From PFF MEDIA CELL:
Lahore, 10 October: Known as ‘hard-as-nails’ Tottenham Hotspur defender who lifted the 1984 UEFA Cup as captain after scoring a dramatic late goal as well as a penalty in the shoot-out against Belgium’s RSC Anderlecht at London’s White Hart Lane, Graham Roberts will be accompanying the Pakistan Under-23 football team as a consultant during the 16th Asian Games Football Tournament slated to be held in China from 7-26 November 2010. Southampton-born Roberts had an impressive career as a player, representing clubs such as Tottenham and Rangers, as well as earning full England honours. The 51-year-old former Yeovil Town FC (Somerset, England) and Clyde FC (Cumbernauld, Scotland) boss has accepted the post after signing an initial two-months deal for a consultancy role
“Graham’s services are being taken through a sponsor, and Englishman will work with the team as consultant during the 52-match Asian Games as his name has also been included in the pool of officials for the prestigious quadrennial event where Pakistan will face Thailand, Oman, Maldives in Group-F. We are fortunate to have such high profile personality working with our players for two months as football consultant as he was a successful player and had vast coaching experience. Hopefully the deal will be good for our team in China mission, “said Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat.
“We are proud to welcome Graham Roberts as the Technical Consultant for the Guangzhou-bound Pakistan Team for next month’s ASIAD. Through his presence our AID-27 coaches will also learn a lot and if he proves his worth then we could definately consider about his future with PFF,” added by Faisal who appreciated the all out efforts and dedication of Sardar Naveed Haider Khan, Director Marketing PFF for arranging the Sponsorship and making available Graham, who also won two English FA Cups in 1981, 1982 with Tottenham and Scottish Championship 1986–87 and Scottish League Cup 1987, 1988 with Glasgow Rangers.
PFF Chief and Naveed Haider thanked founders and directors Clem Leech and Ahmer Kunwar of TouchSky Sports – a London sports and media based company with a strong presence in Europe, South America and Africa – for their initiative and coordination with PFF Marketing Department in arranging services of former English defender for Pakistan Football. The services of sponsors Spedition Services Ltd (Surrey, England) and TKC Restaurant (London) for soccer uplift in Pakistan will also be remembered for their part in the deal.
“Graham will be sponsored for two-months stint. If all goes well with him and us, we can negotiate a long term contract with him to help us as a coach. While Pakistan is renowned for its prowess in cricket, hockey and squash, TouchSky Sports and sponsors want to give Pakistan another sport to celebrate worldwide, “Sardar Naveed Haider added.
Graham, who is expected to arrive in Lahore in few days, is to become an Ambassador for the Futbol for Peace campaign before he heads off to Pakistan – which will tie in with PFF vision for youth development. Futbol for Peace Ambassadors include Michael Ballack, Luigi Buffon, Aaron Mokoena, Ryan Babel and David James and were part of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa – so good profile for PFF campaign and Pakistan as a whole. They have an education program which would work with the development side and a very powerful symbol which the Charity will donate to the PFF for placement at FIFA house.
1984 UEFA Cup Final 2nd Leg – Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 RSC Anderlecht (1-1 AET; 4-3 PSO) – Highlights of Graham Roberts’ finest hour as a player & captain.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhSfb5jN12Q[/youtube]
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Spedition Services Ltd (Surrey, England)
Spedition Services Limited (SSL) specialise in providing multi/intermodal logistics solutions to/from Russia and the CIS countries. SLL work with some of the world’s best brands. SSL is a strong committed team of people in 5 strategic countries ensure they stay ahead of the game. Offering continuous improvement with particular focus on sustainability, route development, optimisation, and environmentally friendly solutions, this passionate and dedicated company is a partner for life.
Comment for press release: Yasmin Fazal said “Spedition Services Ltd are delighted to be sponsoring Pakistan Football Team and wishing the team best of luck in the up and coming Asian Games in China”.
TKC Restaurant (London)
Established in 1965, TKC Restaurant was formed to cater for the Anglo Indian community in Southall. TKC is now a leading hospitality caterer in United Kingdom touching the taste buds of thousands of people. TKC offer multiple cuisines ranging from Chinese and Asian, providing a perfect blend of both worlds. TKC have pioneered the way for Asian catering in United Kingdom as the official caterer for Pakistan Cricket Team when touring UK and are currently at the forefront in their bid for catering rights at the London Olympic Games in 2012.
Comment for press release: Chaudary Dalawar of TKC said “as pioneers in our business I feel Pakistan Football is going through a major development and I am pleased to back another great sporting saga especially with Graham Roberts at the helm for the Asian Games in China and this initiative will help send out a positive message all over the world for Pakistan and for football in Pakistan”.
TouchSky Sports (London)
Touch TouchSky Sports is a London based sports and media based company with a strong presence in Europe, South America and Africa. TS Sports specialises in the development and management of footballers from career to lifestyle management.
Comment for press release: Ahmer Kunwar said: “ TSS see this as the birth of a long term strategic opportunity to raise the profile of football in Pakistan and Pakistani football worldwide. The arrival of Graham Roberts enables us to embark on this journey working hand in glove with the Pakistan Football Federation”.