Sir Bobby Robson
Sir Bobby Robson
Former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson is remembered for many things, including the time he inadvertently left one of his players behind at a hotel, leading to an unusual chase.
Nobby Solano, celebrated for his exceptional right-foot and memorable trumpet playing, became a beloved figure among the Toon Army after joining from Boca Juniors in 1998. During his two stints with the Magpies, Solano racked up 315 appearances, most under Robson's management.
This week, as Solano celebrated his 50th birthday, tales of his time at St James' Park resurfaced, including his contributions to Premier League legend Alan Shearer's goal tally. Yet, Shearer has shared a story about Solano experiencing Sir Bobby's ire when he was left at a hotel while the team set off for a match.
The incident saw Solano racing after the team bus in his car, only to discover upon arrival that he wouldn't be playing, despite assurances at their pre-match meal.
Alan Shearer recounted the event to Gary Lineker and Micah Richards on the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast in 2021, saying: "You think I was a stickler for being on time, worse than I was, was the late, great Sir Bobby Robson," reports the Daily Star.
"He was always late himself. He maybe didn't know he was late but he was late. I remember we were playing either Sunderland or Middlesbrough and we stayed in a hotel the night before.
"We were leaving the hotel at one o'clock and Nobby Solano was late. We had our pre-match in the hotel and then we were on the bus, ready to leave at one o'clock. At two minutes past one, Nobby Solano wasn't on the bus. So Sir Bobby said: 'Come on, let's go'.
"Actually, at that minute, Nobby was coming out of the hotel and the bus was pulling out, ready to go, and Bobby said: 'Carry on, leave him'.
"No word of a lie, Nobby got in his car and was driving behind the bus to the ground and Bobby still left him out of the team He was in the team when he announced the team at pre-match but he left him driving in the car behind and then said: 'Sorry, you're not playing'."