SIR Bobby Robson led the tributes as a gathering of more than 500 people paid their respects to the late Sir Bert Millichip, former chairman of the Football Association, at Worcester Cathedral.

The moving ceremony yesterday afternoon was attended by many leading figures in the football world including Gerhard Aigner, chief executive of UEFA, current FA chairman Geoff Thompson, Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis, Chelsea chairman Ken Bates and ex-Manchester United, Villa, and West Bromwich Albion manager Ron Atkinson.

Sir Bobby, who knew Sir Bert since playing for his club, West Bromwich Albion in the 1950s, described his death as a tragedy for everyone who knew him and the entire football world.

Sir Bert died aged 88 after collapsing at a lunch at Edgbaston Golf Club in early December.

Sir Bobby said the former West Brom chairman was one on the greatest servants of English football.

"It was an honour for me to live some of my life with him and I love him," said Sir Bobby.

Sir Bert's family, including widow Lady Barbara, attended the service, at which violinist Nigel Kennedy played a solo tribute of the Match of the Day anthem to the man who was chairman of the FA for 15 years until 1996.

Following the ceremony, Ron Atkinson said he was a great man to work for because he let a manager get on with his job.

"He had the knack of going to a board meeting, listening to several points of view and agreeing with all of them.

David Dein, Arsenal vice-chairman, also attended the ceremony.

Gerhard Aigner, chief executive of UEFA, said he knew Sir Bert for almost 20 years and admired him for his ability to inspire people and respected him for his knowledge of the game.

"In more than 30 years in football, Sir Bert made an immense contribution to national and international football," he said.