Such was the affection felt for a genuine football man, his target of raising £500,000 was met in just eight weeks.

In February, he was proud to officially open a cancer trials centre at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, and he said then that he wanted that to be his legacy.

Other guests included managers Sam Allardyce, Mick McCarthy and Terry Venables, and Geordie showbusiness duo Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.

England and Newcastle star Peter Beardsley said as he arrived for the service: “Sir Bobby was one of the greatest football men of all time.”

Current Ipswich manager Roy Keane walked alone into the cathedral before the service.

Everton manager David Moyes remembered receiving a hand-written letter from Sir Bobby when he was at Barcelona in response to a request by the would-be coach to come to watch training.

Moyes said he still has a copy of the letter at home.

He added: “All the Premier League managers look up to Sir Bobby.”