Tributes paid to ex-Toon ace
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Newcastle United defender Bobby Ferguson, who has died at the age of 80.
Born in Dudley, Northumberland, in 1938, the left-back made a handful of appearances for the Magpies between 1955 and 1962.
He went on to serve as a ‘vital’ member of Sir Bobby Robson’s coaching team at Ipswich Town when the club won the Uefa Cup in 1981, and eventually succeeded him in the dugout at Portman Road.
The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation tweeted: “Sir Bobby’s family were very sad to hear about the passing of Bobby Ferguson today.
“He was a vital member of Sir Bobby’s coaching team at Ipswich Town.
“Our thoughts are with his loved ones.”
Newcastle United posted: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of former Magpies defender Bobby Ferguson, who has sadly passed away aged 80.
“Bobby was a full-back at the club between 1955-62, as well as a coach under Sir Bobby Robson at Ipswich Town following his playing career.”
Ferguson, a former apprentice electrician at Seaton Burn pit, made his debut for Newcastle United as an 18-year-old but struggled for opportunities on the pitch.
He went on to represent Derby County and Cardiff City more than 100 times each, before establishing his reputation as a respected coach alongside Robson at Ipswich.
Following a spell in Kuwait, he returned to England to work with Terry Butcher at Sunderland before enjoying a spell at Birmingham City.
Paying tribute, Butcher told Ipswich Town’s club website, he said: “It’s a devastating day.
“Bobby was a great and funny man and I loved being in his company.
“He was a major influence on me and helped me become the player I did.
“His standards were the best and he was the perfect man to work with Bobby Robson.
“They formed a special partnership and I think it was Bobby who really set the foundations for what was to be the most successful period in the club’s history.
“Bobby was a good man and it’s a sad day for the club.”
Ipswich Town’s official Twitter account posted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Town manager Bobby Ferguson at the age of 80.
“The thoughts of everybody at Ipswich Town are with Bobby’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
Ipswich are set to wear black armbands and hold a minute’s applause ahead of their next home fixture with Millwall on Monday.