Thanksgiving for Sir Bobby

The football world will join the family and friends of Sir Bobby Robson CBE to celebrate and give thanks for his life, when they come together at Durham Cathedral.

Sir Bobby’s football friends will converge on Durham City, at the request of the family, to pay tribute to a man who was held in the highest regard, following his distinguished career in the game, as a player, manager and coach.

Speaking at the service will be Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and former England player Gary Lineker, along with Sir Bobby’s friend Tom Wilson, his specialist Professor Ruth Plummer and his biographer Paul Hayward. Both Katherine Jenkins and Tenors Unlimited will sing at the service.

Among the approximate 1,000 guests attending will be representatives from Sir Bobby’s clubs, including Newcastle United, Ipswich Town, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham, as well as those from Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven and FC Porto.

England manager Fabio Capello will be in attendance as will many former England managers and players, including members of Sir Bobby’s 1990 World Cup squad. Officials from FIFA, UEFA, The FA, the Football Association of Ireland, the Premier League, Football League, Professional Footballers Association and League Managers Association will also pay their respects.

Those who played under Sir Bobby in the renowned Ipswich teams of the '70s and early '80s will be at the service, as will those who represented Newcastle United under Sir Bobby’s tenure.

The event is by invitation only and members of the public are kindly advised that they will be able to follow the service at either Newcastle United's St James’ Park, or Portman Road, home to Ipswich Town FC. The service begins at 2pm.