Probably my fave Sir Bobby anecdote


Which brings us back to the man whose life-size image still adorns, and whose charisma still radiates, the Newcastle manager's office. Shola confirms the truth of the wonderful old story about a reporter asking him if he had a nickname. "No, not really," he replied. "So what does Bobby Robson call you?" the reporter asked. "Carl Cort," he said.

He laughs when I mention it. "I came into the team because Carl Cort was injured, but in training he used to shout at me 'Carl! Carl!' Because, you know, we were both tall black guys. But Carl wasn't even there. And I would only respond to my name. So he used to turn to his coaches, and say 'Why is Carl ignoring me?' The coaches are laughing, and he'd carry on, 'Carl, look at me!' And finally I'd realise he meant me, and say, 'It's Shola, gaffer'. He'd go, 'Well, Shola then...' So when that guy asked what he called me, I said Carl Cort."

The little office is full of laughter. "I owe everything to Sir Bobby Robson," adds Shola, more soberly. "He really was another father figure, and I was in contact with him even just before he died. He taught me things on and off the pitch, like not getting carried away with all the trappings. And his enthusiasm rubbed off on me. Every day he was the first through the door and the last out, at his age. He had all the money he could ever want, but his hunger for the game shone through. I took all that on board."

It's just beyond some people to be positive about anything.

He was a gentleman.

I can think of no finer praise.

I concur with Big Gaz. £20 is a lot when only 25% is going to the charity. I'd pay it if I was all going to Charity but seems unfair the club making so much out of it. We could easily sell more than 1400 if it was 10 or 15 quid with 50% minimum to charity. You've also got the food and drink to make a profit from. I'll buy the DVD when it's released though, at least I can watch that again.