Sir Bobby Legacy Lives On

Last updated : 29 March 2011 By Footy Mad - Editor

East Coast trains named the Class 91 high-speed locomotive after the football legend.

Sir Bobby's widow, Lady Elsie Robson and Alan Shearer OBE, performed the train-naming ceremony along with Elaine Holt, Chairman of East Coast at Newcastle Central Station this morning.

Elaine Holt: "We are honoured to name the first of our prestigious locomotives Sir Bobby Robson in memory of such a legendary and much-respected sporting figure.

"Sir Bobby was a regular train traveller between the North-East and London, during his management career and beyond, as he worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for his Sir Bobby Robson Foundation charity.

"He was loved by many of our staff, particularly those at Durham and Newcastle stations who remember him with great affection.

"As it speeds through the North East on the East Coast route, this specially-named train will help to keep the memory of Sir Bobby Robson in people's minds and we hope will raise further awareness of his enduring legacy and the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation for many years to come."

Alan Shearer: "It is an absolute honour and pleasure to officially name a high-speed East Coast train Sir Bobby Robson.

"I'm sure that Sir Bobby would be very proud to see his name and legacy continued in this very fitting and special way.

"It is also fantastic news that East Coast have decided to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation as one of their chosen charities.

"I am a regular traveller on East Coast trains and I'm looking forward to the day when the locomotive on front of the train I'm on is the Sir Bobby Robson locomotive.

"I think he would find it very amusing pulling Alan Shearer all the way to London at 125 miles per hour!"

SBR