SIR Bobby Robson’s Foundation, which has raised over �2.5 million to fight cancer, is to benefit from the production of old style laced footballs.

They are the type that the former Ipswich Town boss used to play with before embarking on his magnificent managerial career that included winning the UEFA and FA Cups and a decade of European football at Portman Road.

While the likes of Connor Wickham essentially play the same game as legendary players like Ipswich Town 1961/62 First Division championship winner Ray Crawford the equipment they use is very different.

The Old Fashioned Football Shirt Company (TOFFS) has created a replica of the old style laced leather footballs to celebrate the life of Sir Bobby and in aid of his cancer charity.

Michele Finch, who runs the business with her husband Alan, said: “When we decided to raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation we came up with a host of ideas.

“We wanted to recreate a piece of history to celebrate the life of such a legend and help to raise funds and awareness for his cancer charity.

“It had to be something special though and we had never produced a leather laced up ball before.

“This is now iconic and takes us back to another and very different age of football.

“It showcases the incredible football career of a great man and everyone at TOFFS is proud that by creating this football we are also helping a wonderful charity.”

Sir Bobby played for Fulham and West Brom, and managed Fulham, Ipswich, England, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting CP, Porto, Barcelona and back home to his roots with Newcastle United.

Pauline Buglass, head of fundraising for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, says: “Sir Bobby would no doubt be fascinated by this football. I’m sure it would have brought back a lot of memories for him.”

In addition to equipping the Sir Bobby Robson Cancer Trials Research Centre at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care in Newcastle, the charity has funded a specialist research nurse and doctor.

It recently announced that it is working with Newcastle University and has committed to buying a Biomarker Generator, an ultra-compact cyclotron which will help with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other serious diseases and costing in excess of �500,000.

The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation football retails at �49.95 and 20 per cent of the proceeds of the sale will go to the charity. It is available only from www.toffs.com or by calling 0191 4913500.

To make a donation, view messages of support, or for more information visit www.sirbobbyrobsonfoundation.org.uk or donate by sending a cheque to Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PO Box 307, Heaton NE7 7QG.