Peterborough United legend Tommy Robson to be given Freedom of the City as he fights MND

Tommy (75) who is battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND) after being diagnosed with the condition last summer, will be given the Freedom of the City later this year.

While he was born in Gateshead, the former winger has lived in Peterborough for over 50 years and said he considers the city as his home.

Speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph he said:” I am overwhelmed by it. It is not something I thought I would ever get.

“I think the last time it was given out was to the gymnast Louis Smith, so I am in pretty good company.

“I first moved to Peterborough in 1968, so I have been here 51 years - most of my life.

“I have told my son, and he is delighted. We are all chuffed.”

During his 13 years as a first-team player he appeared in 559 matches, a club record which is unlikely to ever be broken. He scored a remarkable 128 goals for the Posh and was twice presented with the Player of the Season award.

Tommy went on to manage the Peterborough United Youth Team, has been a matchday commentator on local radio and has, for many years, been a sponsor`s matchday host, entertaining guests and conducting tours of the stadium.

Tommy has been patron of the Posh Supporters Trust, which asked the council to consider him for the honour, since 2011.

Marco Graziano, chairman of the trust, said: “Tommy is a very special and remarkable person in the local football community and his unique record will forever represent his iconic role as a footballer and an ambassador for the community of Peterborough.

“Tommy is without doubt one of, if not the most, loved players ever to grace the pitch at London Road and is still loved, to this day, by everyone connected with Peterborough United.”

Councillor Peter Hiller, chair of the cross party honours selection panel, said: “Tommy’s achievements on the pitch cannot be disputed, holding the record for the greatest number of appearances for the Posh, and he is undoubtedly a favourite amongst fans. But his nomination for Freedom of the City is about more than that, it is in recognition of the service he has given to the football club and the city over the past half century.”

Bob Symns, chief executive of Peterborough United, said: “We are delighted to learn that Tommy has been recommended to receive the Freedom of the City, an honour that he truly deserves.

“Tommy is part of the football club’s family and we would all be so pleased for this to be bestowed upon him. Everybody loves him and will do anything for him.”

Since Tommy’s diagnosis with MND, a number of fundraising events have been held in the city to help him.

The latest event will take place at the Post Office Sports and Social Club, Bourges Boulevard, New England, Peterborough, on Thursday April 16 at 7pm, with several Posh legends attending.

The tickets for the fundraiser are £15 and will be available from the Peterborough United ticket office and online through the club website, www.theposh.com