HUDDERSFIELD Town manager Lee Clark today saluted Sir Bobby Robson, who has died at the age of 76.
A former Newcastle United player and coach, the 36-year-old Clark spoke with Sir Bobby on many occasions during his time at St James' Park.
Clark had, in fact, been due to play in Sir Bobby's cancer charity match organised at St James' Park last Sunday between former players of England and Germany, but he was unable to attend because of impending transfer business for Town.
"It's a very sad day for football and a very sad day for the country, because he was respected in all walks of life throughout the nation, " said Clark.
"I knew Sir Bobby well in my time at Newcastle United, I also came across him at times when I was in the England squads and he was always a fantastic man.
"He was so knowledgeable and so enthusiastic about football and that lasted until his very last day. He would love to talk about the game and his passion for football was unbelievable.
"Sir Bobby had a fantastic career as a player and manager, taking some of the very top jobs around and reaching the pinnacle as manager of England - but I think he finally got his dream job when he became manager of Newcastle United.
"He quickly turned around their fortunes, making a club which looked like getting relegated into a Champions League club again - a magnificent achievement - and everyone up there will be devastated at his passing."
Clark took Sir Bobby's advice about coaching and management and spoke to him at the time of taking the Town job last December.
"He was a super man and a great character and you never felt uneasy in his company," added Clark.
"Whenever I spoke to him he was always so willing to help and he was a fantastic man and a great football person.
"It's just a disappointment personally that I wasn't able to attend last Sunday for his game, you know, because I would have loved to have been there."
