Should all Ipswich Town and Newcastle United games be for the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy?

Town fans Emily and Adrian Croucher (centre) with Newcastle fans Angie Buak (left) and Lesley Wright with Sir Bobby Robson memorial edition copies of the EADT in front of his statue in Portman Road ahead of the Ipswich Town v Newcastle United match. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

After the success of Ipswich Town’s bumper event on Easter Monday, when the Blues beat Newcastle United 3-1 in a clash of Sir Bobby’s two most-loved teams, some have been left wondering if there is an appetite for a regular celebration between the two sides.

The day was thoroughly enjoyed by both sets of fans who still revere their former manager.

Now the suggestion has been made for any meeting between the East Anglian and North East clubs, or a regular friendly, to become a battle for the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy – possibly in aid of charity.

A similar situation exists when Nottingham Forest and Derby County meet – they play for the Brian Clough Trophy.

Ipswich fans Sue Cook and her grandson Luke Payne with the Sir Bobby Robson statue. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

Although such an idea is at an early stage, there is support from the clubs for ways to continue marking Sir Bobby’s legacy.

Ipswich Town press officer Jonny Ogle said: “The club would certainly consider competing for the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy, or something similar, each time we faced Newcastle United.

“We encourage suggestions from supporters and, given the link between the two clubs regarding Sir Bobby, this is an idea we would be in favour of.

“Obviously this is dependent on Newcastle agreeing and being subject to clearance and ratification from the relevant authorities, but it is something we would be happy to discuss and plan further with Newcastle.

Newcastle fan Rob Atkinson with the Sir Bobby Robson statue in Portman Road. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

“Future fixtures could be used to help raise funds for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation – a charity we support fully.”

Wendy Taylor, head of media at Newcastle United, said: “Certainly Newcastle United would be delighted to have discussions about how best we continue to mark our clubs’ shared love for Sir Bobby Robson who was a great, great man in both our clubs’ history.”

Liz Edwards, chairman of the Ipswich Town Supporters’ Club, said the idea of a match in Sir Bobby’s memory was not a new one but the idea of a trophy for a league game “doesn’t seem to add to what we already have done”.

However she added: “But if a pre-season could somehow be agreed each year with Newcastle, then perhaps the proceeds of the game could go to Sir Bobby’s Foundation,” also saying a Suffolk charity could also benefit.

From left: Ipswich fans Archie, Neil, William and Ryan Norman, with the Sir Bobby Robson statue in Portman Road. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)

The Sir Bobby Robson statue with a joint Ipswich and Newcsatle scarf around his neck ahead of the Ipswich Town v Newcastle United match. Picture: STEVE WALLER (Image: � Copyright Stephen Waller)