Football lost one of its finest servants last month with the death of Bobby Robson. Robson enjoyed success at home and abroad as well as with the England national side. But his popularity didn’t just stem from his exceptional skills as a football manager, it was also his warm and welcoming character, meaning he was respected and much loved by those in and outside of the game.

A selection of Football Shirts from Bobbys Career

One group of fans who have extra special memories of Robson are the Tractor Boys of Ipswich Town. Town took a chance on Robson, then still a rookie boss who had been sacked by Fulham, in 1969.

Little did they know then but Robson would build a dynasty at Portman Road over the next ten years and help the team reach new heights.

Robson didn’t have an easy start; although slowly but surely the side improved. He put an emphasis on youth and victories in the FA Youth Cup in 1973 and 1974 pointed towards future success. In 1978 Robson led the team to Wembley and, against the odds, victory over Arsenal in the FA Cup Final. Much of the team were young players brought through the youth team by Robson, rather than players brought in, meaning his calm, patient approach had paid off.

In 1981 Town, complete with flamboyant Dutchmen Arnold Muhren and Frans Thijssen, finished runners-up in the first division and triumphed in the UEFA Cup, beating AZ Alkmaar 5-4 on aggregate in the final.

The kit they wore during those glory years was made by Adidas. It was the traditional royal blue in colour, with the Adidas three stripes down the sleeves as well as a white collar. The Adidas sign was located on the right breast with the Ipswich crest opposite. The shorts were the reverse colours, white shorts with blue Adidas stripes, and blue socks. Sponsors were yet to be introduced into the English game so the shirt remained plain.

Pioneer electronic would become the club’s first shirt sponsor when Adidas introduced their new strip ahead of the 1981-82 season.