Sir Bobby Robson has reiterated his admiration for the late Dale Roberts, the one-time Ipswich player and coach whose memory the Magpies will honour by playing a testimonial match at Portman Road on Wednesday.
Newcastle-born Roberts began his career under Robson at Ipswich in the early 1970s and returned to the club in 1995 as assistant manager to George Burley.
But he died in February last year at the age of 46 after a brave fight against cancer.
Robson said: "Dale was a terrific competitor as a player. He gave excellent service to Ipswich and Hull and did himself great credit as a coach and assistant manager also.
"It is with great pleasure I can bring the Newcastle squad down for this game. Dale Roberts was a good servant to the football industry and a thoroughly nice man."
