After 15 years as Head coach in the NFL Europe has Jack Bicknell tonight its resignation as a coach the Hamburg Sea Devils admits given. Bicknell, which cared for the Hanseaten since its league affiliation 2005, called health reasons for its decision.

Already in past December the 69-Jaehrige at a virus infection got sick, from which it recovered not yet final. Due to its still weak cycle Bicknell decided to give the office up of the Head Coaches briefly the Hamburg Sea Devils before beginning of the new season.

"I am inexpressibly sad over the fact that I will not any longer train Hamburg Sea Devils", avowed Bicknell from Tampa, Florida, where the Trainingscamp of the six NFL Europe team takes place at present. "this step was reliably one of the most difficult decisions of my life. But I did not want to travel with the team to Hamburg to state only in order briefly on the fact that I am health still fastened."

"I am proud 15 years a part of this league to have been long. I will always carry the NFL Europe and Hamburg Sea Devils in my heart. But it is important now for me to become again healthy."

Bicknell was since establishment of the World League OF football - the today's NFL Europe - Head coach in of Europe only professional football league. Before he took over Hamburg Sea Devils, he coachte the Barcelona Dragons and the Scottish Claymores. 1997 it won the World Bowl with the Dragons. Bicknell terminates its career in the NFL Europe as a victory-richest coach league history. It won 69 plays - as many as no other coach in the NFL Europe.

In his two play times as Head coach the Hamburg Sea Devils won Bicknell of eight plays. 2005 it led the Hansestaedter with five coming from ten plays to the most successful start of a league beginner since establishment of the professional league. 18 of the athletes, which Bicknell trained in its time with the Sea Devils, stands at present at teams for that national football League (NFL) under contract.

Kathrin place, business guide the Hamburg Sea Devils, showed up dismayed over the resignation: "the message surprised me completely. That is a sad day for Hamburg Sea Devils. We do not only lose a outstanding coach, we lose also terribly affectionate and cordial humans. But the health always proceeds and we to stand fully behind the decision Jack Bicknells." 

Also John Beake, Managing Director OF football operation NFL Europe, falls the parting from the serve-oldest coach of the league heavily: "this is a very emotional moment for me and the NFL Europe. Jack Bicknell was from the outset part of this league. It was one of the pioneers, who wanted to establish this sport in Europe; an outstanding Ambassador of the sport and the league. It pushed the NFL Europe like no different one its stamp open. The decision to withdraw, is it obviously heavily pleases. I have fullest respect for its acting and wish him that he is soon again with best health."

New Head coach the Hamburg Sea Devils is immediately Vince Martino, which functioned to date as offensive Coordinator of the Hansestaedter. Martino worked 30 years long on the page Bicknells.

"For me this is personal a very sad day, because I must work immediately without a way companion of many years and a very good friend", said Martino. "we all wish only the best to Jack and hope that he soon again probably is."

Despite the shock and despite few the period of changeover, which remains for that 60 year old ones to season start on 14 April, he expects to his new tasks confidently: "Head coach the Hamburg Sea Devils to be, is a large challenge for me. I will place myself to the new task and my best will give. Jack arranged me a mad team and will set I everything to appreciate it with a successful season."

Martino worked the past seven years as offensive Coordinator in Hamburg, Scotland and Barcelona under Bicknell. Also it won 1997 the World Bowl with the Spanish team. Under its guidance among other things the Quarterbacks Jon Kitna and Kelly Holcomb developed to NFL Quarterbacks.

Bicknell could not itself have wished a better successor: "Vince is far more than one replacement. We gecoacht 30 years long together. It was not only long years my offensive Coordinator, but also my Assistant Head coach. Vince knows everything about our fascinating sport, the NFL Europe and Hamburg Sea Devils. I am sure me that he will carry great work out in Hamburg and 2007 will already play successfully."

Also Kathrin place stands behind the decision to appoint Martino to the new Head coach: "this is the optimum solution and a logical decision. It could not better give, in order to begin Bicknells inheritance. Martino is with the team and the play system trusts in the best way and the ideas and the line of its friend sovereign will resume. We stand all fully and completely behind Martino and will try to make for it the new situation as easy as possible."

On the coming weekend Martino will have to make its first heavy decisions in the new office. Then it must determine the 48 players, whom it takes also to Hamburg. On 5 April the new team the Hamburg Sea Devils in the Hanseatic city arrives.