FOOTBALL legend Bryan Robson said he was 'overwhelmed' with affection shown to him at a special evening to remember his seven years in charge of Middlesbrough FC.

And there was an emotional moment when the son of the teacher who discovered him came on stage to meet the Manchester United great who was born in Chester-le-Street.

'Robbo' took to the stage in front of a sell-out crowd for almost two and a half hours with BBC Tees radio presenter Paul 'Goffy' Gough, whose company Goffy Media had arranged the event at the Dormans Club in Middlesbrough.

The audience learned that Robson was spotted by Easington-born football scout and school teacher the late Norman Humphries, who advised West Bromwich Albion to sign the prodigy.

Mr Humphries' son Gavin was invited on stage by Goffy Media to pay tribute to the former England legend, and explain how Robson had kept his name alive through his glittering career, even giving him credit for his work back in the seventies with a mention of thanks in his first book, United We Stand.

Mr Humphries was a highly respected teacher during his life, including a spell at Acre Rigg School in Peterlee where he taught PE and Geography. He became ill with cancer and died four years ago at the age of 70.

Gavin Humphries said: "It was at this time I though I would try and track Bryan down to see if he would speak with my dad through the very difficult times that he was facing due to his suffering with cancer. Sure enough he didn't disappoint my dad."

Robson, who managed Middlesbrough from 1994 to 2001, said: "Gavin's appearance came right out of the blue and I never expected anything in return. Norman will always be very special in my life, that's for sure."