It was the day when the world, and north east, lost one of its greatest sons – Sir Bobby Robson.

For some people, the day will be one of sorrow as they think about the great man after he lost his fifth battle with cancer. But for some, it will be a chance to remember what he achieved both on and off the pitch.

Sir Bobby left the world with many legacies, none greater than his efforts to raise money for cancer research in his beloved Newcastle through the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Foundation.

An initial target of £500,000 for a cancer trials unit at the Freeman Hospital was reached within seven weeks as fans across the world showed their appreciation and love for the man.

And just before his death, that target had reached £1.6m within a year, with more than £30,000 being donated in the days following his death.

But Sir Bobby also left a legacy on the football world, making his mark by turning Ipswich Town into FA Cup winners and then a European force.

And who could forget England's World Cup run at Italia 90, being just two penalties away from a final against old foes Argentina – a game many believe England would have won had they made it past West Germany.

As news spread of Sir Bobby's death, tributes flowed in from around the footballing – and political – world.

All had one thing in common, referring to Sir Bobby as a gentleman; a kind and caring man who would willingly give up his time to talk to anyone who would listen, with football often being the key topic.

Many people have a lot to thank Sir Bobby for.

As a manager, he gave players such as Paul Gascoigne, Ronaldo, Gary Lineker and Luis Figo a chance to perform on the highest stage.

And he also had an eye for potential world-class coaches, taking a certain Jose Mourinho on as his translator at Sporting Lisbon before employing him as assistant manager at Porto and Barcelona.

For many people, Sir Bobby's work at Ipswich Town and Newcastle United will be his greatest memory.

A statue of the great man currently stands outside Ipswich's Portman Road ground, with officials considering plans to name a stand after him.

Some Newcastle United supporters – who were once again treated to Champions League football under Sir Bobby (who can forget Craig Bellamy's last minute goal against Feyenoord to take Newcastle through to the next stage) – are calling for the same, a statue and a stand at St James's Park in memory of Sir Bobby.

And the thousands of tributes left at St James's show just how much Sir Bobby was loved.

It is unlikely we will see scenes similar again. No one has touched the hearts of the Geordie faithful so much, he was one of ours, someone to look up to and be proud of.

It is just a shame that Sir Bobby's last memory of his beloved Newcastle United is one of a club in crisis playing in the Championship.

Let's hope the players can pull themselves back into the Premier League – that will be a perfect tribute to the great man.

Sir Bobby will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

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