Former England soccer manager Sir Bobby Robson today said he was "overwhelmed" to have a statue erected in his honour at one of his former clubs.

Sir Bobby, 69, now manager of Newcastle United, was at Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground to see the likeness unveiled.

''I am overwhelmed. Proud and ever so slightly embarrassed,'' he said. ''Deeply honoured.''

Sir Bobby, who made his name as a manager at Ipswich in the 1970s, added: ''I was privileged to be knighted, particularly during the Queen's Jubilee and during the World Cup. It was quite ironic.

''I've had a terrific month. I am just trying to slow down but I can't really.''