Newcastle United unveil Sir Bobby Robson statue

Newcastle United have paid tribute to their former manager and local hero, the late Sir Bobby Robson, by unveiling a statue outside St James' Park this morning.

Many fans turned up early ahead of this afternoon's crucial game with Manchester City to witness the revealing of the bronze statue that depicts Robson with one foot resting on a football, amid chants of "One Sir Bobby Robson".

Some greats of the game were also in attendance, including Paul Gascoigne, who was seen talking with Magpies' current boss Alan Pardew.

Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias said: "There are only a handful of names in the history of NUFC who command the respect Sir Bobby did.

"He is a Geordie icon."

Robson's wife Lady Elsie was presented with flowers by Pardew and she said that Sir Bobby would have been thrilled to see the Magpies in such a lofty Premier League position.

Robson also has a statue at Portman Road, the home ground of Ipswich Town, where he managed for 13 years, winning the FA and UEFA Cups in the club's most successful period.