Tributes flood in for Bobby

English football's leading figures have paid tribute to Sir Bobby Robson after the former England coach lost his long battle with cancer.

Robson passed away, aged 76, at his family home yesterday, and his death brought an immediate outpouring of love and respect from the football community.

England manager Fabio Capello said: "Sir Bobby was a wonderful man, a real gentleman. To manage the England national team for so long was a remarkable achievement and we all remember how close he came to leading England to the World Cup Final in Italy.

"His spirit and courage was incredible. To fight cancer so many times really showed the strength of the man.

"All the time we spoke over a cup of coffee with his close family, his passion for football shone through.

"He loved the game and was extremely proud of his country and the North East region.

"I also recall the tribute dinner hosted for Bobby when he wasn't planning to say more than a few words.

"In the end he stayed on the stage for a very long time, telling story after story, much to everyone's amusement."

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle, who played under Robson at the 1986 World Cup, said: "It's devastating. Our feelings and thoughts go out to Bobby's family. Obviously for everybody in the football world it's a very, very sad day.

"He's the closest we've come to winning the World Cup since 1966 – that's how good Bobby was.

"In the 1990 World Cup, with a little bit more luck and calmness in the penalty shoot-out, who knows what could have happened?

"He was right up there behind [1966 World Cup winning manager] Sir Alf Ramsey in that sense.

"You can see how respected he was all around the world.

"I was absolutely amazed to see, when he went back to Newcastle, the passion he had for continuing at Newcastle when he'd done most jobs he wanted to."

Former England and Newcastle captain Alan Shearer, like Robson an idol in Newcastle, paid tribute to a "great man".

"He will be sadly missed by everyone, not just by people in the football world but from all walks of life," said the Newcastle manager.

"It's a very sad day for everyone, especially his family, his close friends and anyone who has ever worked with him."

Gordon Brown said Robson would be "sorely missed". "I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of Sir Bobby Robson," said the British Prime Minister.

"I had the privilege of meeting Bobby on many occasions. He epitomised everything that is great about football in this country.

"His passion, patriotism, dedication and professionalism knew no equal during his time both as a player and a manager."

English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, speaking at the Barclays Asia Trophy tournament in Beijing, China, said: "Anyone who has spent time in Bobby's company was enriched. The great thing about him was that he made you feel you knew him well.

"He always had time to speak to you and share his passion for the game."

Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias said: "Sir Bobby was one of the game's true footballing legends, a unique, passionate man who gave so much to the game."

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