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Robson Named President - Ipswich Town News

Town have handed former manager Sir Bobby Robson the honorary title of president of the club. Long-serving club secretary David Rose has been named as a vice-president.

Chairman David Sheepshanks told the club site that award marked Robson's pivotal role in the history of Town: "Sir Bobby Robson is one of the great sporting heroes of our time. All those who support Ipswich Town hold him in high esteem and deep affection.

"His achievements at Portman Road between 1969 and 1982 were nothing short of remarkable. Winning the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup, runners-up twice in what now would be the Premiership and qualifying for Europe in nine of 10 years from 1973.

"Some such expressions are over used in this day and age but Sir Bobby Robson is a true football 'legend' in his own lifetime. We are thrilled that he has accepted this honorary position."

Robson said he is privileged to be given the role: "I am extremely flattered to have been asked to become the president of Ipswich Town Football Club.

"David Sheepshanks reminded me that the last person to hold the position was Lady Blanche Cobbold, so I feel immensely privileged to take on this honorary role from the wonderful Cobbold 'dynasty.'

"Despite going on to manage England, Barcelona and Newcastle, the 13 years in charge at Portman Road were among the happiest days of my managerial career.

"I still think of Ipswich Town as 'my baby' and always will. It gave me a great education in football and made me confident to face anything. It put me on the football map so as you can imagine it is very close to my heart.

"In 1969 Ipswich took a very big chance on me. In managerial terms I was a nobody and yet it paid off. Naturally, I can see a similarity to that situation at the club right now. I have spoken with Jim Magilton and Bryan Klug, who was a player when I was at Portman Road, and I am excited for them both. They know that I will always be happy to offer support if asked but they are both very aware of the task before them.

"I have kept in touch with the club since I left, particularly with David Sheepshanks and former chairman John Kerr and would like to thank them with their fellow directors for this special honour.

"I look forward to watching the team again this season on as many occasions as I can, hopefully both home and away."

Rose, who has worked for the club for nearly 50 years and has been secretary since 1975, was similarly thrilled: "I feel very privileged to have been asked to become a vice-president of the club that has been such a huge part of my life and I am very much looking forward to joining my illustrious fellow vice-presidents [former board members Harold Smith and Lord Ryder] and Sir Bobby.

"When I joined the club back in the 1950s the thought that one day I would be honoured in this way just never entered my mind, but it just goes to show that you never know where life will take you."

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