It’s all for you, Sir Bobby (From The Northern Echo)

It’s all for you, Sir Bobby

10:15am Monday 27th July 2009 in

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Thirty-three thousand fans and well-wishers were at St James’ Park yesterday to pay tribute to former Newcastle United and England manager Sir Bobby Robson. Mark Tallentire was among them.

IT was as if the football scriptwriters had dreamed up a game to mirror his remarkable life: the match organised in honour of a fivetime cancer battler being settled following an unexpected and dogged fightback. Sir Bobby must surely have approved.

With only 17 minutes gone, England seemed defeated, Germany having established a commanding two-goal advantage.

But as this replay of England’s World Cup 1990 semi-final defeat to Germany went on, the lionheart spirit he has come to epitomise somehow morphed its way onto the field, transforming tired former stars into masters once more.

Shearer was his old self; Beardsley picking holes in the defence; Ferdinand leaping high above the opposing centre backs.

England roared again and, an hour later, the game ended as a Hollywood blockbuster – the returning hero Shearer netting the clincher.

But yesterday was as much about the occasion as the action on the field, the match being staged to raise money for Sir Bobby’s cancer charity, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

The streets of Newcastle were lined with fans as the match approached, many glad to have a pleasurable distraction from the worrying season ahead.

“I’ve brought the bairns to see Bobby Robson,” Terry Cook, a season ticket holder from Esh Winning, County Durham, said, as Bethany, nine, and Brad, four, looked skywards in excited anticipation. “It will be something they remember.”

“I came for the atmosphere,” said Sarah Mather, from Ashington.

“Just to be here for Bobby Robson. He’s a legend, isn’t he?”

Dale Rogerson, from Morpeth, who brought Nathan, six, with him, said: “I’m here to support the cancer research, to bring the family and to see the old players.”

As the countdown to kick-off continued, chants of “There’s only one Bobby Robson” rang around the great man’s spiritual home.

But the loudest cheer came when he emerged from the tunnel – in a wheelchair, but looking happy – onto the pitch before kick-off.

Sporting a black trilby and a black and white scarf, Sir Bobby was given a guard of honour featuring politicians, football icons and Geordie heroes such as Tim Healy, before being introduced to the players and being presented with a lifetime achievement award from Uefa, European football’s governing body.

Fans roared their appreciation as he raised a hand to wave, or to give a determined thumbs up.

From around the centre circle, Tenors Un Limited sang Nessun Dorma, the moving theme of the BBC’s World Cup 1990 coverage.

Many had to wipe away a tear – and not only those in the stands.

Speaking afterwards, Paul Gascoigne said: “He is known throughout the world for what he’s achieved as a manager, a player and a man.

To see him turn up – I was so excited. There was a lump in my throat.”

Howard Wilkinson, the England team manager, said: “I’m so pleased that Sir Bobby was able to be here and I’m so pleased that so many people turned up to pay their respects. We’re happy to be here. All in all, it’s been a glorious success.”

Comedian Paddy McGuinness said: “He’s a gentleman.”

Alan Shearer simply called him a “great man”.

It was a sentiment no one present yesterday could have disagreed with.