East Coast railways has named a Class 91 high-speed train Sir Bobby Robson in memory of the former Town and England manager. The Sir Bobby Robson Class 91 electric locomotive (number 91109) features specially-commissioned, cast-iron nameplates.

Sir Bobby’s widow, Lady Elsie Robson and former England and Newcastle United captain, Alan Shearer OBE, patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, performed the naming, along with Elaine Holt, chair of East Coast at Newcastle Central Station.

Lady Elsie said: “I think my husband would be surprised and thrilled to have this train named after him.

“He travelled frequently by train so I feel this is very appropriate and my family and I appreciate the gesture.

“We’re also very grateful for the fund-raising efforts East Coast are undertaking in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and we will ensure the money is put to the very best use fighting cancer.”

Photo: Action Images

onlybluesandhorses added 15:33 - Mar 30 I also suggest naming one after [Town legend] Derek "Chopper" Jefferson. He was sometimes a bit late.
0

Dorsetblue40 added 15:33 - Mar 30 Shame No mention of Ipswich Town....
0

bontcho added 15:42 - Mar 30 Could National Express follow suit for trains round Ipswich?
0

Bluebaz added 15:45 - Mar 30 Dorsetblue, we very rarely get a mention with regard to Sir Bobby these days. I wouldn't have felt so bad if they hadn't treat him they way they did. Still, we have our memories and they are very happy ones
0

Dorsetblue40 added 15:55 - Mar 30 Hi Bluebaz, I know where your coming from, Oh yes great memories ... A true Town Legend.
0

tom_the_blue added 16:34 - Mar 30 It is appropraite that it is named after the "late" Sir Bobby Robson. Buts it is deserved for a true legend, both in and out of football.
0

dirtydingusmagee added 17:16 - Mar 30 nice one for train spotters.
0

leadbitter6 added 19:22 - Mar 30 okay thats great, but what about Sir Alf Ramsey?
0

StochesStotasBlewe added 20:53 - Mar 30 I hope the afforementioned train is as magnificent & reliable as the late, very great Sir Bobby Robson.
0

Back_The_Boss added 21:05 - Mar 30 Will have to have a journey on that train one day then!
0

shearersisland added 08:18 - Mar 31 In fairness, Ipswich Town wasn't referenced here as it's a press release issued by East Coast (train operators) to name their train in Newcastle with the help of Alan Shearer as well as Lady Elsie. If it had been a train named in Ipswich with the help of Mick Mills I would be surprised if the Evening Star referenced Newcastle United. On behalf of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation I forwarded the press release on to TWTD as I hoped it might be of interest to you. Anyway, it's a nice train and Lady Elsie was sure Sir Bobby would've liked it and that's the main thing! Sir Bobby's family are hugely appreciative of the support and good feeling his name still generates in Suffolk.

0

shearersisland added 08:27 - Mar 31 PS There's a nice video of the occasion here if you're interested. Lady Elsie isn't interviewed because she prefers not to be and the media respect that. http://www.2daymedia.com/ASPProcessURL/partner-nonav-preview.aspx?search=2903201
0

Strikes added 12:10 - Mar 31 I'd love to have a train named after me. I'd be well chuffed...
0

shearersisland added 08:03 - Apr 1 Strikes - I had two days worth of train puns from family and friends. I reached the end of the line very, very quickly...
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls