THOUSANDS of fans observed a minute's silence for Sir Bobby Robson before Ipswich Town's friendly match tonight.

Elliot Furniss

THOUSANDS of fans gathered at Portman Road tonight for a friendly match that was given was given added significance by the sad passing of Ipswich Town legend Sir Bobby Robson.

Crowds of fans gathered at the iconic statue of the popular former manager, with hundreds laying down flowers and shirts bearing tributes to him and his achievements.

Others tied dozens of Ipswich scarves and those from other clubs to the blue railings lining Portman Road.

Some fans carried “Bobby” banners with bright blue images of the ex-England manager while others chose to stop at the statue and share fond memories of the club's FA Cup and UEFA Cup triumphs under his leadership.

Before the game, against Spanish side Valladolid, fans observed an impeccable minute's silence, then busting into spontaneous applause.

The players wore black armbands for the match and the club has announced that all proceeds from the night will go to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

Lord Mawhinney, chairman of the Football League, has asked its clubs to hold a minute's applause to commemorate the life of Sir Bobby at all matches played during the opening weekend of the season.

Ipswich Town will hold an additional minute's applause before the club's first home match of the season, against Leicester on August 15.

Lord Mawhinney said: “I am hugely saddened to hear the news of Sir Bobby's death. He was one of the greats of the English game and will be remembered as a fine player for club and country, an outstanding manager and an ambassador for the sport that eh loved.

“He has shown tremendous courage throughout his battle with illness, selflessly raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity from which many others will benefit.”