A knight in shining armour - 01/12/2002

Sir Bobby - at home

Links:  Managers:    Sir Bobby Robson  Clubs:    Newcastle United

Last week Bobby Robson visited Buckingham Palace where he received his knighthood. I know that Prince Charles didn’t know who he was, but to thousands of Geordies the world over, he’s certainly their knight in shining armour.

For me, he deserves all the accolades he gets, he’s a footballing miracle and his record speaks volumes for the depth of his football knowledge. Just to look back at the mess he inherited at Newcastle, and to see how the club has progressed provides a great example of the quality of his work. Personally, I’m attracted to the honesty of the man, he wears his heart on his sleeve and face mirrors his emotion more than most. He doesn’t hide from the media, and is always willing to give insightful interviews and chip in with an opinion on this and that.

There's one characteristic that makes him stand out from the rest of the great managers, and that's his enthusiasm. I’m sure he wouldn’t thank me from raising the issue of his age, but he shows so much commitment to the job – at a time when most managers would be sitting at home with their feet up, well it’s incredible. I don’t go to the Newcastle reserve games, but I know a few people who do. From what I hear, there’s always one man to be seen gesticulating, standing up and down, questioning decisions of the officials, and generally showing the passion of a manager in the first days of a new job, it’s Sir Bobby.

There’s been much media speculation as to when he’ll decide to call it a day. I have my own opinion, it’s only a hunch, but I don’t see him walking up to Freddy Shepherd and uttering words such as “I’ve had enough”. For me, for as long as he stays fit – and we all hope that’s a long time yet, he’ll remain manager. So when there’s speculation that he'll go at the end of this season, or the end of the next, don’t put any money on it!

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