SIR BOBBY ROBSON, BRAVE PLAYER, GREAT COACH, TRUE GENT
A personal tribute to a legend of the English game
EVEN when the knives were out, Bobby Robson remained a real gentleman.
So when he did something that could have ruined my career, he did so with such class he commanded my respect and eternal endearment, not resentment.
It was the summer of 1990, a fortnight before the World Cup finals were about to begin. Circumstances at the now defunct Today newspaper meant I was suddenly thrust onto the big stage, charged with the task of being the main man covering England's campaign.
Frantic
I quickly discovered I had been thrown into a very deep end. No sooner had I checked into my hotel room in Sardinia, than the telephone rang. It was a tip telling me Robson had already signed a contract to become manager of Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.
After a few frantic calls we had confirmation from the FA that Robson had decided to quit the England job whatever the outcome of the tournament. There had been some previous speculation but this was it for real - Robson walks out on England.
Quite a tale ahead of the World Cup finals. But inevitably the story started to spiral out of control.
The front page lead the next day screamed that Robson should by strung up at the Tower of London, guilty of treason!
Patriot
Bobby was a great patriot, so he was brutally hurt by such vindictive vitriol. Lawyers eventually got involved but Robson had to make an immediate stand. So he politely informed me that I would be banned from the daily private briefings he would give to all the main football writers.
Not the best start for me but I could understand Robson's stance. And the dignified almost apologetic way he told me I was to be out in the cold even meant I didn't protest.
Quite frankly I was a bit embarrassed that what had started out as a good story had turned into something bordering on the sinister.
I had only met Robson properly the year before when, with a couple of other hacks, we accompanied him to watch a B international in Czechoslovakia where he ran the rule over Paul Gascoigne.
Passion
The next day Robson enthused about the great things Gascoigne could do for England - but also warned of Gazza's potential frailty.
The passion and warmth Robson exuded that day was inspirational but utterly natural. That is why after a top career as player Robson became one of the all-time great managers. Not just because he knew and loved football, but because he knew and loved people too. That is why he commanded so much respect and got players to go that extra mile for him.
He didn't do nasty or play the dictator. That is why a week later my 'ban' was lifted.
As events unfolded in what proved to be a watershed summer when English football was re-born, Robson showed the flexibility of mind and strength of character to consult with the senior players before changing England's playing system to suit. It proved a masterstroke
Understanding
Robson had his foibles and, yes, he mixed up names - I was always 'Robin'! The players would often have a giggle at his expense but they never took the p*** out of Bobby Robson.
His genial persona helped him become a subtle man-manager, capable of getting the very best out of even such complex and diverse characters as Gascoigne or Brazil's Ronaldo. But Robson's greatest asset was his understanding that, even when it turned into a billion dollar business, football remains a simple game.
When on the way out at Barcelona, Robson was being courted by Newcastle so a few football writers flew out to Spain to cover events. As ever, Robson was relaxed and accommodating company, and as we sat and sipped Cava at a beachfront café in Sitges, he explained why he would remain loyal to Barcelona even though it was clear the club were stabbing him the back.
As the conversation meandered I asked, what on the face of it was a naïve question. "What makes a good football manager, Bobby?"
Genius
"Robin," he replied, "it's about players. Find the best possible ones you can get, put them into the right positions and tell them that the best pass is a forward pass."
Bobby Robson was not a simple man but he made things so simple. That was his genius.
The morning after that night before when England had lost to Germany on penalties, the huge media corps attended a press conference in the garden of the hotel in the hills of Asti. After he made a speech that could have been scripted by Shakespeare we all stood up and applauded. Robson shed a few tears.
To this day I remain convinced England would have won the World Cup in 1994 had he stayed on, rather than not even qualifying.
Send Robson to the Tower? The FA should have gone down on bended knee to keep him.
Sir Robert Robson 1933-2009. Brave player, great coach, true gent. But, most of all, sweet soul.
This article has 9 comments
amazing player manger and guy
By jack poulton . Posted August 12 2009 at 11:07 AM.
Well Robin, I well remember your article in the Today newspaper and have avoided any paper you have worked on since due to the manner of your'e personel attack on Bobby Robson, it was remembering this that prompted me to look at your Website to see what you had wrote, I must admit that you have been very honest with your comments and gone a long way to explaining your actions at the time, it's not in my gift to forgive you but if it was I would.
Respect,
Bill Glover
By BILL GLOVER. Posted August 3 2009 at 4:29 PM.
As a Malaysian football fan living halfway around the world, Sir Bob Robson is a very much respected football player, coach, pundit and manager. His loss is felt here too.
I will always remember him as a fair minded person, always giving fair and reasonable assessment of games and players.
Always a gentleman. RIP Sir Robson.
By bOROi . Posted August 3 2009 at 1:09 PM.
Very well written piece. As a geordie, I can only wish Sir Bobby had taken over the side Kevin Keegan had built, but what a man, to say he would stay in Barcelona to see out his contract when he knew his days there were numbered. If only more men, not just footballers, but in all walks of life, had his morality and standing. Not often do people pass away and they do not realise the impact they had upon us. I hope Bobby did. RIP Sir Bobby Robson.
By Alan Bell. Posted August 2 2009 at 6:58 PM.
What a loss you are Sir Bob,A sweet man,A brave man,An Honest manager,ATre Character,But most of all Bobby was as passionate as any fan on the terraces! In this time of Greedy players and riiculous transfer fees,Te Beautiful game has lost a Beautiful Man! Gd Bless you Sir Bob,and thanks for the memories x
By ROB BWFC. Posted August 2 2009 at 2:26 PM.
Bobby was a very polite person who would give his autograph and say how are you thank you Bobby.
By David Long. Posted August 2 2009 at 12:38 PM.
Not very often I agree with something written in the NOTW but the following line sums up Sir Bobby perfectly .......
"Brave player, great coach, true gent. But, most of all, sweet soul"
By Jo Hunter. Posted August 2 2009 at 11:16 AM.
An interesting, well written and heartfelt tribute to a great man Rob. Thanks. Meanwhile I've been searching around trying to find that particular "Shakespearean" quote Bobby Robson made at the Morning- After- Defeat- on- Penalties press conference. I recall it was a good one, something along the lines of life knocks you down but you get up again and keep on fighting . . . does anyone out there know it?
By Peter Jay. Posted August 2 2009 at 6:22 AM.
It's says something that Bobby Robson is being talked about and remembered in similar tones by every football fan, uniting fiercest of traditional rivals in a poignant moment to recall what a lovely, humble, football mad, gentle giant of a character he was.
Never met him but saw him chatting away to my fellow Leeds fans many years ago, even though we were the opposition, he was so polite joking away and swapping tales and banter as if he knew every single one personally.
I just hope Bobby will shine some luck from above for Newcastle. As a Leeds fan I know only too well the hard ling slog ahead. Think of the fight Bobby put up and that should inspire everyone and anyone to believe in themselves. God bless!
By Georgina Jane Petty. Posted August 1 2009 at 11:50 PM.