The FA celebrated Sir Bobby Robson Day by paying tribute to the legendary Blues and England boss at Portman Road. Today marks the fifth anniversary of Robson’s death from cancer, aged 76.
Sir Bobby’s widow Lady Elsie and son Mark were back at Town, along with former chairman David Sheepshanks, England’s World Cup 1990 keeper Peter Shilton and FA general secretary Alex Horne.
Horne, who presented a £25,000 cheque to Lady Elsie for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, paid tribute to a man who he believes held the same footballing outlook as the FA.
"Sir Bobby Robson encapsulated so much in his career that resonates with the FA,” he said at the presentation in front of the statue of Robson in Portman Road.
"He always made player and coach development a priority right through his career and that epitomises what the FA are there for - nurturing footballers and coaches from the bottom of the pyramid right through to the top.”
Lady Elsie says the Foundation has raised far more than was anticipated: "We've achieved far more than we ever expected.
"He would be astonished to know what we've achieved and what we've done with the money. It unites people who are interested in football and affected by cancer. It unites them somehow across our region and beyond.”
Mark Robson grew up during his father’s time as Town boss and was pleased to have returned to Suffolk: "The family have always been pretty proud of Dad, more so since he passed away. It’s a special day and to be back at Ipswich is great.
Peter Shilton, Mark Robson, Lady Elsie Robson, Alex Horne, David Sheepshanks and David Porter, chairman of Suffolk FA
"My school days were here and obviously there was Dad’s success at Ipswich. I’ve many happy memories.
"[You sense his presence] a little bit. We’ve just been in the offices and there are a few pictures floating around.
"My childhood was here and I saw an awful lot of matches, a lot of reserve games, youth games, I loved it, absolutely loved it. It resonates strongly.”
Robson says his father would be proud that his Foundation has now raised more than £7 million.
"He’d be really pleased with the way the FA have treated the family and supported us since he passed,” he continued.
"The fundraising that goes on is just incredible. It’s phenomenal and he would be embarrassed and humbled, would shake his head at what people are doing. It’s incredible and it’s a big responsibility for the family.”
Former England keeper Shilton says there aren’t managers like Robson in football now: "His teams always played good football and were disclipined as well.
"He didn’t like show-offs or did the wrong things on football pitches and I think that’s why he had tremendous respect around football.
"He was the sort of manager you don’t get around football these days. He was a gentleman. His roots were in Newcastle, Geordieland and I think he kept his feet on the floor.
"He realised football was a great game and wasn’t going to do things in football which would harm the reputation of the game, which is why I think he had tremendous respect.”
Ex-Town chairman David Sheepshanks, who now runs St George’s Park, the FA’s National Football Centre at Burton, believes Robson’s achievements at Town are unlikely to be surpassed.
"What Bobby did here for Ipswich Town is legendary for us,” he said. "Maybe the younger generation don’t know. I tell people that had there been a Champions League in those days we would have been in it for five or six years running.
"We were in Europe for 10 years. It’s quite fantastic what a small town that we’re all very proud of achieved on the football stage. What Bobby did over 13 years here is unlikely ever to be repeated.
"And he played teams with such passion — and he was one of those passionate men — he played teams with so much creation, attacking play, flair and fans identified with virtually every player who ever played for Ipswich.
"It’s such an inspirational story which I hope will go on playing its part for Mick McCarthy and the guys who are trying to do it now and look like they’re well on the way.”
Photos: Action Images/The FA