The FA is set to name a National Football Day later this year in honour of legendary Blues boss Sir Bobby Robson. Saturday 10th August at the start of the 2013/14 season will be known as Sir Bobby Robson Day as part of the FA’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
The tribute, which will be formally announced today, is to honour the legendary former Town manager’s popularity and commitment to the game.
The day will promote grassroots football and is expected to involve more than 150 clubs at various levels.
Robson’s wife Lady Elsie says Sir Bobby would be delighted with the honour: "I’m thrilled that the FA is involving my family.
"Bob launched his cancer charity [the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation] in 2008 and right from the start the FA has been on hand to support us.
"He’d have loved this, and I think it’s very fitting as it will be a day celebrating and encouraging grassroots football.
"Bob never lost his own boyish enthusiasm for the game no matter what was happening off the field."
Robson, who died after a long battle with cancer in July 2009, left Portman Road to manage England in 1982, taking the national side to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1990.
Lady Elsie added: "Bob just didn’t feel he could turn his country down when he was approached.
"For him, it was a huge honour to be asked and he never took the role for granted. Every game and every result meant the world to him and I think it’s that passion and commitment which people remember so fondly now. He was at the helm of the national side for eight years — and they were eight very challenging years.
"He missed the week-in week-out of club football, the kind of adrenalin that comes with that, but it really was the pinnacle of his career."