Source: Northern_Echo
Shearer is left in awe
ALAN Shearer has hailed Sir Bobby Robson as the man who saved my career as he prepares to present a prestigious award in his former manager's memory.[LNB] The former Newcastle United captain, who played under Robson for five years at St James' Park, will recognise the work of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation at the North-East Football Writers' Association annual dinner on Sunday, November 29.[LNB] Shearer was recently named a patron of Sir Bobby's Foundation, which has now raised more than £2m for anticancer projects under the banner of the NHS.[LNB] And, alongside Steve Bruce, the Sunderland manager, Newcastle's all-time record goalscorer will hand over the John Fotheringham award which recognises services to North-East football to the Foundation.[LNB] 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.[LNB] I've got a lot to be grateful to Sir Bobby for, said Shearer, who helped launch a DVD entitled A Knight To Remember[LNB] to raise funds for the Foundation on Wednesday.[LNB] 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.[LNB] 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.[LNB] 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.[LNB] 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.[LNB] The Foundation has been nominated as the FWA's chosen charity this year and will benefit from the proceeds of a raffle and auction.[LNB] Other highlights of the evening will see former Sunderland defender Danny Collins being presented with the North-East Player of the Year Award, and Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson named the region's Young Player of the Year.[LNB] Tickets for the dinner, which include a five-course meal and a speech by comedian Kevin Connelly, can be bought by ringing organiser Sam Lee on 01429 265859.[LNB] Donations to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation can be made at http://www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk/[LNB]
