Pop Robson

Early career

Born in Sunderland, County Durham, Robson played for Clara Vale in his youth. His first senior club was Newcastle United, and whilst there he won the Second Division title in 1964–65 and the 1969 Fairs Cup, forming a productive partnership with Welshman Wyn Davies.

West Ham United and Sunderland

In February 1971 he became West Ham United's record purchase when he signed for £120,000. He scored on his debut against Nottingham Forest on 24 February 1971. He was West Ham's leading scorer in two of his three seasons at Upton Park. He made a return to the North-East to join Sunderland in July 1974 for £145,000. He rejoined West Ham in October 1976. During his two spells at West Ham, he made 254 appearances, scoring 104 goals. He returned to Roker Park in June 1979 for £45,000, and was to eventually play for Sunderland in three separate stints, his goals twice helping them to promotion, as Football League Second Division champions in 1976 and runners-up in 1980.

Carlisle and Chelsea

Robson was employed as a player/coach by Carlisle United and Chelsea, and at Sunderland during his third spell there. He even stepped in as caretaker manager for one game during the 1983–84 season before the arrival of Len Ashurst. In 1982 Carlisle managed promotion back to the Second Division with a young Peter Beardsley alongside Robson in attack.

Third spells at Sunderland and Carlisle United

Robson is remembered by the Sunderland fans for the…

After finishing playing with Carlisle he coached at Hartlepool United, Manchester United, Leeds United and finally Sunderland until May 2004. In July 2011, Robson joined his former club Sunderland as the new chief scout.

Robson is married to the former England international table tennis player Maureen Heppell.