14 Sir Bobby Robson

Sir Bobby was a genial figure, much loved in the world of football and beyond. A mentor to Jose Mourinho and someone Sir Alex Ferguson would telephone for advice and guidance, he proved to be one of the most successful British managers spanning five decades. He began at Fulham before becoming Ipswich manager for 13 years and guiding them to very respectable league finishes, including two second places finishes in a period of overwhelming dominance by Bob Paisley's Liverpool. He won an FA cup and the UEFA cup during his period at Ipswich. His success was all the more impressive for the fact that he relied largely on youth players for his success, having bought only 14 players in 13 years. His success resulted in him being given the England manager's job in 1982 in succession to Ron Greenwood. His failure to qualify for the 1984 European championships prompted Robson to offer his resignation in the face of overwhelming public demand for Brian Clough to be appointed manager. The FA rejected his resignation and he went on to guide England to the 1986 world cup finals, losing in the semquarter-finals to an infamous handball goal by Diego Maradona. Robson guided England to the European championship finals in 1988, losing in the groups stage. Two years later he led England to the 1990 world cup semi-finals, losing in penalty shoot-out heartbreak to West Germany, having created a very exciting team out of players such as Paul Gascoigne, Chris Waddle, Gary Lineker, John Barnes and David Platt among others. His contract was not renewed by the FA after allegations in the press about his private life. Robson left to manager in Europe and went on to win two successive league titles with PSV Eindhoven in Holland, guided FC Porto to successive league titles in Portugal and was made Barcelona manager, winning the Spanish cup, Spanish supercup and European cup winners' cup and being voted European manager of the year for 1996-1997. One of his most important decisions was the signing of Brazilian striker Ronaldo who made great steps under Robson at two clubs Ronaldo hailed Robson "without doubt one of the greatest (trainers) in the world." Robson subsequently became general manager at Barcelona, guided PSV into the champions' league in a brief second spell at the club and then returned to his hometown club, Newcastle United, guiding them through a period of transition after a series of unsuccessful, heavy-spending stints by Kenny Dalglish and Ruud Gullit. Despite his long and distinguished career inculding league titles in two different nations, Robson never won a league championship in Britain or a major trophy with England, which is a blot on the managerial copybook. A survivor of cancer and a man of remarkable generosity of spirit and humility, Robson was regarded as one of the best managers and best men in British football history. As well as his footballing activities, Robson created a foundation to fund cancer projects in the north of England was knighted by the Queen of England in recognition of his services to football. Robson passed away in 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

British league champions: 0
Foreign league champions: 4
European cup: 0
European cup winners' cup: 1
UEFA cup: 1