Source: Northern_Echo
Harper relishes Robson legacy
AS he walked around the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre this week, Steve Harper was able to reflect on the twin passions that dominated the final years of his former manager's life.[LNB] The first, The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, funded the building of the Research Centre, which celebrated its first anniversary last weekend.[LNB] The second, Newcastle United Football Club, currently sits at the top of the Championship table and looks well set for a return to the Premier League.[LNB] Both have enjoyed a successful six months; both would have given Robson immense pride had he still been alive to see them. Both, though, boast business that remains unfinished.[LNB] When Sir Bobby started the foundation, the fund raising came in at an incredible rate, said Harper.[LNB] But to come to this fantastic unit, you realise how vitally important it is that the job is not done yet.[LNB] We have the facilities now, but a way must be found to continue to fund the research to find a cure for cancer, a disease that affects one person in three.[LNB] It is imperative that people know the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation still needs their support.[LNB] I am sure that Sir Bobby will be looking down on this unit, seeing it celebrating its first birthday, and seeing what a fantastic facility it is, with pride.[LNB] But Sir Bobby was also a really big part of Newcastle United and he was as disappointed as we all were at the relegation last year. So I am also sure that he would be just as pleased to see us at the top of the league. But he would be demanding that we stay there until the end of the season.[LNB] Robson's memory lives on through the charity that was established in his honour, and in the minds of Newcastle supporters the former England boss will also forever be remembered for the thrilling years he spent at the helm at St James' Park.[LNB] It seems like a lifetime ago given everything that has happened since but, incredibly, it is only five-anda- half years since Robson was being dismissed for the crime' of finishing fifth in the top-flight.[LNB] His five seasons on Tyneside featured a topthree finish, an appearance at Wembley and a run to the second group stage of the Champions League, achievements Harper will always feel privileged to have been a part of.[LNB] I played in some massive games for Sir Bobby, and the Champions League nights in particular were incredible,[LNB] said the goalkeeper. Having European football at St James', with the continent's big hitters like Juventus, Barcelona and Inter Milan was really special.[LNB] For me personally, the Juventus game stands out. I didn't play at Blackburn on the Saturday, and was then told by Sir Bobby in his own inimitable way that I would be playing against Juventus in the Champions League.[LNB] That was certainly a big change from an evening at Kingston Park with the reserves.[LNB] They were really big nights. That was special, but Feyenoord away (when a stoppage-time winner from Craig Bellamy booked Newcastle's place in the Champions League's second group phase) really was extraordinary.[LNB] The other day someone was talking to me about the night in the San Siro probably because of Man United and Chelsea playing there and they were special nights. It probably seems longer ago than it actually was. To finish third, fourth and fifth in the Premier League was a big credit to Sir Bobby.[LNB] Simply returning to the top-flight is the aim for this season, but while a trip to Scunthorpe is hardly the same as a visit to the San Siro, Harper feels that, for players and supporters alike, there has been plenty to enjoy in the current campaign.[LNB] You would be amazed how many of the fans were looking forward to life in the Championship and the trips to the likes of Scunthorpe and Blackpool, he said. It had been a while since they had been to those places.[LNB] The truly hardcore fans can remember the last time they went to some of the clubs outside the top division. I was amazed how many of the fans were looking forward to the team hopefully winning more often than not.[LNB] Personally, I relish the Championship games just as much as those memorable nights under the bright lights of the Champions League.[LNB] I know it's a boring old cliché but, once the whistle goes, it's 11 against 11 on a grass pitch with a ball, and it doesn't matter who you're playing.[LNB] You should treat each game the same, whether you're playing Barcelona, Juventus, Middlesbrough, Blackpool or Scunthorpe.[LNB] Players love playing football, and when you haven't played in a while, when you do start playing regularly again, you realise how much you've missed it.[LNB] For more information on the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, visit: www.sirbobbyrobson foundation.org.uk[LNB]
