RIP Sir Bobby Robson

Sir Bobby Robson has passed away, aged 76, of lung cancer. Alas, one of football's gentlemen is with us no longer.

Robson spent his playing career in England with just 2 clubs: Fulham & West Bromwich Albion. He also played briefly with Vancouver in Canada just before he finished his playing career. He also played 20 times for England.

It is at managerial level where Robson found noteworthy success. He won trophies with clubs in England (with Ipswich Town), Spain (with FC Barcelona...yay!!), & won league championships in the Netherlands (with PSV Eindhoven) & Portugal (with FC Porto). It should be remembered that it is Bobby Robson who brought that famous Brazil striker Ronaldo to FC Barcelona in 1996. Ronaldo himself has complimented Robson's managerial acumen in the past, describing him as one of the best managers in football. In addition, Robson managed England to the World Cup semi-finals in 1990. His last club in charge was Newcastle United, between 1999 & 2004.

As I mentioned, Robson was a true gentlemen. He never spoke badly of anyone, not his players or staff, or players & managers of other clubs. He never moaned at match officials when things don't go the way of his teams. He has contributed so much to football, & many would have been saddened by his passing. Football is poorer without him.

RIP, Sir Bobby Robson.