Guys I know that alot of you won't know this bloke (except Wee Gooner and Downunder) but he's passed away and I'm truly gutted at the news....the person I'm talking about is Johnny Warren, who to me WAS Australian football. I just thought, seeing this is a football thread and all, to post this article in here so as to give you an insight into this incredible man and what he's done trying to improve the state of football in Australia.
http://wwiii.sbs.com.au/home/index.php3?id=51508
Farewell 'Captain Socceroo'
SBS
Socceroos legend Johnny Warren has lost his brave battle with cancer.
The man affectionately known as 'Captain Socceroo' died at Prince Alfred Hospital at approximately 5.30pm on Saturday evening with his family and friends by his side.
He was admitted to hospital on Wednesday suffering from major breathing problems and other complications associated with the cancer, which was first diagnosed in late 2002.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days.
The face of Australian soccer for the past 30 years, Johnny captained the Socceroos for eight years (between 1966 and 1972) and led Australia through three World Cup campaigns, including a major involvement in the Socceroos' only appearance at the 1974 World Cup finals.
His involvement with SBS Television began in 1980. He called and co-commentated several major matches including Australia's World Cup campaigns, the network's telecasts of the 1990, 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cups, the European Championships and Cup Winners Cups and World Youth Championships and was the chief football analyst on SBS Television's The World Game.
In 1998, he was one of 200 sports starts to be inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame.
In 2002, Johnny published his first book
Sheila's Wogs and Poofters, which has gone on to become an Australian best seller. He was also included among the Queen's birthday honours list, receiving a Medal of the Order of Australia.
In July of this year, Johnny was honoured for his services to soccer by FIFA president Sepp Blatter and was awarded the Centennial Medal of Honour in a formal ceremony in Sydney.
"I want Australia to embrace this fabulous game," he said on receiving the honour. "It's not 'wog-ball'. This is the game of the world."
Johnny Warren was 61.
I just feel like absolute shit hearing this news and yeah, I'm still stunned. I really, sincerely hope Australia qualifies for the 2006 World Cup for Johnny. A true legend will be missed.
