Sir Bobby: Forever our knight in black and white armour.

Posted on July 26th, 2009 | 3 Comments |

A time when we all had something to smile about
A time when we all had something to smile about
“What makes a Geordie, a Geordie?” “Passion for football…..”, so went the old McEwans advert.

And passion is an essential ingredient of our national game and, of course, of our beloved club. And there are arguably none more passionate than our own Sir Bobby Robson.

Nobody needs me to give a recount of what he means to the club and the region or indeed what he means to football in general. Neither do I need to spell out what the club means to him. Even in ill-health last season he was seen at games, ever the engaged and fanatical supporter, our erstwhile manager caring as much now as he did while he was in charge.

The fact that the current incumbent managed to organise a preseason friendly on the same day as the already advertised charity game at St James on Sunday 26th July, says as much as you need to know about their lack of appreciation for this legendary football figure and the club and it’s supporters. That is a moot point now though, as the game in Holland was cancelled and the charity game goes ahead but it shows a stark contrast with how Sir Bobby would expect things to work round here.

Our club is on it’s knees and we are crying out for the dignity with which Sir Bobby carries himself. We are desperate for the honourable ethics and principles he encourages. Desperate also for the leadership, technical nous and managerial qualities he displayed in better health.

Of course, he’s still acutely aware of the nightmare scenario we find ourselves in and had this to say about Shearer’s inclusion in the game –

“It’s great that Alan can play but I’d have preferred to have him involved at Newcastle United because I believe we need a strong manager for the next five years.

“But Newcastle’s loss at the moment is my gain and I’m thrilled he is with the England Legends team. I tried to sign Alan for Barcelona, but he came back home to Newcastle instead.

“Thankfully, I was able to be his manager later on at St James’ Park and he was a model professional, as well as a great captain and center-forward. Next, I expect him to be a great manager, and I hope it’s with our club, Newcastle.”

I was a kid when Italia ’90 rolled around but I was just getting into my football and it was the first tournament I really watched avidly. I was glued to the games. One of the standout images, is of Sir Bobby, energetic and enthusiastic throughout the tournament, consoling broken-hearted players after the penalty shoot-out defeat, as I sat in the living room trying to swallow down the grief.

A few years later I was given a video, ‘Gascoigne’s Glory’ which chronicled the World Cup exploits of Gazza and his infamous ‘tears’ in the Semis. Sir Bobby told tales and anecdotes that to this day, I don’t tire of listening to. He’s forgotten more about football than most will ever know and he can talk about the game energetically all day and I for one could listen to him talk about football all day.

On Sunday, the football will do the talking as fans will relive an exhilirating night of football when England came so near to greatness with Robson at the helm. Old foes come together to re-enact the England v Germany Semi-Final from the tournament and as a mocking irony to the calibre we can expect to see in the near future, with the greatest of respect, some genuine legends will grace the hallowed turf of St James’ once again.

It will undoubtedly prove to be an emotional occasion for those involved and for the watching spectators, particularly those who have enjoyed first hand what Sir Bobby has given to the game. A chance to recreate a special evening and a special time for a very special man. And of course, the ultimate objective is to give something back, as he always does, by raising funds for his charity to help others in their fight against the disease.

Maybe it will be the last chance for some to say goodbye and to grasp a lasting memory of a very special man. I hope the occasion does him justice. They broke the mould with Bobby Robson and we should be forever grateful that he came home and touched us with his unique qualities, loveable personality and for restoring some pride to the club and to the region. Sir Bobby is a proud Geordie and we’ll always be proud to know him as one of us.

Sir Bobby Robson was not only a great international player and a fantastic and successful manager. He’s a thoroughly decent and humble man with extraordinary charisma and a wealth of charm. He promotes all the good things that you want in football and life in general. I hope to see that familiar smile and the laughter in those eyes, to tell me that whatever nonsense transpires at our ridiculous club, that for a fleeting moment he’ll know how much we think of him for who he is and what he’s done for our club and football in general and that he keeps those memories with him.

NUFCBlog Author: bowburnmag bowburnmag has written 234 articles on this blog.

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3 Responses

  1. great article bowburn

    i cant think of any 1 in football with more grace dignity or courage than him he is the mane reason i am still proud to support nufc

  2. Agree with BTG. Great article Bowburn, brought tears to my eyes and that’s before the match starts!

  3. deb – I was pretty choked up thinking about it all as I was writing it.

    The second bottle of Rosemount Estate probably didn’t help! :D