Farewell Sir Bobby, but not goodbye

Coalminer’s son who captured the nation
Played green football with calm serene
Gentleman who played the game with a smile
Amongst the best the game has ever seen

He said once; “We didn't underestimate them”
“They were a lot better than we thought”
Side-splitting comments, together with a glint in the eye
And never one to get overwrought

Built bridges as ones very best friend
As Cottager, Royal and Baggie
Prized at Tractor boys, Porto, and Sporting too
Treasured at the Magpies, Barca, PSV

Coached the best in Muhren, Beattie, Romario
Stoichkov, Shearer, Gazza, Ronaldo
Guardiola, Ruud Van Nistelrooy
As well as Robson, Barnes, Mourinho

Fond reference to his national skippers
“Ray Wilkins day will come one night”
"Good morning, Bobby," to Captain Marvel
Wry smile, full, beaming and bright

“Gary Speed has never played better
Confirming that Speedo “never looked fitter”
Amusing swipe at the old warhorse
Then adding he’s “never been older”

Sir Bobby was a supreme one off
Adored equally from Ankara to Rio
“We’ll miss you” is the global mantra
From Paris, Peking, Dhaka and Tokyo

As the sunset began to descend
Goodbye to Elsie his dear Madame
Farewell to Andrew, Paul and Mark
Wandering slowly back home to Durham

Number 7
© Emdad Rahman – 31.07.09
www.football-poems.com