I was saddened by a story in the Sun newspaper that revealed that former England manager Sir Bobby Robson is losing his fight against lung cancer.

Robson who is 75 years old is battling his fifth bout of the disease, told the newspaper, “I have accepted what they have told me and I am determined to make the most of what time I have left. I am going to die sooner rather than later. But then everyone has to go some time, and I have enjoyed every minute. I have been fortunate to survive this long. It is thanks to the doctors and their dedication.”

Robson’s managerial career started at Fulham in 1968, but he was sacked within months and earned his reputation with the unfashionable Suffolk club Ipswich, where he stayed for thirteen years.

In 1972/73 Robson led Ipswich to fourth spot in the first division and success in the Texaco cup. For the next nine seasons Ipswich Town finished outside the top six only once, in 1977/78 when they beat Arsenal 1-0 to win the FA cup.

Ipswich finished as runners up for the league title on two occassions during Robsons reign and won the UEFA cup in 1981.

During his thirteen years with the club only fourteen players were bought from outside the club, relying on the youth policy to provide the majority of the players at the club.

Robson succeeded Ron Greenwood as England manager in 1982, but was told his contract would not be renewed just before the 1990 World Cup, where England famously lost out to West Germany on penalties in the semi finals.

Robson joined PSV Eindhoven and won the Dutch league title in both 1990/91 and 1991/92, he was sacked because of his failure in European competition.

It was at Sporting Lisbon where Robson would meet interpreter Jose Mourinho in 1992 and form an association with the, now Inter Milan manager, that would last for several years. Sporting were in all kinds of trouble at the time, Robson saying the club were ‘in a terrible state’ when he arrived. In his first season the club finished third in the title race, but Robson was again dismissed in 1994 with Sporting at the top of the table for the first time in fifteen years.

Robson joined FC Porto, taking Mourinho along with him and won successive league titles in 1994/95 and 1995/96. His move to Barcelona followed, and one of Robson’s key signings Ronaldo would help the club to the Spanish Cup, Spanish Super Cup and European Cup Winner Cup during his first season. Robson was voted European Manager Of The Year for 1996/97, a season during which Ronaldo proclaimed his coach as ‘one of the best in the world.’

After being moved ‘upstairs’ by Barcelona, Robson stayed just one season before accepting a short term deal back at PSV, where he would guide the club into the Champions League on the final day of the season, finishing third in the Dutch league.

Robson joined Newcastle in 1999 and stayed until 2004, and took the club to fourth in the league in 2001/02 and third in 2002/03, ensuring consecutive Champions League places.

A great acheivement for one of footballs nicest people. Some fond memories for us all to ponder. I wish Sir Bobby all the best during this awful time and hope that his fighting spirit will make sure he is around for a lot longer.