January 11: Bryan Robson Born

Ireland Euro 2012 Jersey

Former Manchester United and England national team captain, Bryan Robson was born on this day in soccer history in 1947.

After starting his career with West Bromwich Albion, Robson transferred to Manchester United for a British record transfer of £1.5 million in 1981. He went on to make the #7 jerseys his during his days with the Red Devils, concluding his career as the sides longest serving captain.

During his career, Manchester United Football Club won three FA Cups, a European Cup Winners' Cup as well as two FA Premiership winners medals.

Robson made his England national team debut against the Republic of Ireland on February 6, 1980. He went on to earn 90 caps and score 26 goals for the senior national team in a career that spanned 1980 – 1991. He captained the team in 65 of those appearances.

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Robson, also known as 'Robbo' and 'Captain Marvel,' was in the World Cup records book for 20 years with his goal after 27 seconds against France in 1982. The fastest goal in World Cup history until 2002 when Hakan Şükür scored after ten seconds in the third-place match against South Korea.

Robson moved into management as a player coach with Middlesbrough from 1994 until he officially hung up his boots in 1997. He made 25 appearances and scored 1 goal as a player manager. He made an immediate impact at Boro, leading them back the English Premiership in his first season.

Birthdays

1941 - Gérson, Brazilian footballer
1947 - Bryan Robson, English international soccer star born
1974 - Jens Nowotny, German footballer
1978 - Michael Duff, Northern Irish footballer
1978 - Emile Heskey, English footballer
1983 - Matthew Palleschi, Canadian soccer player