Royal Mint produce medal honouring the late Sir Bobby Robson

Nov 14 2009 by Matt Lloyd, Birmingham Mail

A SPECIAL medal made by the Royal Mint for Baggies legend Sir Bobby Robson will be the first of its kind for a footballer.

Usually made to mark the passing of prominent members of the royal family, the Royal Mint will honour the former England manager with the medal bearing Sir Bobby’s face and the names of clubs he played for or managed.

A portion of proceeds from the medal will be donated to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which raises money for the early detection and treatment of cancer.

Sir Bobby, who died on July 31, became a West Brom hero after his six-year stint in the Black Country during which he scored 56 goals between 1956 and 1962.

His death from cancer was marked with emotional tributes at the Hawthorns in the Baggies’ first match of the season against Newcastle United, another of Sir Bobby’s former clubs, in August.

Dave Knight, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “Traditionally the Royal Mint marks the passing of prominent members of the royal family in this way. But we believe it right to extend the honour to Sir Bobby.

“The genuine emotion felt throughout the nation at his passing, not just amongst football fans, demonstrated a degree of heartfelt affection for a man who achieved iconic status throughout the United Kingdom.”

Sir Bobby’s widow Lady Robson welcomed the tribute when she said: “Our family was overwhelmed by the kind words from all over the world at the passing of my husband.