I was very sorry to hear about the death of Sir Bobby Robson. I can imagine that right now St Peter is going to be on the receiving end of the full details of the offside rule, and the merits of a 4-4-2 formation compared to a 4-3-3!
What a character. What a great football man.
He was liked and respected by all, and even got a round of applause from Sunderland fans at a pre-season game! Believe me, that’s some compliment.
One thing I would like to clarify though, is the myth he was a Geordie. He was actually born in Sacriston, just a few miles from where I was born in Durham. He then lived in the area until he was 17 or so, including experiencing real work down the pit, until he moved to London to play football for Fulham.
So he was a Wearsider; a Durham lad. However, as a fanatical
supporter of Newcastle United, he was certainly an adopted Geordie!
You see, if you live in the Durham and Chester le Street area, it is around 50/50 whether you will be a Newcastle or a Sunderland fan. I am not sure which is worse really! My Dad supported Sunderland, and so naturally I did too, and we have the scars to prove it.
Bobby’s death coincided with other announcements in the press lately. One was that bankers were going to get (once again) massive bonuses, and that football players were being offered huge salaries to tempt them to move club. There were worries once again about the lack of respect for referees from these highly paid prima donnas, and to cap it all MP’s awarded themselves 12 weeks summer holiday.
When I think of the integrity of this great man, and compare this to the attitudes of the list above, it makes me want to weep!
Ask yourself this: If the qualities of integrity Bobby had were evident in society in general, and football and politics in particular, would we have the anything like mess we are in at present? I dont think we would.
In his honour I have for the first time entered a Football Fantasy League, and the team I am managing is - “BobbyRobsonTributeFC”.
I hope I do him justice.
The day Bobby died was a Friday, and this is the day I usually have a couple of pints with friends down the local. Appropriately for Bobby it’s called the Newcastle House, and as soon as the first pints of Speckled Hen were poured, I proposed a toast:
“To Bobby: A superb footballer – a top manager – and a class act as a man.”
Rest in peace bonny lad, we’ll miss you. :>(
About Graeme Urwin
