Figures from throughout football have quickly paid tribute to Sir Bobby Robson, who died earlier today. Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and Fabio Capello are amongst those to have expressed their sadness at Robson's passing.

Ferguson said: "I was never too big or proud to ask him for advice which he gave freely and unconditionally.

"In my 23 years working in England there is not a person I would put an inch above Bobby Robson. I mourn the passing of a great friend, a wonderful individual, a tremendous football man and somebody with passion and knowledge of the game that was unsurpassed.

"The strength and courage he showed over the past couple of years when battling against his fifth bout of cancer was indescribable. Always a smile, always a friendly word with never a mention of his own problems. The world, not just the football world, will miss him. Let's hope it won't be long before another like him turns up because we could never get enough of them.”

Mourinho, who worked under Robson at Barcelona, added: "I have no words to speak about Mr Robson. That's why for a few months I have been unable to talk to him. It is difficult to accept such a person is no longer with us - but he is immortal because he leaves in everybody who knows him a mark of his personality - a great coach but, more than that, a great person.”

Current England manager Fabio Capello says Robson will long be remembered: "Sir Bobby was a wonderful man, a real gentleman. It's extremely sad that Sir Bobby has lost his final fight against cancer, but he will never be forgotten. He really was a great man.

"To manage the national team for so long was a remarkable achievement, and we all remember how close he came to leading England to the World Cup final in Italy.''

Robson's assistant in Italy, Don Howe, said: "It is a sad day. When somebody is ill like that you realise what is happening but when it comes it is really shocking to your system.

"Having known him since the 1950s, when he was transferred from Fulham to West Brom, where I was already, we just gelled together. We were both similar, we had both got big families to look after and wanted to be successful in football. That's why we got on well together.

"He was a man of standards. Whatever he talked about or did, he had high standards to do the best he could possibly do and he lived his life that way.”

Another ex-England boss Glenn Hoddle, who also played for Robson at the 1986 World Cup, said: "It's devastating, very sad. Our feelings and thoughts go out to Bobby's family. Obviously for everybody in the football world it's a very, very sad day.''
Gary Lineker, who was in Robson's sides at the 1986 and 1990 World Cups, said: "He had a tremendous enthusiasm and passion for football and life and continued to retain this right to the last days of his life.”

Closer to home, the Ipswich Town Independent Supporters Trust said in a statement: "It is hard to over estimate the impact he had on the history of Ipswich Town Football Club before his successful tenure at the helm of the national side.

"Forever linked with the FA and UEFA Cup-winning sides and the brilliant players that he brought to Portman Road, he was truly a legend in a world where that word is often used for those who have achieved much less.

"As recently as Saturday the skills of Frans Thijssen were on display again at Portman Road at the Fabian Wilnis Testimonial – older but no less at home on the ball, a reminder of the days when under Sir Bobby pioneered the move towards foreign players who have enhanced the game with their skill and flair.

"We love him as our own, but of course we shared him with the Newcastle and England fans particularly.

"For anyone who loves Ipswich Town Football Club he will always have a special place in our hearts. And for so long as there is an ITFC we will remember how this talented man brought warmth, humour and amazing success to a small town in Suffolk. Thank you Sir Bobby. We love you.”

Photo: Action Images

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