Sir Bobby gets his caps back

Sir Bobby says he is delighted to have his caps back

Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson has been reunited with cherished England caps, which were stolen from his home eight months ago.

All but two of the Newcastle United manager's 18 caps were stolen in a raid at his Ipswich home in March, leaving the 70-year-old distraught.

But following a "discreet" operation by police and officials from the Football Association (FA), the treasured mementoes are back with the veteran player and manager.

Sir Bobby had made a heartfelt plea for the caps' return, describing them as "the most precious items of my football career".

At one point Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd and vice-chairman Douglas Hall pledged a £10,000 reward for information leading to the return of the caps.

Good condition

It is not known whether the reward has been paid.

Sir Bobby said: "I'm delighted to say my missing international caps have been returned.

"It's a great relief to have them back, and I'd like to thank the police, the Football Association and the media for their help in recovering them."

Sir Bobby said the caps were all in good condition.

But he added: "I am unable, in the circumstances, to discuss the exact nature of their recovery."

Thieves targeted his home some 18 months ago, but it was only recently when Sir Bobby went in search of his caps he discovered they had been taken.

The Football Association (FA) was considering replacing the caps, which Sir Bobby won between 1957 and 1962.

Home ground

An FA spokesman said: "We are obviously absolutely delighted that Sir Bobby has got his caps back."

Sir Bobby says the caps will now go on display at Newcastle United's home ground at St James's Park.

Sir Bobby, who took England to the World Cup semi-final in 1990, played 20 times for his country and scored four times.

In 1958 he represented England in the World Cup finals in Sweden.

He was manager of Ipswich in the 1970s and 1980s before taking over England.

He managed PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto and Barcelona before returning to north-east England.