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Orr: Sir Bobby a Big Influence
Friday, 16th Nov 2012 14:19

Ipswich legend Sir Bobby Robson was a leading influence on new signing Bradley Orr during their time together at Newcastle.

Orr, 30, was a youngster at St James’ Park when the ex-Town and England manager was in charge — but he has never forgotten the great man’s part in his development.

The on-loan Blackburn defender said: “I was just a kid but he brought me through from the youth team to the first team squad and included me in matchday squads and on the bench.

“I never got as far as making my first team debut but for two or three years he always had me in and around the set-up. He was someone you could only love.

“His enthusiasm and character just rubbed off on everyone. He had great ties with Ipswich and when I was a fan I always thought of Ipswich as being a big, big club.

“It is a club steeped in tradition and history, and Bobby always used to talk about Ipswich Town along with Charlie Woods. I’ve always known that the club has history, tradition and all the things that big clubs have.”

Orr has made 12 senior appearances for Blackburn this season, including their 1-1 draw at Portman Road on the opening day, but having lost his place under new boss Henning Berg he wasted no time in agreeing his temporary move to Town.

He added: “I found out about the interest last weekend then I knew on Monday that I would be coming down to sign. I packed a case Monday night and I was in the car Tuesday morning, first thing, so it all happened pretty quickly.

“I’ve had no second thoughts at all. I spoke to the gaffer, which was great, and he outlined a bit of his plans. To be honest, the only factor that concerned me was the living away from my children and my wife, but for me it’s a job and sacrifices need to be made in order to achieve what you want and that’s the case with me.”

Match fitness is not a problem because Orr has not been out of action for long enough to get rusty.

He said: “In my head I wanted to get out quickly. I didn’t feel that I deserved to be out of the team and I saw this as an opportunity to strike while the iron’s hot, as far as my match fitness is concerned.

“I didn’t want to sit around and stagnate for three or four weeks and then come in and maybe take three or four games to get up to the pace that’s needed.

“I wanted to do it sooner rather than later, plus I didn’t want to let anyone down at the club I was joining. I feel like I am match-ready if selected and that was a big factor in me wanting to get the deal done quickly.”


Photo: Action Images



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1967blue added 14:36 - Nov 16
Isn't that the Sir Alf statue though?!
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NorthstaNder added 14:40 - Nov 16
@1967blue Yes, but who's portrait is on the side of the stand/club shop bit?

D'OH!!
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JWM added 14:40 - Nov 16
He can sure talk the talk and now I hope he can walk the walk!
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1967blue added 14:41 - Nov 16
I notice that after I posted but couldn't see how to delete. D'oh indeed!
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IpsRich added 14:47 - Nov 16
Agree JWM - I'd rather he did his talking on the pitch!
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Edmunds5 added 15:34 - Nov 16
Nice to hear the appreciate for Sir Bobby, I like new players speaking like this, it makes you proud to be a supporter when players think highly of us as a club. Will have a difficult test tomorrow whoever he is up against whether it be Knockaert/Marshall/Dyer but then its like that all over the pitch. He seems up to the challenge, hope he does well
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francisb123 added 17:04 - Nov 16
ONE BOBBY ROBSON!
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Arthur added 18:38 - Nov 16
Ooooohhh Good words... Welcome to ITFC

Do the biz for us Mate and we'll be very happy.
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itfc1981 added 19:18 - Nov 16
He also heard Norwich have won feck all.
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TimmyH added 19:47 - Nov 16
We've got Sir Alf and Sir Bobby who'll always be associated with this club - what have you got Narrrwich? - oh yeah fu*k all!!
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MVBlue added 21:39 - Nov 16
Norwich have Ian Crook he who was seen holding up the ITFC shirt. He was manager of Sydney FC, but left last week after a big defeat He'd subbed Del Piero and the team went on to lose. He cited pressure of management. He managed less than a year. Thats Norwichs legacy.
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Premierbluez added 22:48 - Nov 16
What with the South Stand now being known as the Alf Ramsey Stand and the North Stand as the Bobby Robson Stand perhaps in the future Ipswich would consider moving the statues so that they are each at the end of the ground named after them?
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SheffieldBlue1 added 03:07 - Nov 17
Think some of the comments here are completely missing the point.

That Sir Bobby Robson is still attracting players to our club is a testament to both his character as a manager and as man, and speak volumes about how respected he was,and still is, in footballing circles.

Love live Sir Bobby, still my ultimate footballing idol.
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DiamondGezzer added 07:29 - Nov 17
Others are right, players do normally say all the thngs he has said, the only difference is, with him it sounds genuine. Let's hope you have a blinder today and continue being a success with us. There's something of a Matt Holland quality in him, and I'm sure we're all agreed that can't be such a bad thing.
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