Newcastle United Reveal A Statue Of Sir Bobby Robson Will Be Erected Outside St James' Park

Sir Bobby To Be Remembered at St James'

A life-size statue of Sir Bobby Robson will be erected at Newcastle United's Sports Direct Arena in tribute to the former Toon manager.

Robson, who passed away from cancer in 2009, managed Newcastle for five years between 1999 and 2004, guiding the club into the Champions League and finishing third in the Premier League in 2003.

Designed by Tom Maley, the nine-and-a-half-foot bronze sculpture will be officially unveiled prior to the Magpies' final home game of the season against Manchester City on 6 May, in a ceremony attended by his widow, Lady Elsie Robson.

Lady Robson today said: “It’s very fitting that there will be a tribute to Bob outside Newcastle United’s ground. This is where his love of football began.

“As a boy he’d come here with his dad, and he likely queued to get into the ground where the statue will be sited.

“My husband’s career took him all over the world, but he was always a Newcastle fan at heart. He loved this club and was very proud to be its manager.

“I think the statue design is wonderful, and I’m very grateful to Newcastle United for funding it.”

Ex-Toon players who played under Sir Bobby will be present for the statue's unveiling, as well as current manager Alan Pardew and other staff members.

Derek Llambias, managing director at Newcastle United, said: “We’re delighted to be able to honour Sir Bobby Robson with this lasting tribute.

“He was a great man and ambassador for this football club and for the city.

“He achieved great success during his time as manager of Newcastle United, and this statue is a fitting way for the club to remember him.”

Robson already has one statue of himself on display at Ipswich Town, whom he managed between 1969-1982.

He guided the club to FA Cup glory in 1978 and won the Uefa Cup with them in 1981, before taking up the England managerial role the following year.

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