Footballing Greats and Appreciative Fans Gather to Remember Sir Bobby Robson

A clutch of footballing greats gathered today to give thanks for the life of Sir Bobby Robson, one of the game's best-loved figures. Sir Alex Ferguson, Fabio Capello and Sir Bobby Charlton were among the 1,000 invited guests who filled Durham's magnificent Norman cathedral.

Former players including Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne, Alan Shearer and Stuart Pearce were also in attendance at the event, held seven weeks after Sir Bobby died aged 76 at his home in nearby Langley Park.

One of Sir Bobby's other great triumphs away from football – helping to raise around £1.8m for his foundation which funds research into the early detection of cancer – was also represented by his oncologist, Dr Ruth Plummer, who recruited him to raise money.

The service, broadcast live on television, was being beamed to the grounds of Ipswich Town, where Sir Bobby brought European and FA Cup success during the 1970s and 80s, and Newcastle United, where the self-confessed fan helped restore belief pride after taking over as manager of the club in 1999.

Fans gathered to watch the service on big screens at the grounds, while entry to Durham Cathedral was restricted to guests only.

Before the event, Gary Lineker, who was part of the England side that Robson led to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup, admitted he would be nervous speaking about his one-time mentor.

"I won't want to let him or his family down," said the Match of the Day presenter. "I could probably do with one of his famous pep talks beforehand."

Peter Beardsley, who was part of the same England squad, said as he arrived for the service: "Sir Bobby was one of the greatest football men of all time. He was so close [to winning the World Cup] in 1990. Lady Elsie would be so proud."

Sir Bobby fought cancer five times, and devoted his final years to helping others with the disease.

Such was the affection felt for a genuine football man, his target of raising £500,000 was met in just eight weeks.

In February, he was proud to officially open a cancer trials centre at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle, and he said then that he wanted that to be his legacy.

Other in attendance at today's service include the current Newcastle United manager, Chris Hughton, the current Ipswich Town manager, Roy Keane, and the Everton manager David Moyes.

"All the Premier League managers look up to Sir Bobby," said Moyes as he made his way to the service.

Sir Bobby was survived by his wife Lady Elsie and three sons, Paul, Andrew and Mark. The family held a private funeral service last month.