The Telegraph

Alan Shearer honoured to be recognising
Sir Bobby Robson's contribution to football

13 November 2009, by Rob Stewart

Alan Shearer is to present a prestigious award in memory of Sir Bobby Robson, the man he credits with "saving my career."

The former Newcastle United captain, who played under Robson for five years at St James' Park, will recognise the work of his ex-manager's charity at the North East Football Writers' Association annual dinner on Sunday November 29.

Shearer was recently named a patron of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which has now raised more than £2m for anti-cancer projects under the banner of the NHS.

And, alongside Steve Bruce, the Sunderland manager, Newcastle's record goalscorer will hand over the John Fotheringham award - which recognises services to North East football - to the foundation.

Amongst others, the foundation will be represented by Andrew Robson, one of Sir Bobby's sons, at the star-studded dinner at the Ramside Hall Hotel.

"I've got a lot to be grateful to Sir Bobby for," Shearer said. "There isn't one single highlight of playing under him because it was all so enormous: he came into Newcastle, saved the club and basically saved my career, too.

"The way he dealt with players is something that will always stay with me. He knew exactly how to get the best out of them. He was just an unbelievable man.

"I can't begin to tell you what a great honour it was to be asked by Lady Elsie to become a patron of the foundation.

"I know I'll never fill his boots because that would be impossible, but I' ll certainly do my bit to ensure that we continue to raise as much money as possible and I'm delighted to be presenting the award at the FWA dinner."

The foundation has been nominated as the FWA's chosen charity this year and will benefit from the proceeds of a raffle and auction.

Other highlights of the evening will see Danny Collins, the former Sunderland defender, who is now at Stoke City, being presented with the North East Player of the Year Award. Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson has named the region's Young Player of the Year.

Donations to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation can be made at: