Sir Bobby Robson 1933-2009

I posted this on the old site, then again on the "newish" site. It's a good and true story from a friend. Oh, yeah, he's the one who introduced me to FFC.



Another Fulham legend bites the dust.

He joined Fulham in 1950 (same year as Johnny H). Fulham sold him for £25k in 1956 and then bought him back 6 years later for £20k

I never saw him play until he re-joined FFC in 1962 from West Brom (his only other club). Then I saw him regularly until the end of his career.

He played right half and (on a good day) he and JH would dominate the mid-field.

One evening in the mid-60's, I'd just captained my school team to win the Harrow Schools Cup (and also scored the decisive goal). My dad and I were standing in the clubhouse having a cup of tea and sarnies after the medal presentations when a hand went on my shoulder and someone said "well played young man".

I looked up and it was (Sir) Bobby. With my dad glowing in the background he said he liked the way I played. He explained that he was doing his FA coaching badge (for when he retired from playing for Fulham) and as part of that was coaching the Harrow Schools teams (composed of boys selected from all the schools). He said that he would like me to come to his training session the following Wednesday - (dear God, I remember all of this as if it were yesterday!).

Well of course I went and (for once!) I was on fire at that training session with him. So much so I went straight on the team sheet for the next game. Prior to the game, I had to fill in the FA schoolboys forms - and that's when it was discovered I was 8 weeks too old to be eligible! (long story).

That incident and a second one when I was 18 (involving a car accident) made me think that perhaps a career in football was just not meant to be.

Still, I was coached by Sir Bobby Robson! - another true Fulham gentleman!






:mrgreen:

 

And he became quite the coach. Only not for Fulhlam :cry:

 

Great memories there, a true gentleman.

I read his autobiography this year, "Bobby Robson - Farewell but not Goodbye - My Autobiography"

When you read about his early days going down the mines at 15, to when he first met Bill Dodgin (snr) at his home, and his formative years at the Cottage. The story about how Arthur Stevens blagged Trinder's new cashmere camel coat.
After that you come to realize what football, and Newcastle and Fulham in particular, meant to this guy.

His recounting of the early days of football brings to the forefront how fortunate players these days really are.

A Great read from a great man. Checkout Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Farewell-But-Good ... 537&sr=8-1) you won't regret spending the dosh, I can promise you.