Former Singapore national football coach Barry Whitbread dies aged 77

Former Singapore national football coach Barry Whitbread died aged 77 on Sept 9, his son Zak said in a post on X.

"A rare man of immense integrity, principled, positive and true to who he was," Zak wrote.

"He lived for family and football, lived his dream, helped me live mine and was an incredible dad."

Whitbread's death was also announced by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) in a Facebook post on the same day on Sept 11, which stated that it was "deeply saddened" to hear about the news.

"His contribution to the game and to Singapore football will always be remembered and cherished," read the post.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Barry's family and loved ones during this difficult time."

The FAS added that Whitbread served as head coach of the Lions from 1995 to 1998, leaving an indelible mark on Singapore football.

He also led the Lions to their first international trophy at the 1998 Tiger Cup, now known as the ASEAN Championship, in Vietnam.

R Sasikumar, who scored the only goal in that historic match, paid tribute to Whitbread in an Instagram Story: "I'm going to miss you coach. Thank you for changing my life. Rest in peace."

bhavya.rawat@asiaone.com

新加坡前国家足球队教练巴里·惠特布雷德于9月9日去世，享年77岁。他的儿子扎克在X上发帖称。

扎克写道：“他是一位罕见的正直、有原则、积极向上、忠于自我的人。”

“他为家庭和足球而活，实现了自己的梦想，也帮助我实现了我的梦想，他是一位了不起的父亲。”

新加坡足球协会（FAS）也在9月11日当天通过Facebook发布消息宣布了惠特布雷德的死讯，并表示对这一消息“深感悲痛”。

帖子中写道：“他对这项运动和新加坡足球的贡献将永远被铭记和珍视。”

“在这个艰难的时刻，我们向巴里的家人和亲人致以最深切的慰问。”

新加坡足协补充说，惠特布雷德在 1995 年至 1998 年期间担任狮队主教练，给新加坡足球留下了不可磨灭的印记。

他还带领狮队在 1998 年于越南举行的“老虎杯”（现称东盟锦标赛）上获得了他们的第一个国际奖杯。

在那场历史性的比赛中打入唯一进球的R·萨西库马尔在Instagram Story上向惠特布雷德致敬：“我会想念你的，教练。谢谢你改变了我的人生。安息吧。”

bhavya.rawat@asiaone.com