Win it for Sir Bobby
Nicholas Veevers in Donetsk
Saturday, 01 August, 2009
Head Coach Brian Eastick pays tribute to Sir Bobby Robson ahead of Sunday's final.
England U19s Head Coach Brian Eastick takes his side into the European Championship final on Sunday and is urging his team to bring back the title as a tribute to Sir Bobby Robson.
Eastick admits that the former England manager is one of his mentors, having worked closely with him whilst he was the Academy Director at Robson's beloved Newcastle United where he was manager at the time.
The sad news of Sir Bobby’s death broke on Friday morning, just hours after Eastick’s Young Lions had beaten France in the semi-final to secure their spot in Sunday’s showdown with Ukraine and, speaking at the pre-game press conference in Donetsk, Eastick was keen to pay his own tribute.
“Unfortunately, we lost Sir Bobby Robson on Friday,” he said.
“He was a fantastic coach for England and certainly our most successful coach abroad at places like Barcelona, Porto and PSV.
“I had the privilege of working for him for two years at Newcastle United and he was not only a great coach, but a great man.
“He was really passionate about English football and always wanted England to do well.
“So if we are fortunate enough to win this marvellous trophy, it would be in tribute to him.”
There will be a minute’s silence ahead of the game (live on Eurosport, 2.30pm) on Sunday and the England team will all wear black armbands.