now, when I think of it.
A couple of good books I read on Sir Bobby Robson include Bobby Robson: Farewell, but not forgotten (my biography), by Bobby Robson, 2005, and Sir Bobby Robson – Living the Game, by Bob Harris, 2003. Both books were given to me by my mum and dad – Christmas 2005 and Christmas 2003 respectively. The best presents a fan could ask for – thanks mum, dad.
Ipswich Town FC web site has some good things to say today, and the Daily Telegraph online published a very nice obituary.
Bye Bobby.
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Category: Personal Uncategorized Tags: Sir Bobby Robson
