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Football legend Bryan Robson said he was “overwhelmed” by the reaction when he finally sat down with fans to remember his time at Boro.

Robbo took to the stage in front of a sell-out crowd to recall memories on and off the field at the Riverside Stadium - where he was greeted with a blast from the past.

During the talk-in at the Dormans Club in Middlesbrough , Robbo, 59, left no stone unturned while speaking to BBC Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough.

The tireless midfielder revealed that he still has a massive passion for Boro and thanked the fans for their fantastic support.

Robbo said: “It was a brilliant night. When I walked into the club I spotted everyone up on their feet, and as the Boro theme tune ‘Pigbag’ was being played on the PA system it brought so much back to me after 15 years of being away.

“The fans were all remembering the days Steve Gibson and I were travelling the world to convince the most sought-after players in world football to come and join us over on Teesside.

“They are an unforgettable seven years, with names like Juninho, Ravanelli, Emmerson, Gazza, Paul Ince, Paul Merson and so many more. It can never be erased, they were wonderful times.”

The ex-England captain, dubbed ‘Captain Marvel’ by his former national team boss Sir Bobby Robson, was taken back to his days of playing junior football in the North.

He was spotted by Easington football scout and school teacher, the late Norman Humphries, who was linked through his work to Bill Emery, chief scout at West Bromwich Albion in the early ‘70s.

Robbo was invited to join West Brom in 1972 and was quickly handed his apprenticeship at £5 the first year and £8 the second by boss Don Howe.

He would eventually head to Manchester United in 1981 for £1.5m, where he would be decorated with top level silverware and eventually start his long association with Sir Alex Ferguson, resulting in eventual domination at Old Trafford.

Robbo was also recognised by the Queen with an OBE for his outstanding achievements in 1990.

During this week’s talk-in, Norman’s son Gavin was invited on stage to pay tribute to the former England legend, and explain how Robbo had kept Norman’s name alive through his glittering career.

Gavin said: “Bryan is not only a fantastic footballer that we are all so very proud of here in the region, but he is also a super human being.

“My dad was so proud of what he went on to achieve at the very highest level, both on and off the pitch. We would often joke with my dad, as he would frequently get Bryan’s personally messaged book out and show visitors to the house his recognition inside the pages.

“He would tell the story that he went to watch Chester-le-Street boys to see a young goalkeeper one winter morning for West Brom, and shining like a beacon was a young Bryan Robson, totally dominating the game.

“He was so outstanding that dad immediately rushed home and phoned West Brom to tell them to get him snapped up before anyone else would beat them to it.”

Norman was a highly respected teacher during his life, including a spell at Acre Rigg School in Peterlee where he taught PE and Geography.

But he fell ill with cancer and died four years ago at the age of 70.

“It was very emotional to catch up with Bryan since the sad passing of my dad but I know he would be thrilled that I was able to personally say a proper thank you on his behalf,” said Gavin, who works as a police sergeant.

Robbo added: “Gavin’s appearance came right out of the blue and I never expected anything in return. Norman will always be very special in my life, that’s for sure. You never forget wonderful people that help you along the way.

“Added to this the warmth of all those Boro fans and I can tell you it was very emotional and overwhelming night for me and I’m so grateful to them all.

“We also talked about the lovely BBC Tees Middlesbrough commentator Ali Brownlee, who is fighting his own cancer battle.

“I had throat cancer and so much understand what the Brownlee family will be going through - I wish him a speedy recovery. If I can conquer it, so too can Ali.”