Sir Bobby Robson's widow visited the shrine at Newcastle United's St James' Park ground yesterday to acknowledge the public grief over his loss.
Accompanied by two of her sons, Andrew, 50, and Paul, 52, and family friends, Lady Elsie Robson walked to the Sir John Hall Stand to see the flags, scarves, banners and flowers left there by fans.
Supporters broke into a round of applause as, wearing a black blouse and dark sunglasses, she paused to read messages left for Sir Bobby, who managed the Tyneside club for five years between 1999 and 2004.
A spokeswoman for the family said Lady Elsie had been overwhelmed by the love shown for Sir Bobby since his death on Friday. The spokeswoman said: "Lady Elsie is absolutely overwhelmed.
"There must have been thousands of people there and she is very grateful to everybody who has made extremely generous donations to his charity."
Newcastle United said the stand at the north end of the stadium would remain open between 9am and 5pm every day next week to allow more people to pay their respects.
A club source estimated that about 50,000 well-wishers had visited the ground since Sir Bobby's death on Friday at the age of 76.
A queue stretched 300 yards from the entrance to the Leazes End to Shearer's Bar at the other end of the stadium yesterday afternoon.
Four books of condolence have been filled and a further six are close to being filled.
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