Fans pay tribute to Sir Bobby Robson

Sep 22 2009 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

To see videos and pictures from the memorial service log on to www.journallive.co.uk/sirbobby

THE name of Sir Bobby Robson echoed around the stadium he set alight for five years as fans flocked to St James’s Park to pay their last respects to a footballing legend.

More than 1,600 supporters gathered in the John Hall Stand as live images of Sir Bobby’s memorial service were beamed from Durham Cathedral on to two giant screens on the pitch.

Flags were flown at half-mast as the 80-minute service took place, seven weeks after Sir Bobby died at the age of 76 at his home in nearby Langley Park, County Durham.

And while footballing legends from Paul Gascoigne to Bobby Charlton filled Durham’s magnificent Norman cathedral to pay their tributes, the Magpie fans turned out in force as a mark of respect.

Fans respectfully stood at the appropriate times and broke into applause as the accolades and tributes were delivered by the speakers.

In the moments of silence that fell during the sombre affair, tearful mourners bowed their heads in thought, while others dried their eyes.

But the tears were put aside as friends and family told anecdotes and paid moving tributes to Sir Bobby – labelling him as a “brilliant leader of men”.

Many fans wore their Newcastle shirts, with Sir Bobby Robson R.I.P. emblazoned on the back of many.

:: Click here for more news and videos from the the Sir Bobby Robson Memorial Service