Sir Bobby would have been ‘thrilled’ at Newcastle’s season, says Lady Elsie http://tinyurl.com/7azwfvl http://tinyurl.com/7fxl2be (雕像揭幕圖集) SIR Bobby Robson would have been “thrilled” by Newcastle United’s remarkable season, according to his widow Lady Elsie. Lady Elsie was speaking at the unveiling of a statue of Sir Bobby outside St James’s Park ahead of this afternoon’s game against Manchester City. The ceremony was attended by Newcastle manager Alan Pardew and his staff, including John Carver, who was by Robson’s side during his four-year tenure at the club. United’s longest-serving player, Steve Harper, was also there, along with Paul Gascoigne and Nicos Dabizas. Robson, from Langley Park, Co Durham, lost his battle with cancer in July 2009 and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation has since gone on to raise more than ￡4m towards the early detection and treatment of the disease. A decade after Sir Bobby guided the club into the Champions League, Newcastle are again competing for a place in the top four of the Premier League. Speaking at the unveiling, Lady Elsie said: “From the darkness of Langley Park colliery to the bright glare of the floodlights, black and white were the shades which always clung to him, because although he left the North East as a young man to pursue his football career, the North East and Newcastle United never left him. “It feels fitting that we should be standing on the hill that Bob used to walk up with his father and his brothers on Saturday afternoons to watch Albert Stubbins and his other boyhood heroes. “It was here that Bob’s great love affair with football began and it was here that he returned to proudly manage Newcastle and help them rebuild and eventually lift them into Europe. “He would be thrilled with the way Newcastle performed this season, which is testamant to the hard work and dedication of Alan Pardew, his staff and players.” United’s managing director Derek Llambias said: “There are only a handful of names in the history of Newcastle United that command the respect and recognition that Sir Bobby did. “Throughout the world of football, he was respected for his achievements as a player and manager, and he is held in the highest regard by everybody associated with the world of football. “But here in the North East, he is a Geordie icon who helped shape the history of this club. “He led Newcastle United into the Champions League and the upper reaches of the Premier League during his reign as manager. “He also enjoyed a very special relationship with Newcastle fans. On behalf of everybody associated with Newcastle, we are delighted to honour Sir Bobby Robson. “I am sure you will agree this status is a fitting tribute to a truly great man.” --

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