Sir Bobby banks on Northern Rock

Sir Bobby will open an online account

Sir Bobby Robson says he plans to open an account with the crisis-hit Northern Rock bank.

The Durham born former Newcastle United and England manager said the Northern Rock had been a "great benefactor to many people" in the North East.

Speaking from his home near Durham City, the 74-year-old said he planned to open an online account on Tuesday.

The Newcastle-based company saw £2bn removed by savers after it asked the bank of England for emergency funds.

Sir Bobby said: "All I can say is that Northern Rock has been very supportive and has shown great allegiance to the sporting fabric of the North East for many years and I feel it is only right to support them at this moment.

Queues formed at Northern Rock branches again on Monday

"It is a very influential and thriving company and a great benefactor to many people in the North East and that's why I am offering my support."

Northern Rock sponsors, amongst others, Newcastle United Football Club and the city's Falcons rugby union team.

Sir Bobby, who suffers from cancer, had hoped to visit a Northern Rock branch on Monday and open an account in person, but was too ill.

He was manager of Newcastle United from 1999 to 2004 and was knighted in 2002 for services to football.

Worried savers have continued to flock to some Northern Rock bank branches to withdraw their savings.

About £2bn has been withdrawn since Thursday, when the bank applied to the Bank of England for emergency funds.

Northern Rock shares were 40% down at one point and ended 35.4% lower.