Yet, for sheer pride and memory-jerking emotion, his visit this week to the Riverside in Chester-le-Street will equal any of his journeys to Wembley, Nou Camp, San Siro and beyond.

Test cricket, you see, is coming to Geordieland.

Sir Bobby has two reasons to be moved by the prospect - the match is in his own backyard and he is a cricket nut.

On Thursday, the Riverside will become England's first new Test venue for 101 years.

And, when Robson talks about his delight at Durham hosting the Second Test against Zimbabwe, his recollections come faster than a Steve Harmison bouncer.

Like how he used to bowl underarm to the four-year-old Alec Stewart, his idolising of Tom Graveney and the times he dashed home from London to County Durham simply for a game of club cricket.

Until 1992, Durham were still a minor county and the Riverside was an expanse of wild grassland. Two years later, it was a first-class cricket ground.

Robson said: "The concept of building the Riverside was a masterful stroke by the men who kept alive the dream of first-class cricket in this region.

"What a backdrop. The stadium is superbly-appointed with wonderful views of Lumley Castle. It's been the perfect place to build a ground and take cricket away from the established Test match centres.

"I'm proud as punch that we have a Test match - it's incredible for this cricket-mad region.

"People such as Don Robson (Durham's president) and the Caller brothers have worked so hard to make their dreams come true.

"I remember the first one-day international at the Riverside three years ago. England beat West Indies by 10 wickets and it was blowing a gale.

"It was a magnificent occasion and I know the players enjoyed it. The support they were given from the crowd made a lasting impression on our boys."

The 70-year-old Newcastle and former England boss has enjoyed a lifelong love affair with willow and leather.

And, as a young man, he was a decent cricketer.

Robson recalled: "When I played for Fulham, I'd rush back to play for Langley Park in 40-overs games.

It was my passion every summer. Some clubs had a professional who, if he scored 50 runs, would have a hat passed round so the crowd could toss in some coins. If he also took some wickets, it became a profitable afternoon!

"I can assure you Durham, with its many village teams and bigger town sides, has a fervour for cricket as strong as anywhere in the country."

Robson added: "I hope it doesn't sound big-headed but I was good at both sports.

"When I was a kid, it was always football in the winter and cricket in the summer. They wouldn't get in each other's way and some played both professionally. But it couldn't happen now and that's a pity."

During his time at Fulham, Robson became close friends with Surrey batsman Micky Stewart, who played soccer for Charlton and won an England amateur cap. When Robson visited the Stewart house, he would often bowl in the lounge or back garden to young Alec.Robson's cricketing hero, though, was born in Riding Mill, Northumberland. Tom Graveney, uncle of current chairman of selectors David Graveney, was a graceful artist of a batsman who scored 122 first-class centuries, 11 for England.

Robson said: "I used to love watching Tom so much. He had grace, timing and stature as a batsman which put him up there with Peter May, Ken Barrington and Ted Dexter.

"He was also a gentleman on and off the field, a man who never forgot his roots. When first-class cricket was brought to our region, Tom was here promoting the area. Would you believe my hero contacted me just this week to ask me to speak at a dinner later this year? What an honour!"

Other Test cricketers to emerge from Durham include Bob Willis (born in Sunderland), Peter Willey (Sedgefield) and the never-to-be-forgotten Colin Milburn (Burnopfield).

Milburn might have played only nine Tests but, weighing around 18st and with the ability to destroy any bowling, he became a legend.

Tragically, he lost his left eye in a car accident in 1969 and died in 1990, aged 48.

Robson added: "Everyone will remember the fun 'Ollie' Milburn brought to the game. His accident and death were tragedies.

"It's great to see Paul Collingwood and young Steve Harmison breaking through at international level, and don't forget Simon Brown, our Cleadon-born left-arm quick bowler, who played for Durham and England with such honesty and endeavour. And, from what I gather, there are others coming through and showing plenty of promise."

Robson added: "When Durham first joined the county championship, the interest generated by the arrival of Ian Botham, Dean Jones and David Boon was fantastic.

"They all came to the North East as the county took those first, tough steps.

"For decades, it's been Middlesex, Surrey and Yorkshire who have dominated and attracted the big matches. But now it is our chance.

"This cricket-mad region will make us all proud of the Riverside as a Test venue. And nobody will be more proud than me."