Ben Guest
Some people are loved by the fans of the clubs they have played for and managed. Some people are widely hated by most people in the footballing world. And then, there is the small group of people that are universally adored by everyone, and Sir Bobby Robson certainly can be put into that bracket.
Regular visitors to us here at The Football Faithful will know that we simply love to celebrate some of the games biggest legends and greatest personalities, and Sir Bobby Robson certainly fits into both categories, managing a number of teams around England and Europe, most famously at Newcastle United, Ipswich, FC Barcelona and the England national team.
Sadly, Sir Bobby left this mortal world back in 2009, but he did so leaving us with many happy memories of his time in the game we all love, and here are some of the best quotes about the great man, by some of those who had the honour of working with him.
“Sir Bobby Robson was an inspiration as a coach and as a man. It was a privilege to spend a year with him, it was a fantastic year. He was a very experienced trainer with clear ideas. He helped many people in his career and continues to help people now.” – Pep Guardiola
“It is difficult to accept such a person is no longer with us – but he is immortal because he leaves in everybody who knows him a mark of his personality – a great coach but, more than that, a great person.” – Jose Mourinho
“I felt like I was the quickest player going, I felt strong, I felt invincible because of him. He would talk to me like I was the best player in the world and I went out at St James’ Park feeling like I was going to play like the best player in the world.” – Craig Bellamy
“I’ve never met anyone more enthusiastic about the game, and I think that was one of his great strengths. That’s why he kept going for such a long time, and one of the reasons why he was genuinely popular.” – Gary Lineker
“In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above Sir Bobby Robson. I mourn the passing of a great friend; a wonderful individual; a tremendous football man and somebody with passion and knowledge of the game that was unsurpassed.” – Sir Alex Ferguson
“He was a fantastic man, and loved by so many people. His spirit and courage was incredible. All the time we spoke over a cup of coffee with his close family, his passion for football shone through.” – Fabio Capello
“You can see how respected he was all around the world. He was a very open and very honest person. He was someone that would talk to you. The lads really did take to him and have respect for what he’s done not only in football but off the pitch.” – Glenn Hoddle
“I was with the England under-21 team and I had a great game, and scored a goal. Sir Bobby said to me ‘you’re a good player…keep off the Mars Bars.’ What a great bloke. I still miss him today. For me, he is a legend, an unbelievable man. I still think about him, the time we spent, just me and him, not a lot of people know about that. I bumped into him once in Newcastle. He asked me what I was doing, I said going for a coffee, but instead he took me to Southampton for three days. We just jumped on a plane.” – Paul Gascoigne
“For a figurehead and for the North East, Sir Bobby was huge, but for Newcastle United he was massive. There was just this aura about him, when he spoke to you he knew what made you tick.” – Alan Shearer
“He made you feel so good about yourself and your job. You went out there and wanted to do it for him.” – Terry Butcher