Former Blues skipper Mick Mills has been named Suffolk’s patron of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation. Mills will take up his new role when Town visit St James’ Park for the final away game of the season on Saturday.
The ex-England international will meet up with Robson’s sons, Paul, Andrew and Mark, on the pitch prior to the game when the family will thank both clubs and fans for their support of the Foundation.
Lady Elsie Robson says Blues fans have backed the Foundation since its inception: "When we launched the charity we were overwhelmed at the support and generous donations which flooded in from Suffolk. Bobby often used the word faithful and that is how he described that support.
"It's touching that he is so well remembered in Suffolk. We enjoyed our time there a great deal and my family and I have very fond memories of Ipswich.
"Given the wonderful and ongoing support Bobby's charity is receiving from Suffolk we felt it would be appropriate to have a patron to officially represent the Foundation in the town.
"We couldn't think of anyone better to ask than the man who led Bobby's team to such great successes on the pitch and we were very pleased when Mick kindly agreed to help.
"Mick's support is greatly appreciated as we continue to raise money to fight this terrible disease."
Mills himself says he is delighted to be taking on the position: "Ipswich Town holds a very important chapter in Sir Bobby's life and it was an honour to be part of the occasion when Newcastle came to Portman Road last September.
"It was very important for Ipswich Town to do something personal to remember Sir Bobby as his contribution to the club was immense. I think they did very well and it was a perfect day, although obviously the result went against us.
"Now we have the Sir Bobby Robson Stand as well as the statue outside Portman Road and they are both very well deserved.
"What I think Bobby would have liked best of all though is the way he has linked these two football clubs. He was a Newcastle United supporter as a boy and you never forget that team. It was so special for him to go on and manage the club and he is a common denominator for fans of both teams.
"I was absolutely delighted to be asked by Sir Bobby's family to become a patron for his charity. It means a lot to be well thought of by them and it's nice that even though Bobby has gone I can continue my association with him.
"We both came through difficult times together and working hard with a very talented team went on to reap the rewards. We worked together for a long time as manager and captain and it was without question my most enjoyable period within football."