This Thursday is this year’s Sir Bobby Robson Day with the legendary Town and England boss set to be honoured by the FA at the Blues’ open day at Portman Road (free entry all day, 10am - 2pm). Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of Robson losing his battle against cancer, aged 76.
Following on from an inaugural nationwide event last year, the FA, in conjunction with the Suffolk FA, will showcase its work at grassroots level - particularly with children - through an FA Charter Standard clubs tournament, FA Skills session and coaching workshop on the Fieldturf.
Robson’s son Mark, his England World Cup 1990 goalkeeper Peter Shilton and FA general secretary Alex Horne will all be at Portman Road.
Tributes will also be paid across the country and also further afield, with so much of his success having come in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.
Lady Elsie Robson, Sir Bobby’s widow, said: "Bob would love the idea of all these young players coming together to learn new skills and enjoy playing some football. He’d be in his element, and no doubt helping the coaches do their job too.
"It feels like a very appropriate way to remember him. We were so pleased last year when the first Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day was such a success.
"I’m always touched by how fondly people remember Bob and by the wonderful support his charity receives. He was so passionate about his Foundation and we’re very grateful to the FA for the way they’ve always supported our work."
FA chairman Greg Dyke said: "Attending last year’s inaugural Sir Bobby Robson Day was one of my first acts as FA chairman and it was inspiring to see so many youngsters enjoying the game and getting so much out of football.
"It was exactly why I took the job. Sir Bobby was all about enthusiasm and energy, pride and passion — and we should never lose sight of the simple pleasures of football.
"Sir Bobby was the perfect ambassador for English football and much loved by everyone, even those who never even had the fortune to meet him in person.
"I am delighted that we are able to play a small part in ensuring his outstanding contribution to sport in this country is never forgotten.”
A Town spokesman added: "It will be an honour for Ipswich Town to welcome members of the Robson family back to Portman Road on what will be a special occasion.
"It seems so appropriate that we celebrate Sir Bobby Robson Day on the day we have designated as an open day at the club, with fans invited in to watch the team train and enjoy a host of activities.
"As well as being a football legend for what he achieved on the field, Sir Bobby was always happy to meet and talk to supporters about the game and we are sure he would have enjoyed the football club opening its doors to the fans.”
Thursday’s event will also help spread the word of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation - the charity he established during the final 18 months of his life.
The FA will make a donation to the Foundation from its FA Community Shield Fund as Wembley prepares to host August 10th’s season curtain-raiser between Arsenal and Manchester City.
Prior to the open day, from which Mark Murphy's Radio Suffolk show will be broadcast live, Town are offering fans who have bought the new adidas home shirt the chance to take part in the club’s biggest ever team photo.
The photo shoot will take place at 9.45am in the lower Sir Bobby Robson Stand. Access is via Access Gate 7 on Portman Road from 8.45am with fans needing to be in and seated by 9:30am. Full details on the club site.