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Jack Bicknell Resigns

March 28, 2007 - National Football League Europa (NFLE)
Hamburg Sea Devils News Release


JACK BICKNELL has stepped down as head coach of the Hamburg Sea Devils, citing health issues as the reason for his resignation.

The 69-year-old Bicknell, who served as head coach of the Barcelona Dragons (1991-2003), Scottish Claymores (2004) and Sea Devils (2005-06), will be replaced by long-time assistant VINCE MARTINO, who moves up from his position as offensive coordinator.

"I am, of course, really sad that I won't be going over to Hamburg as head coach of the Sea Devils," Bicknell said. "But I didn't want to go over and then realize after two weeks that my health isn't good enough to coach the team."

Bicknell, who is recovering from a virus he contracted in December, oversaw the opening two weeks of training camp in Tampa, Florida, before coming to his decision.

NFL Europa Managing Director of Football Operations JOHN BEAKE paid tribute to Bicknell, saying: "This is a very emotional time for me and the league as Jack has been a part of NFL Europa since 1991 and is one of the founding coaches. He has coached many great players - US players going on to the NFL and also national players who achieved a lot due to his coaching - and he has left his mark on the league.

"Jack Bicknell is a great ambassador for the league and the sport. I know this was a very hard decision for Jack and his family but we all, of course, understand it."

In his two seasons with the Sea Devils, Bicknell won eight games. Eighteen of his former Hamburg players are now on NFL rosters. He has won more regular season games in NFL Europa history than any other coach (69) and guided the Dragons to a World Bowl victory in 1997.

"This is a very sad day for the Sea Devils," said Hamburg general manager KATHRIN PLATZ. "For this season, we not only lose a great coach, we also lose a great person. But health is more important than anything else and we fully support Jack's decision."

Martino, who worked alongside Bicknell in Hamburg, Scotland and Barcelona, and in the college ranks prior to NFL Europa, added: "It is a very sad day for me personally and for the Hamburg Sea Devils because Jack, with whom I worked for more than 30 years, has to leave. We wish him all the best and hope that he gets well soon.

"Jack put together a great team and I will do everything to make it successful in 2007. I am looking forward to representing the city and people of Hamburg, and the whole Sea Devils organization."

Bicknell believes he is leaving the Sea Devils in more than capable hands, stating: "Vince will be more than just a replacement. He has been with me for more than 30 years and was much more than an offensive coordinator. He was my assistant head coach and really knows everything about the sport, the league and the Sea Devils. He will do a great job and make the Sea Devils a successful team in 2007."



National Football League Europa Stories from March 28, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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