England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has commented on former Town boss Bobby Robson receiving a knighthood. The Swede has known Sir Bobby since his days at Town when he made a number of visits to Ipswich to learn from the more established manager.

Sven welcomed the award:" I am extremely happy, congratulations, I am going to phone him later. He deserves it, he has been in the job for many years, he is a real football man - very dedicated.

"I think I met him in 1980 or 1981 the first time, I was no-one and he had Ipswich.

"He invited me to sit on the bench [for a Town-Aston Villa game] and I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but he was a gentleman and I was happy for him."

Robson himself said he was very proud to be joining other former England managers as a knight: "This is an absolutely wonderful honour for me, and is especially meaningful coming in the Queen's Golden Jubilee Year.

"It's difficult to express how I feel - hugely excited, overwhelmed, incredibly proud to name but three of 100 emotions.

"It is only right and proper that I thank my wife Elsie, who has been a rock and constant companion throughout our 47 years of marriage.

"Also my three sons, other family members and, of course, many of the great coaches, officials and players I have worked with in football over the last 50 years.

"It is terrific to be joining men like Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Alex Ferguson, but it gives me special pride to be alongside Sir Walter Winterbottom, a great friend and a true gentleman of the game, who sadly died earlier this year."

Another football knight, Sir Alex Ferguson, also welcomed the award: "Everyone at Manchester United and all our supporters are delighted that Sir Bobby has received this honour because he is one of the finest and most likeable men in the game.

"The endeavour and honesty he has put into a lifetime of football has been an example to us all and we send him our warmest congratulations."

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