Sir Bobby honoured as club marks FA Cup anniversary

10:49am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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NORTH-EAST football legend Sir Bobby Robson last night received the freedom of the town where he made his name as a manager.

The recognition in Ipswich came as the Suffolk club celebrated the 30th anniversary of its FA Cup triumph over Arsenal.

Ipswich Borough Council bestowed the honour on the 75-yearold, who was born in Sacriston, County Durham.

The council's chief executive, James Hehir, said: "Sir Bobby has been a tremendous ambassador for Ipswich and for football ever since he came to Portman Road.

"His success here in Ipswich and, later for England, proves he is a man of great stature."

Sir Bobby, who is fighting cancer for a fifth time, recently launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, to create a £500,000 cancer research centre in the North-East.

Mr Hehir said: "His contribution goes beyond the world of football.

"Sir Bobby's health campaigns show an additional side to him.

"He has also battled against illnesses with great courage and he has earned the town's respect and affection."

Sir Bobby's professional career began in 1950 with Fulham where he was an inside-forward until 1956 when he signed for West Bromwich Albion, before returning to the London club in 1962.

As a player, he made 20 appearances for the England national team, making his debut in 1957.

As a manager, he moved to Ipswich Town in 1969, where he stayed for 13 years, winning the FA Cup and Uefa Cup.

The Freedom status Sir Bobby enjoys in Ipswich dates back to medieval times when city and town charters drew a distinction between freemen and those serving a feudal lord.

Freemen enjoyed special rights, dependent on local customs, such as the right to graze sheep on the land and exemptions from tolls and dues.

The ceremony took place in front of thousands of fans on the balcony of Ipswich Town Hall, after the 1978 squad travelled through Ipswich in an open-top bus.

Ipswich Mayor Inga Lockington presented the former Newcastle United and England manager with the Freedom status.

She said: "If there is something Ipswich is known for, it is football, and Sir Bobby Robson was so important in that. It is a real honour to grant him the freedom of Ipswich, especially in front of the people of Ipswich."

■ To donate to the foundation, visit justgiving.com/thesirbobby robsonfoundation, or send a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton, Newcastle, NE7 7QG.