Sir Bobby Robson statue unveiled

Sir Bobby Robson said he was proud of the statue

Former England football manager Sir Bobby Robson said he was "overwhelmed" at the unveiling of a statue in his honour at one of his former clubs.

Sir Bobby, 69, now manager of Newcastle United, went to Ipswich Town's Portman Road ground on Tuesday to see the likeness unveiled.

"I am overwhelmed. Proud and ever so slightly embarrassed. Deeply honoured," he said.

Sir Bobby led Ipswich Town to glory in the 1970s and 80s and the statue is sited near the club's stadium.

Sir Bobby said he was privileged to be knighted

Sir Bobby said: "I was privileged to be knighted, particularly during the Queen's Jubilee and during the World Cup.

"I've had a terrific month. I am just trying to slow down but I can't really."

Sir Bobby 'legend'

The statue was commissioned by the Ipswich Town Supporters' Association, funded by Ipswich Borough Council and electricity company TXU, and created by sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn.

Mr Hedges-Quinn told BBC News Online: "I am thrilled about the unveiling.

"I am an Ipswich Town fan and Ipswich born and bred and Sir Bobby is a legend to me."

Sir Bobby and his Newcastle United squad are fine-tuning their preparations for the coming season, and are due to fly to Holland for the club's pre-season training camp, on Thursday.

European win

He still owns a family home in Ipswich and is involved in charity fundraising for Ipswich Hospital where he has received treatment for cancer.

During his 13-year stint at Ipswich, the team won the FA Cup in 1978 and three years later lifted the UEFA Cup in Amsterdam.

He left the club in 1982 to take up the position of England manager, and then coached in Holland, Portugal and Spain before taking over at St James's Park in 1999.

Ipswich Town Football Club chairman David Sheepshanks said: "The timing couldn't be better as we celebrate not only the unveiling of the statue, but also his recent knighthood in just recognition for his tremendous achievements in football."