Today is a sad loss for English football with the news of Sir Bobby Robsons death at the age of 76.

Robson was a legend in the footballing world and had managed at the highest level not only in England but also in Europe winning trophies at PSV,FC PORTO and BARCELONA during his time as manager.

Back in England he will be better known by many as manager of NEWCASTLE UNITED but it was at IPSWICH TOWN in the late 70`s/early 80`s Robson had managed to put together a superb team winning both the FA.CUP and UEFA CUP but shortly after England had been knocked out of world cup 1982 Robson was appointed manager rejecting an amazing 10 year contract offered by IPSWICH and causing a national storm by dropping then England hero Kevin Keegan for his very first game in charge.

My memories of Robson in charge of England are in both world cups 86 and 90 and both ended in dramatic fashion but for different reasons.

In 1986 England were beaten by Argentina`s "hand of god" goal scored by Diego Maradona which ended their run in Mexico.

Then in 1990 there was the famous semi final penalty shoot out in which Engalnd came so close to reaching the world cup finals not forgetting Gazza crying during the game but yet again Germany got the better of England and went on to be crowned world champions.

Sir Bobby will have a special place in my heart having played 239 games for my beloved WEST BROM scoring 56 times joining in 1956 for then a club record fee of £25,000 which also ended up Robson getting the call for full international honours playing 20 times for England scoring 4 goals.

Robson got his wish by becoming manager of NEWCASTLE UNITED from 1999-2004 the club he followed as a boy and was loved by the geordie fans and although was sacked by the club Robson still managed to get the freedom of the city in March 2005.

After turning down the chance to return to management at HEARTS Robson teamed up with REPUBLIC OF IRELAND as a consultant to then coach Steve Staunton but stepped down after they failed to reach euro 2008.

In March 2008 the SIR BOBBY ROBSON FOUNDATION was started and by November £1 million had been raised to aid the cancer trials research centre after Robson had beaten off cancer on several occasions he wanted to give something back in return to help others.

Robson was last seen on tv last sunday during the Sir Bobby Robson trophy charity game as England beat Germany at ST JAMES PARK it was the last time we would see him as this morning he passed away at his home after another long battle with lung cancer.

RIP SIR BOBBY ROBSON A TRUE GENT AND ENGLAND HERO WHO WILL BE SADLY MISSED.