The County Durham village that shaped Sir Bobby Robson

Share Share Few figures are as closely associated with North East football as Sir Bobby Robson, but before he managed England, Newcastle United and Barcelona, he spent much of his childhood in a County Durham pit village. Langley Park, situated around four miles west of Durham City, played a significant role in the early life of the man who would become one of football's most respected managers. While Sir Bobby was born in nearby Sacriston in 1933, he grew up in Langley Park and attended school in the village. Sir Bobby played football for Langley Park Juniors and spent countless hours at Langley Park Sports and Social Club, facilities he later credited with helping set him on the path to a career in professional football. Speaking when a village park was named in his honour in 2005, Sir Bobby recalled how much of his youth was spent playing football and cricket in Langley Park. He said those formative years "set me on the road to a highly professional sports life", adding that Langley Park Sports and Social Club would always remain "dear to my heart". The then Newcastle United boss performs a balancing act with a ball before the match with Real Mallorca in the 4th round of the UEFA Cup in March 2004 Today, Langley Park remains proud of its connection to the football legend. The village, which grew around a colliery that operated for more than a century, is also known for its appearances in film and television productions including Billy Elliot, The Fast Show and Ripping Yarns. Sir Bobby went on to enjoy an extraordinary career as both player and manager, leading clubs including Ipswich Town, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona and Newcastle United. Read more County Durham company behind 'emotional' Kevin Keegan kit mosaic at Newcastle FC County Durham village that raised England football captain Steph Houghton The County Durham village where Loose Women star Denise Welch grew up He also took charge of the England men's national team. As the manager of the Three Lions, he achieved a fourth place finish at the World Cup in 1990. Yet for many in County Durham, Langley Park remains the place where one of football's greatest minds first kicked a ball and began the journey that would make him a sporting icon.Share