Bobby Robson: Farewell But Not Goodbye - My Autobiography

We all know, of course, that sportsmen's autobiographies are customarily written with a little 'hidden assistance', and Paul Hayward's contribution here should not be overlooked. With the latter's subtle help, the opening chapters detailing Robson's childhood and early years in the North-East have a vividness and texture worthy of such writers as John Braine. But most readers will be keen to get to Robson's sporting career, and if they do a little judicious skipping of these early chapters, they can be forgiven. Soon, we're presented with some of the historic sporting achievements which have been part of Robson's stellar career. There is the `Hand of God' story, the ill-starred Paul Gascoigne's emotional breakdowns (which so endeared him to the nation) and the high tension of Robson's squiring the England team through two dramatic World Cups.

Too many autobiographies have cheated the reader by drawing a discreet veil over the very things that we most wish to read about -- but Robson will have no truck with such mealy-mouthed evasion; for the first time he describes the real story behind his sacking as Newcastle manager in 2004, and his five turbulent years at St James's Park is treated with similar frankness. --Barry Forshaw

Will keep looking at this site to see if FS of Newcastle provides a review and 5 Stars.


National Treasure   August 5, 2005
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This fantastic book will ultimately become part of football folklore. Quite simply Sir Bobby is a National treasure embodying all that has been good about British sport over the last half century. The book is funny, informative and utterly delicious. It gives you a real "I was there" feeling, which is of course the stuff of legend. It never resorts to any undignified sensationalism, but why should it when the man's actions speak for themselves. This book is a must for any self-respecting sports fan, or indeed anyone who just loves the man.


Farewell But Not good bye   August 3, 2005
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This book is amazing, ill give you an idea of how good it is. I bought it Saturday afternoon. I began reading, never stopped, 3 am sunday morning, i finish the book. Buy it, read it, enjoy it.


Farewell Sir Bob   August 2, 2005
 3 out of 6 found this review helpful

Although the book is titled to 'but not goodbye' i have my suspicions Sir Bob is finished in football. This book is pulls at the heart strings sometimes in the way Sir Bob seems never to have been given the backing except for his time at Ipswich.
This shows Sir Bob to be an honest genuine nice person who values family more than anything.
It is a good read for any avid football fan, especially if your a geordie, yet he dosn't divulge any stories that have previosly not been divulged. He comes across as slightly bitter about the final chapter of his managerial career, some may feel with justification.


A great read.   August 1, 2005
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Recently I have read autobiographys from Roy Keane, Vinne Jones and Paul Gascoinge and these are all strongly recomended by me, however, Bobby Robsons "Farewell but not Goodbye" I belive beats them all, even though i have just starting reading chapter 3. His life is so vividy detailed and can be very amusing but also very sad at times. I strongly recommend this book to everyone even if you're not a fan of football.