Football gathers to pay tribute to legendary Town boss Sir Bobby Robson later today at a memorial service at Durham Cathedral. The former England manager finally lost his long battle against cancer on July 31st, aged 76.
Members of Town’s FA and UEFA Cup-winning sides are attending, including Mick Mills, John Wark, Kevin Beattie, Allan Hunter and Paul Mariner, who is flying in from the US, where he is assistant coach at the New England Revolution. Bryan Hamilton and current coaching staff members Steve McCall and Bryan Klug are also expected at the invitation-only event, along with manager Roy Keane, chief executive Simon Clegg, former chairman David Sheepshanks and former club employees from Robson's time at Portman Road.
From elsewhere in football, Gary Lineker, Sir Alex Ferguson, who will speak at the event, Sir Bobby and Jack Charlton, Terry Venables, Steve McClaren, Sven Goran Eriksson, Graham Taylor, Sir Trevor Brooking, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer and current England boss Fabio Capello are amongst those set to attend, while Barcelona president Joan Laporta and boss Pep Guardiola will be part of a delegation from the Catalan club which Robson also managed.
Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins and Tenors Unlimited will perform at the service, which is set to be screened live by BBC News 24, Sky News and Sky Sports News.
The service, which starts at 2pm, is also being screened on the Cornhill, with footage of Robson's time in charge of the Blues preceding it from midday, while Newcastle United are also showing the service at St James’ Park.