Legendary Town boss Sir Bobby Robson was presented with a replica of the FA Cup by David Sheepshanks on behalf of the Football Association at Monday's celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Blues' victory over Arsenal at Wembley. Earlier, thousands of fans had gathered on the Cornhill to pay tribute to Robson and his side.

Supporters lined the streets as they had 30 years previously before as the team and management staff - with the exception of the absent Paul Cooper and coach Cyril Lea - took to the Town Hall balcony to tell their stories of 1978.

Sir Bobby Robson, who had been at an earlier ceremony at Portman Road where the Galleria was renamed in his honour, was given the greatest ovation of all and then the freedom of Ipswich by Mayor Inga Lockington.

After the Cornhill crowd dissipated, a dinner was held in the squad's honour in the Corn Exchange where Robson was given the replica of the FA Cup and the players were presented commemorative awards marking the occasion.

David Sheepshanks revealed that current manager Jim Magilton had to send his apologies as he was already away beginning his search for new recruits for the season ahead.

Each of the players were interviewed in turn with Paul Mariner revealing that he would be speaking to Town first team coach Bryan Klug regarding possible Blues targets in the New England Revolution side he currently coaches.

Amongst the top talents with the Revs at present is central defender Michael Parkhurst, while midfielder Jeff Larentowicz spent time training at Playford Road back in 2005.

Robson, clearly deeply moved by all the tributes, was given the final of several standing ovations as he made his way from the Corn Exchange after receiving the replica trophy, the latest of the many accolades he has received in his long and illustrious career.

Photo: Action Images

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