We've lost a legend

I'm really sad to hear this morning that Sir Bobby Robson has died. He was undoubtedly England's most successful manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, leading us to the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and the semi-finals of Italia 90. Will any England manager in the future be able to match that?

I especially remember Robson's team that came within a whisker of reaching the final 19 years ago because it was at a time that I was really getting into watching football. I was 13 at the time. It was such a memorable tournament,which England performed below average for in the early stages, and might've even got knocked out by Cameroon in the quarters, but showedfighting spirit and, in the days before inflated ego, star players (and before WAGs!) it was a very good team performance - inspired by Bobby. Those semi-final penalties were indeed heart-breaking.

Back to Bobby and, from what I've read about him - and there will be plenty of tributes in the coming days - he was a true gentleman and manager who was fair and sporting to players, managers and the media. We've lost a true legend of the national game today.

Photo credit: ChelmsfordBlue