Source: Daily_Mail
Villas-Boas pays tribute to 'real gentleman' Sir Bobby Robson
Andre Villas-Boas has paid tribute Sir Bobby Robson, who was the Chelsea boss's mentor as he grew up, and who was given his first break in coaching by the late, great England manager.[LNB]The Portuguese, 33, has also donated a 'money can't buy' prize to a charity auction in October that will raise funds in Sir Bobby's memory for Sir Bobby's foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.[LNB]Villas-Boas has pledged a Chelsea shirt, with 'Sir Bobby' on the back, signed by every member of the current Chelsea team, and he will personally present it to the winning bidder after training. [LNB] Admiration: Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas learnt from Sir Bobby Robson[LNB]The bidder will also be a guest of Chelsea at a Premier League match.[LNB]Sir Bobby, a former Mail on Sunday columnist, who died two years ago last weekend at the age of 76, lived next door to the teenaged Villas-Boas when Robson was the manager of Porto in the mid 1990s.[LNB]'Sir Bobby is a true legend of the game. He was a great man, a great manager and a real gentleman. I often think of him and the inspiration he gave me not only at Porto but throughout his life,' said Villas-Boas, who begins his Premier League management career with an away game at Stoke next Sunday.[LNB] Great man: Sir Bobby Robson in his Porto days and in charge of England in 1990[LNB] [LNB] As a teenager, Villas-Boas would postselection and coaching ideas through Sir Bobby's mail box - and was sometimes late for school as Sir Bobby stopped him to chat. [LNB]Villas-Boas was then invited to Porto to watch training, and so began his ascent in the game.[LNB] Winner: Robson achieved much success in the sport he loved so dearly[LNB]'Sir Bobby has influenced everyone who ever met him with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game,' Villas-Boas said. 'The fact that so many fellow managers and clubs are supporting this campaign speaks more about his legacy than I ever could. [LNB]'That Bobby is fighting against cancer even now shows that even though he was taken from us his spirit will never die. [LNB]'I am proud to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Sir Bobby's Breakthrough Auction and I hope fans across the country and throughout the world willdo the same.'[LNB]Gina Long, the auction founder, said:'Having Mr. Villas-Boas and Chelsea football club's support for Sir Bobby's Breakthrough Auction is very special indeed. [LNB]'Their auction prize truly is a money can't buy prize, it also reflects the amazing manSir Bobby was.[LNB]'I have been lucky enough to spend many special times with Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie, seeing first hand the time and kindness he gave to all who approached him - even when picking him up from Stanstead Airport for Ipswich Town's 25th celebration of winning the FA Cup - it took Bobby over two hours to walk through the airport, generously taking time and talking to all who stopped him! [LNB] 'SirBobby gave so much to so many and Sir Bobby's Breakthrough Auction is aspectacular way for the country to have the opportunity to give something back in Bobby's memory helping Sir Bobby's Foundation and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.[LNB]'We have been overwhelmed by the support from Premier League and Championship clubs and we want to encourage companies and individuals to get involved by donating an auction prize or by bidding in October or simply by making a donation - it really will make the biggest difference in raising crucial funds and achieving our goal of raising ?250,000.'[LNB]For more information about Sir Bobby's Breakthrough Auction, visit... www.sirbobbysbreakthroughauction.com[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMELuka who's on his way to Chelsea: Blues agree deal with Anderlecht for RomeluRangers 1 Chelsea 3: Brace from Daniel Sturridge gives McCoist's men the bluesAll the latest Chelsea news, features and opinion[LNB] [LNB]
