Airtel to bring down Manchester United Legends to SL

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Category: football

Published on Tuesday, 24 January 2012 18:04

Written by Sankha DLT

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Airtel Sri Lanka will bring down two former Manchester United stars and legends Bryan Robson and Dwight Yorke on the 26th of this month (Thursday).

The two former Man Utd players will be making their way to the island as a part of Airtel’s initiative to integrate the local and foreign football communities and to help in bridging the gap between the local and global footballing public.

The two legends will be partaking in ‘fan interaction sessions’ at Excel World (3:30pm) and Majestic City (5:30pm) on the 26th of January (Thursday) and at the Kalutara Football stadium (3:15pm) on the 27th (Friday).

Bryan Robson the former Man Utd midfielder was the longest serving captain in club history and currently serves as an ambassador for the club. He led the Manchester club to three FA cup wins, two FA premierships and a European cup.

Bryan Robson is widely remembered as a fearless and inspirational player and captain, both for club and country, whose presence lifted team-mates and intimidated opponents. At his peak, he was acknowledged as the most complete midfield player in the country, and played at the highest level despite a series of devastating injuries. He began his playing career at West Bromwich Albion, then moved to Manchester United in 1981 for a then record British transfer fee of GBP1.5 million. He soon became captain, and enjoyed regular Cup success, eventually winning the Championship. He also won 90 caps for England, 65 of them as captain making him the 6th most capped England player of all time.

He also has made a mark as a goal scorer and is placed the 11th highest goal scorer having scored 26 goals and was voted as the greatest ever Manchester United player from a poll of ex Manchester United Players as part of a new book, released to celebrate their 19th league title win.

The second player to come in to the shores of Sri Lanka is former Trinidad and Tobago international, Dwight Yorke. Known as the ‘Smiling assassin’, York holds the record for the number of participations in different World cup competitions including qualifying stages.

In his first season for Man Utd Yorke was a key player in guiding his club to a unique treble of the Premiership title, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, and forming a legendary partnership with Andy Cole.

Yorke finished the season as the top league goal scorer with 18 goals and contributed goals against Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Internazionale and Juventus in the Champions League. Yorke was also a regular member of United's 1999–2000 title winning team, contributing 22 goals in all competitions. Despite a less successful third season personally, Yorke did hit a hat-trick in the top of the table clash with Arsenal as United went on to win a third successive title.

Yorke's limited appearances in the 2001–02 season led to rumours that he'd fallen out with United boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, following his much publicised relationship with British model Jordan. After a January move to Middlesbrough fell through Yorke was sold to Blackburn Rovers for £2 million during the close-season. Altogether he scored 64 goals for Manchester United in 188 appearances.

To date Yorke has been capped 72 official times for the Trinidad and Tobago national team, scoring 26 goals, but has played over 100 matches for T&T that were not recognised as international friendlies. Along with his friend Russell Latapy, Yorke was a member of the 1989 'Strike Squad', the national team which narrowly failed to qualify for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He retired from international football in 2001 after a disagreement with the side's coach; however he returned to the team for the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, in which the team qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time in their history after a 2–1 aggregate qualifying victory over Bahrain.

Yorke was captain for all of Trinidad and Tobago's games at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and was Man of the Match in the 0–0 draw against Sweden, pipping his close friend Shaka Hislop to the honour despite the then West Ham goalkeeper making several world-class saves. He was one of six players in the Trinidad squad (the others being Brent Sancho, Dennis Lawrence, Chris Birchall, Carlos Edwards and Stern John) to have played every minute of the campaign.

Yorke announced his retirement from international football in March 2007, choosing to focus on his club career at Sunderland. He captained the side in Germany, and up until his retirement. However, he made a guest return appearance for a friendly against England in June 2008 after being invited by FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.

On 10 July 2008, the TTFF announced Yorke's return to the national team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign. Yorke has completed his Level B coaching badge and is interested in pursuing a career in coaching. On 17 April 2011 he completed the London Marathon in a time of 3 hours and 32 minutes

After being released from Sunderland and being unable to find a club before the end of the current transfer window, Yorke retired from football altogether in September 2009, and took up the post of assistant manager with the Trinidad and Tobago national team.

Dwight has represented Aston Villa, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Brimingham City, Sunderland and Sydney FC.

 

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