FOOTBALL MOURNS LOSS OF SIR BOBBY

Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson has passed away at the age of 76, having finally lost a long battle against cancer.Robson, who distinguished himself first during a lengthy tenure that put Ipswich Town back on the map with FA Cup and UEFA Cup wins in 1978 and 1982 respectively, took on the England job and led them to the semi finals of the World Cup in 1990.

A spell on the continent included jobs at PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto and Barcelona before a return to his North-East roots at Newcastle United in 1999.

The County Durham native was taken to the hearts of the Geordie nation as he led them back into European football while playing a brand of football that won the hearts of many a neutral. Robson's controversial sacking in August 2004 is often said to mark the beginning of Newcastle's current problems.

Robson was an England international as a player, where he served Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and briefly for the defunct Vancouver Royals, and featured briefly at the 1962 World Cup.
He had been a cancer sufferer for 18 years, suffering five different bouts of the disease. Last Sunday saw Newcastle United stage a charity game between former English and German internationals from his original 1990 World Cup squads and other special guests in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

"It is with great sadness that it has been announced that Sir Bobby Robson has lost his long and courageous battle with cancer," read a statement released by Robson's family. "He died very peacefully this morning at his home in County Durham with his wife and family beside him.

"Sir Bobby's funeral will be private and for family members only. A thanksgiving service in celebration of Sir Bobby's life will be held at a later date for his many friends and colleagues.

"Lady Robson and the family would very much appreciate it if their privacy could be respected at this difficult time.