Robson loses battle with cancer

Bobby Robson, the former England manager who worked as a special consultant to the Republic of Ireland during Steve Staunton’s tenure, has died. Robson had been fighting cancer for a number of years and passed away at his home in Durham this morning. He was 76.

Having managed England, Ipswich, PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and the club he supported as a boy, Newcastle, Robson’s last job in football came when he was appointed by as an International Football Consultant by the FAI in 2006.

He stepped down in November 2007 following Ireland’s unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign but continued to assist the association in developing a high performance strategy for elite players.

He remained an ambassador for the FAI but his failing health had limited this role.

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 Co Durham with his wife and family beside him.

“Sir Bobby’s funeral will be private and for family members only. A thanksgiving service in celebration of Sir Bobby’s life will be held at a later date for his many friends and colleagues.”

His former colleagues at the FAI paid tribute to a football ‘legend’ who left a “lasting legacy in the football world".

“Aside from his many successes on the pitch, Sir Bobby will be best remembered for his humour, his decency and his well deserved reputation as one of the true gentlemen of the game,” said FAI president David Blood.

John Delaney, FAI chief executive, added: “His success was rooted in the fact that he was a thoroughly genuine man and was at all times an absolute gentleman. It was a privilege for me to have worked with him, and I was always struck by his enthusiasm, his love of the game and his professionalism.”

Just five days ago thousands of football fans crowded into Newcastle United’s St James’s Park to raise funds for his cancer charity.

The friendly game featured an England side including Alan Shearer and several members of the 1990 World Cup squad. including Paul Gascoigne. They beat a Germany team 3-2.

Proceeds from the match went towards The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, launched in March 2008. The foundation has raised almost €1.5 million.