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Bobby Robson
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Sir Bobby Robson dies at the age of 76
Sportsmail
Former Fulham, Ipswich, England and Newcastle manager Sir Bobby Robson has died at the age of 76.
Robson succumbed to his battle with cancer in the early hours of this morning.
He played for Fulham and West Brom during the 1950s and 1960s, and later went
on to manage Fulham, Ipswich, PSV, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and the
club he supported as a boy, Newcastle.
A statement issued on behalf of his family said: "It is with great sadness that it has been announced today that Sir Bobby Robson has lost his long and courageous battle with cancer.
'He died very peacefully this morning at his home in County Durham with his wife and family beside him.
'Sir Bobby's funeral will be private and for family members only.
'A thanksgiving service in celebration of Sir Bobby's life will be held at a later date for his many friends and colleagues.
'Lady Robson and the family would very much appreciate it if their privacy could be respected at this difficult time.'
Sir Bobby fought cancer a staggering five times and had accepted he was unlikely to recover this time round.
In December last year, he admitted he would lost the battle against the disease 'sooner rather than later'.
He was respected both on and off the football field and raised £1million for cancer charities through his organisation The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
Born in Sacriston, County Durham in 1933, Sir Bobby signed for Fulham in 1950 and went on to play for West Bromwich Albion and England.
As a manager he won the 1978 FA Cup and 1981 UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town before taking up the post of England manager and reaching the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup, the side's best performance since 1966.
After spells with a number of European clubs, he returned to the UK in 1999 to manage Newcastle United. More recently he spent a short time as consultant for the Republic of Ireland.
Last August, he said doctors had told him he is unlikely to survive his latest illness. 'I am determined to make the most of what time I have left, ' he said. 'Everyone has to go some time and I have enjoyed every minute. '