THE death of Athletic Bilbao's president Javier Uria and the departure of manager Jupp Heynckes to Schalke 04 has delayed confirmation of the proposed pre-season friendly with Ipswich Town on Friday, August 1, writes Derek Davis.
THE death of Athletic Bilbao's president Javier Uria and the departure of manager Jupp Heynckes to Schalke 04 has delayed confirmation of the proposed pre-season friendly with Ipswich Town on Friday, August 1, writes Derek Davis.
The EADT yesterday revealed Town were due to meet a top Spanish side in their final warm-up game before entertaining Reading at Portman Road for the season opener on August 9.
The Blues were hoping to get a signed contract back from the Basque club yesterday but are still waiting as the club have been in mourning since Uria died last Wednesday, aged 41, from cancer.
Bilbao missed out on a UEFA Cup place after losing 3-1 to champions Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Sunday, their first defeat in 11 games, and Barcelona nipped ahead of them after beating Celta Vigo.
Although the club insist on all their players being born in the Basque region they can boast a number of internationals including winger Joseba Etxeberria, who finished the season as their top scorer with 14 goals.
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