President Robson

By Aston
July 7 2006

Former Town and England manager Sir Bobby Robson CBE has been named as the President of the club.

Sir Bobby who managed Town from January 1969 – July 1982 before going onto manage England, won three trophies with Town, the 1973 Texaco Cup, 1978 FA Cup and the 1981 UEFA Cup as well as finishing runners up in the league twice and two losing FA Cup Semi finals, will become the first Club President since the death of Lady Blanche Cobbold in 1987.    

 

Town Chairman David Sheepshanks: “Sir Bobby Robson is one of the great sporting heroes of our time, all those who support Ipswich Town hold him in high esteem and deep affection.

 

“His achievements at Portman Road between 1969 and 1982 were nothing short of remarkable. Winning the FA Cup, the UEFA Cup, runners up twice in what now would be the Premiership and qualifying for Europe in nine of 10 years from 1973.

 

“Some such expressions are over used in this day and age but Sir Bobby Robson is a true football 'legend' in his own lifetime. We are thrilled that he has accepted this honorary position.”

 

Sir Bobby added: “I am extremely flattered to have been asked to become the President of Ipswich Town Football Club.

 

“David Sheepshanks reminded me that the last person to hold the position was Lady Blanche Cobbold, so I feel immensely privileged to take on this honorary role from the wonderful Cobbold 'dynasty.'

 

“Despite going on to manage England, Barcelona and Newcastle the 13 years in charge at Portman Road were among the happiest days of my managerial career.

 

“I still think of Ipswich Town as 'my baby' and always will. It gave me a great education in football and made me confident to face anything. It put me on the 'football map' so as you can imagine it is very close to my heart.

 

“In 1969 Ipswich took a very big chance on me. In managerial terms I was a 'nobody' and yet it paid off. Naturally I can see a similarity to that situation at the Club right now. I have spoken with Jim Magilton and Bryan Klug, who was a player when I was at Portman Road, and I am excited for them both. They know that I will always be happy to offer support if asked but they are both very aware of the task before them.

 

“I have kept in touch with the Club since I left, particularly with David Sheepshanks and former Chairman John Kerr and would like to thank them with their fellow directors for this special honour.

 

“I look forward to watching the team again this season on as many occasions as I can, hopefully both home and away.”

 

Source: Ipswich Town – the official website.

 

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