Top 15 Sir Bobby Robson quotes

As well as being one of the most respected managers of all time, the late Sir Bobby Robson also provided a number of memorable moments when talking to the press.

Robson, who died in July 2009, would have turned 81 today and in tribute to the former England, Newcastle United and Barcelona boss, Sports Mole has picked out 15 of his funniest quotes.

"Denis Law once kicked me at Wembley in front of the Queen in an international. I mean, no man is entitled to do that, really."

"He's the only man I know who could start an argument with himself."
On former Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy

"I do want to play the short ball and I do want to play the long ball. I think long and short balls is what football is all about."

"In the first half he took a corner, a poor corner, which hit the first defender, and it took him 17 minutes to get back to the halfway line."
On former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert

"What can I say about Peter Shilton? Peter Shilton is Peter Shilton, and he has been Peter Shilton since the year dot."

"I would have given my right arm to be a pianist."

"Hitler didn't tell us when he was going to send over those doodlebugs, did he?"
Explaining to the media why he would not name his England team before an international with Sweden in 1989

"The little lad jumped like a salmon and tackled like a ferret."
Discussing Paul Parker's performances at the 1990 World Cup

"Titus [Bramble] looks like Tyson when he strips off in the dressing room, except he doesn't bite and he has a great tackle."

"I'm not going to look beyond the semi-final, but I would love to lead Newcastle out at the final."

Reporter to Newcastle's Shola Ameobi: "Do you have a nickname?"
Ameobi: "No, not really"
Reporter: "So what does Bobby Robson call you?"
Ameobi: "Carl Cort."

"If we invite any player up to the Quayside to see the girls and then up to our magnificent stadium, we will be able to persuade any player to sign."
On convincing players to sign for Newcastle

"They're two points behind us, so we're neck and neck."

"Andy O'Brien has an horrendous nose, the poor lad. It is massive, it is black and blue and it is awful."