Sunday Sun campaign for Sir Bobby memorial

Aug 2 2009 by Coreena Ford, Sunday Sun

Mark Jensen, editor of The Mag, agreed, saying: “Obviously, he is somebody everyone will remember for everything he did, not just for football, but for the North East as a great ambassador.

“I think a statue would be a fitting tribute for people to come and physically see and remember him by.”

When the Sunday Sun approached Newcastle City Council with suggestions for a permanent memorial, they responded positively to our call, pledging to make it a reality.

Deputy leader of the City Council, Coun David Faulkner, said: “Sir Bobby was the North East’s most loved famous son and I am sure that the public would like to see a lasting memorial in the city.

“We will work with partners including the football club to see how we can make this happen.

“The whole city mourns Bobby’s passing and we were so proud that he was an Honorary Freeman of the city he loved.

“In common with the whole country – and far beyond these shores – we pay tribute to his enormous achievements as a football manager but also as a true gentleman and a proud Geordie.

“How fitting that his last appearance in public was to raise funds to help others. We now know how much of an effort it must have been to be at the match on Sunday but how much he wanted to be there.

“On a personal level, the very first football match I attended was Newcastle versus West Bromwich Albion in October 1958.

“The elegant midfielder who was man of the match – West Brom won 2-1 – was Bobby Robson, and years later he kindly autographed the match programme for me.’’

A spokesman for Newcastle United said it was a little soon to look into plans to name a stand after Sir Bobby. He said: “With everything that has been going on following his death it is a little too early to consider it.”

Meanwhile, the regional development agency One North East also marked the great work Sir Bobby carried out in the region.

Chairman Margaret Fay said: “Sir Bobby Robson was a true ambassador for North East England. His lifetime of achievement was characterised by his integrity, bravery, determination, and a natural talent that took him to the very top of his profession.

“These are qualities that define the North East and Sir Bobby Robson’s success in European and world football made people in the region incredibly proud.

“In his final years he stood up to cancer and his inspirational fundraising created the Cancer Trials Research Centre which bears his name and is a fitting legacy for Sir Bobby’s fighting spirit.”