Local Hero Returns To Newcastle United

In a great move by Newcastle United, they will unveil a statue of former manager Sir Bobby Robson ahead of the final home game of the season against Manchester City on Sunday 6th May.

With the recent relocation of Jackie Milburn’s statue to the south east corner of the ground opposite the Strawberry, this means two local heroes will be on permanent display outside the Gallowgate end.

Standing at nine-and-a-half feet tall, the bronze sculpture will stand at the South-West corner of the Club’s stadium.  The unveiling ceremony will take place at 10:30am, before the Barclays Premier League clash.

Former players and staff who played under and worked alongside Sir Bobby will be in attendance, as well as current manager Alan Pardew and his backroom team.

Also present among the guests will be Lady Elsie Robson and her family, together with representatives from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the sculptor, Tom Maley.

The statue was commissioned by the Club last autumn and pays tribute to the former Newcastle United and England manager, who spent five years in charge at United between 1999 and 2004.

During his spell at the Club, Robson twice led Newcastle into the Champions League and cemented three consecutive top-five finishes in the Barclays Premier League.

He also guided the Magpies to the semi-final of the UEFA Cup during the 2004/04 season and oversaw some of the most memorable nights in the Club’s modern history against European giants Juventus, Inter Milan and Feyenoord.

Derek Llambias 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.”

Lady Elsie Robson added: “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.”