DURHAM-BORN Robson began his career at West Bromwich Albion in 1974 before joining Manchester United in 1981 for a then record fee of £1.7m.

In a glittering career he captained England, earning 90 caps and scoring 26 goals.

He remains the only club captain to lead a team to three FA Cup wins. In 1993 Robson helped Manchester United finally win the league championship, a long held dream him after 12 long years of trying.

He joined Boro as manager in 1994, leading them back into the Premiership in his first season and giving Boro fans new hope of a red army revival as the club moved to their new Riverside Stadium, marking their first game with a memorable 2-0 win over Chelsea.

Robson broke the club's transfer record three times during his time in charge, which was marked by the spectacular signings of big-name players such as Juninho, Paul Merson and Fabrizio Ravanelli.

He led Boro to Wembley three times, continuing to build Boro's status, and although the results were disappointing Robson remained full of enthusiasm.

His tenure lifted the club's profile enormously and he was widely respected by fans, opponents and managers.

His era encompassed three never-to-be-forgotten cup finals, two promotions and a relegation during the seven most eventful years in Boro's history, leaving a lasting testament to Robson's time on Teesside.