Ipswich Town
North Stand To Be Renamed
By Aston
August 18 2009
Town chief executive Simon Clegg has confirmed that they intend to rename the North Stand at Portman Road The Sir Bobby Robson stand. Town are hoping to be able to unveil the newly named stand when Newcastle visit Portman Road on the 26th of September.
Clegg: "We've considered all of the suggestions that we have received from many different sources for another permanent memorial at Portman Road to the greatest manager this Club has had but above all, the thoughts of the fans," Simon told the Club website.
"The overwhelming majority wanted the Sir Bobby Robson Stand and with the North Stand being seen as the heart of the Club and of the fan base, the fans feel this is the right stand to be renamed.
"We believe that this is the right decision for the Club and we will now look to move those plans forward and have submitted a planning application to Ipswich Borough Council with a view of the unveiling ceremony taking place on September 26 before the Championship match against Newcastle United here at Portman Road.
"We have been in close communication with Lady Elsie, over a range of issues but she was delighted to hear that we wanted to honour Sir Bobby in this particular way. She is hugely supportive and she is very hopeful that both she and a number of her family members will be here to see the Stand opened against Newcastle, a club that was obviously also very close to Sir Bobby's heart.
"I'd like to add that through the correspondence and exchanges that we have had she has asked me to pass on her heartfelt thanks to all of the supporters for the way that they have recognised the passing of Sir Bobby, and to particularly thank those fans who have made a financial contribution to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
"It's the Club's intention that the shirts and memorabilia around Sir Bobby's statue will be taken down after tonight's match with Crystal Palace and will then be stored until the visit of Newcastle when they will be redisplayed on the railings alongside the statue in Portman Road.
"Following further discussions with Sir Bobby's family, the shirts will then be washed and transported with the scarves and shirts that have been displayed at St James' Park to Africa to be used by underprivileged young people. Like us, Lady Elsie believes that Sir Bobby would be very happy with this course of action and to see the items put to good use.
"It is also our intention to feature a number of other initiatives when Newcastle come to Portman Road. The details are still being finalised but I do want it to be seen as two clubs celebrating one legend and there are a number of ideas that will be rolled out in due course."
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18/08/2009 11:05
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A fitting tribute to re-name it when Newcastle visit too - and with a massive BBC audience watching.
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The 1st Tractor Girl @ Ipswich Town FC «´¨`•
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