Former Newcastle manager and Jonny Wilkinson mentor Steve Black dies aged 64

Black is known as a fitness and motivational coach who crosses sports and is best known for his work with the Newcastle United FC and the Newcastle Falcons rugby club.

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Praises have poured in from around the sports world following the announcement of the death of legendary coach Steve Black, aged 64.

Black has worked with a number of top teams, including Newcastle United Football ClubSunderland and Huddersfield Town Football Club, Newcastle Falcons rugby club, the Welsh national rugby team and English Lion and Irish Lion.

During his time working for the Magpies, he was known to be an important part of the Kevin Keegan Staffed the team’s backroom and became famous for coaching players on Tynemouth Beach in front of supporters.

The Falcons announced the news on Sunday and described Black as a “funny Geordie”, “a friend to us all”.

“Blackie, as he is widely known, has spent two spells on the club’s coaching staff – but he is so much more,” the club said in a statement.

“Funny George has been the pulse of the Falcons’ spirit from their early professional days, helping propel Newcastle to promotion and then the Premier League title on their first try.

“Winning numerous domestic cups under his watch, Blackie’s unique motivational talent has earned him success with the Wales national team and the Lions of England & Ireland, as well as with football clubs. kick Newcastle United and Sunderland, and many other elite sports athletes.

“More than his athletic achievements, Blackie is a friend to all of us – a proud Geordie who understands the value of people and how to inspire them.”

Newcastle United also paid their respects: “We are saddened to learn of the death of Steve Black, who worked with Newcastle United under Kevin Keegan in the Entertainers era and was also part of the post-staff staff needed by the club during the 2015/16 season. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Terry McDermott, a former assistant director of Magpies, said: “It hurts to wake up to the news that my great mate, Blackie has passed away. Words cannot do his justice and he will. missed a lot by everyone. know him.”

Club legend Alan Shearer has arrived Twitter to give his response to the news: “Horrible news. RIP Blackie.”

And, in 2019, the rugby star Danny Cipriani described what Black means to players like him and his colleagues England legend Jonny Wilkinson.

“When you have someone you can lean on and trust, the way you feel – and therefore the way you can play – is second to none. That person, to me, is Steve Black,” he said. wrote in his column for the Telegraph.

“I met Steve in 2013 while working with Sales Sharks. I’m in my twenties and I would be suspicious, even though I know he’s worked with Jonny Wilkinson. I would have thought. , ‘Do I really have to be open with others?’

“We had a conversation that lasted three or four hours. It was interesting and I learned a lot about myself.

“From there, over a period of about two years, he helped clear the fog in my brain. He helped me understand things, why I felt certain ways.

“Sometimes you can’t deal with a feeling until you’ve gone through a process.

“Blackie was amazing at that, and my four seasons in Sales were a pivotal time in my life both on and off the pitch.”