Team-mate tribute to Sir Bobby

Former Albion captain Graham Williams has hailed Sir Bobby Robson as a "professor of football" as the Baggies digested news of his death.

FA Cup-winning skipper Williams paid an emotional tribute to his friend, who lost his battle with cancer today at the age of 76.

He played alongside Sir Bobby at the Hawthorns in the 1960s.

The 71-year-old said: "Bobby was a wonderful man. He was very honest, he was very sincere and he never missed a chance to help somebody.

"He was a great man, a great player and an exceptional manager. I roomed with Bobby back at Albion and he was brilliant. He was a major part of my education in football.

"Just being in the same room as Bobby was an amazing experience for someone like me, who was a young lad making his way in the game.

"Bobby was a senior professional, having signed from Fulham, and he was like a professor to me.

"He taught me so much about how to play football, and about how to conduct yourself as a footballer off the field."

Sir Bobby, a free-scoring inside forward, cost Albion a then club record of £25,000 when he signed from Fulham in 1956.

He spent six years at The Hawthorns, making 257 appearances and scoring 61 goals, and remains a popular figure with Albion supporters who saw him play.

Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace led the tributes at the Hawthorns, where the flag is to be at half-mast today to mark his passing.

He said: "Everyone at West Bromwich Albion is deeply saddened to hear of Sir Bobby's Robson's passing.

"He was a terrific servant for this football club, which always remained dear to his heart. He was a true gentleman in every sense and our sincere condolences go to his family."

Sir Bobby's spell at Albion also marked the start of his friendship with team-mate Don Howe, who later served as his assistant during his spell as England manager.

Howe today joined the tributes to his friend.

He said: "I think we all knew this news was coming but that doesn't make it any less sad. I am still shocked today.

"I got to know him at West Brom in the 1950s. We always got on, probably because we liked to play football in the same way."

"When he went to Ipswich as manager he heard all the stories about Sir Alf Ramsey and his achievements with England, so the national job was something Bobby knew he wanted to do as well.

"He eventually got the job, and he made a huge success of it."