The former England boss, who is currently fighting his fifth battle against cancer, guided the club to three successive top-five finishes.
Shay Given: "I am still full of admiration for what Sir Bobby has done even now.
"Nobody can question what we achieved back then. It was magnificent to finish third, fourth and fifth in three years and he has easily had the most success of any modern manager.
"Anybody who has ever met him can see that, and it would be tremendous to see a full house on Tyneside for this match.
"Sir Bobby is an inspiration to us all, not just in football, but in life as well.
"Since he has fallen ill, he has worked so hard to raise more awareness and he seems determined to keep building up the pot. This game is even more evidence of that.
"He has dealt with cancer the way he has lived his life and he is a true fighter.
"He could have just locked himself away during this difficult time, but he has shown courage and bravery beyond belief."