Sir Bobby Robson Dies

The football legend loses battle with cancer, aged 76…

Friday, July 31, 2009 - 11:54

Former England, Newcastle United and Ipswich Town manager Sir Bobby Robson has died of cancer, aged 76.

Sir Bobby had been battling cancer for the past 15 years and set up the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation to help with the earlier detection and treatment of the disease.

Robson's final public appearance came at Newcastle’s St James' Park ground on Sunday (July 26) when tens of thousands of fans turned out on Tyneside to support a charity match to raise funds for his foundation.

The football legend, who captained England from 1982 to 1990, was hugely popular amongst players and fans alike. Robson was one of the most respected and well-liked figures in the football world and went on to manage PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.

Sir Bobby famously took England to the brink of the World Cup final in Italia 90, but missed out in a dramatic penalty shoot-out defeat by West Germany in the semi-finals.

A statement issued on behalf of his family read: "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 at his home in County Durham with his wife and family beside him.”