Former England and Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson died this morning at his home aged 76.

A statement issued on behalf of his family said: ''It is with great sadness that it has been announced today that Sir Bobby Robson has lost his long and courageous battle with cancer.

''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.

Sir Bobby Robson - a life in pictures.

''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.''

Fittingly, his final public appearance came at his beloved St James' Park on Sunday night when 33,000 people turned out to honour him and support the cause he had championed - the creation of a cancer trial research centre.

The game, based loosely on the 1990 World Cup semi-final between England and Germany, raised money for his charity, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which had already raised well over £1.2m.

Whilst he watched the match, he was unable to attend the evening dinner due to his ill health.

Sir Bobby beat bowel cancer in 1992, a malignant melanoma in 1995, a tumour in his lung and a brain tumour, both in 2006.

His fifth diagnosis came in 2007, when cancerous nodules were found in both lungs.

He was diagnosed as terminally ill in February 2007, and he underwent chemotherapy in December 2008 to control it.

But despite his declining health, he worked tirelessly to promote his cancer charity - a fitting legacy of a man who will be remembered as a true gentleman both on and off the field.