Fans salute Sir Bobby Robson in day of celebration

Dec 29 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United fans saluted their iconic former manager Sir Bobby Robson at yesterdays match with league leaders Liverpool.

The Newcastle United Supporters Club (NUSC) paraded banners, sang songs and organised a charity collection for the cancer foundation in Sir Bobbys name.

Although some fans claimed the decision of Mike Ashley to take the club off the market had diverted attention from their celebration, the Sir Bobby Day went ahead largely as planned.

In addition to activity at the ground, pubs and clubs displayed Thank You Sir Bobby signs in their windows.

Malcolm Shiels, chairman of NUSC, said: As a supporters club, its one of the things we should be doing.

We are looking to honour and celebrate individuals who have done something for the club.

Given what Bobby is going through and what he has done with his foundation, it was a unanimous decision to do something like this.

As well as his contribution to football, Sir Bobby has taken a central role in raising more than s1m to boost cancer research.

Hes so well respected locally and nationally, said Mr Shiels. He is an ambassador for the region second to none really.

In terms of Newcastle United, its the empathy he has with people in the region.

Hes a Newcastle fan himself. He still comes to the match, even though hes fighting cancer.

Liverpool supporters, who left the North East happy after a crushing 5-1 victory, also sang songs in praise of Sir Bobby.

One of them, Steve Gill, 52, now of Wallsend, had the opportunity to meet Sir Bobby before the game a treat organised by his wife as he is also battling cancer. My other half arranged for me to meet Sir Bobby before the match, he said. Im getting chemotherapy treatment in North Tyneside and Ive been getting it for the last 10 months.

Bobby, for me, is just a legend. It was a magic moment in my life to meet him. Hes a proper legend and a proper football manager.

Everything thats happening today is a fitting tribute to the man.

As well as generating huge support in the region, the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has received donations from Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands, where Sir Bobby also managed leading football clubs and is remembered fondly.

The first s500,000 raised was used to equip a new centre in Newcastle, which will focus on the early detection and treatment of cancer and the clinical trials of new drugs that may eventually beat it.

Work will initially be at the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at the Freeman Hospital and will treat patients from across the region.

To support Sir Bobbys appeal, visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.