Wolves’ all-time top scorer Steve Bull has revealed what it was like to be managed by Sir Bobby Robson – and the qualities that made him an unusual manager.
Bull was capped when he was playing in League One – something typically unheard of in Gareth Southgate’s current squad selections – in an indication of Robson’s willingness to back Bull’s talents.
In 1989, Bull came off the bench against Scotland to score against England’s international rival on Scottish soil in the first of four goals he managed to score for his country – on his debut no less.
Speaking to FootballFanCast, Bull reminisced over his time serving under Robson:
“Sir Bobby was absolutely unbelievable”, recalled Bull.
“When I first went into the England camp, and I’m listening to England managers talk I was thinking, ‘Bobby Robson can’t be a manager, no way’.
“When I went into his first team talk, you won’t believe this, but it took him about 20 minutes to name the side.
“Bobby Robson was going, ‘Peter, you’re in goal and Stewart you’re left-back and Mark you’re centre-back’, and I’m sat thinking ‘he can’t be a manager’”.
Bull then discussed an atmosphere of solidarity between Robson and the players serving under him in a mutual relationship of the utmost respect.
“However, after getting to know him over a couple of years he was a real gentleman but trust me, you knew when he spat his dummy out the pram. He had a lot of respect for the players and they had the utmost respect for him as well.”
Robson led a remarkable life and career that took him across clubs and countries from Ipswich Town to FC Barcelona – and battled through cancer in his career on five occasions.
In a life beset with obstacles and triumph, Bull’s account is a testament to the true sporting intelligence that Robson possessed – even if his team selection talks is an amusing side to his managerial style!
In other news: Wolves urged to sign experienced defender available for free in the summer