Ipswich Town bosses have today confirmed that Portman Road's North Stand will be renamed the Sir Bobby Robson Stand in honour of the former Blues' manager.

IT IS victory for the memory of Sir Bobby!

Today Ipswich Town bosses have confirmed that Portman Road's North Stand will be renamed the Sir Bobby Robson Stand in honour of the former Blues' manager.

It is hoped the unveiling of the newly-named stand will take place before the kick-off when Town take on Newcastle, who Sir Bobby also managed, at Portman Road on September 26.

This will happen in front of Sir Bobby's wife Lady Elsie and family who will be in attendance at what will be an emotionally-charged game.

Following the death of Sir Bobby on July 31, fans called for the stand to be re-named in his memory although club bosses had been cautious to abide by his wishes, which was not to name it after him immediately after his death.

The club said Lady Elsie was delighted with the plans to name the stand after Sir Bobby and wished to pass her “heartfelt thanks” to all Town supporters for the way they had recognised her husband's death.

Chief Executive Simon Clegg said: “We've considered all of the suggestions that we have received from many different sources for another permanent memorial at Portman Road to the greatest manager this club has had but above all, the thoughts of the fans.

“The overwhelming majority wanted the Sir Bobby Robson Stand and with the North Stand being seen as the heart of the club and of the fan base, the fans' feel this is the right stand to be renamed.”

The club has also confirmed today that the large number of shirts and memorabilia around Sir Bobby's statue outside Portman Road will be taken down after tonight's match with Crystal Palace.

They will then be stored until the visit of Newcastle when they will be redisplayed on the railings alongside the statue in Portman Road.

The shirts will then be washed and transported with the scarves and shirts to St James' Park before going to Africa to be used by underprivileged children.

The club also said it hopes to feature a number of initiatives when Newcastle visit Portman Road. Mr Clegg said the details are still to be finalised but he wants it to be seen as “two clubs celebrating one legend”.

Speaking about Lady Elsie, Mr Clegg added: “I'd like to add that through the correspondence and exchanges that we have had she has asked me to pass on her heartfelt thanks to all of the supporters for the way that they have recognised the passing of Sir Bobby, and to particularly thank those fans who have made a financial contribution to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.”

Town have now submitted a planning application to Ipswich Borough Council for the renaming of the North Stand.

n. Are you pleased that the club has decided to rename the stand? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk