ACU Statement on MXdN team manager
By TMX Archives on 3rd Sep 09
ON Thursday afternoon the ACU issued a joint statement with Mark Eastwood with regard to his position as team manager for the 2009 edition of the Motocross of Nations in Italy.
The release reads:-
The ACU has decided to withdraw Mark Eastwood from the post of Manager for the British Team in the forthcoming Motocross of Nations. This is as a result of his article in the August issue of Moto magazine in which he made some inappropriate remarks relating to the FIM, Youthstream and its President concerning their management of this world championship.
Motocross Committee chairman, Brian Higgins, commented: "It is a pity Mark made such detrimental remarks as the ACU is very supportive of the work both Youthstream and the FIM, including the Presidents, are doing for world motocross.
"I believe Mark has been a very good team manager in the past and stood by his decisions, which have not always been easy. I spoke to him at length on the telephone during which he offered his apologies but unfortunately the damage had been done."
Higgins invited Eastwood to comment in this statement: "To say I am disappointed at the outcome of this would be an understatement, as I genuinely enjoyed my role as Team Manager of Great Britain - but for those who know me will also realise that, although I am sometimes outspoken, I believe in my views and decisions, otherwise why speak?
"Maybe that is why I have had such a long career in the sport. For the ACU to still stand by my choice of team hopefully echoes their trust in the fact that I was doing a good job, but slipped up with the media.... It's a shame really, but good luck to the team and Great Britain as my heart was totally in the job!"
The ACU will now look at the way forward with regard to a replacement but has confirmed that the ACU will stand by Eastwood's original team selection.
Release issued by the ACU Press Office.- 3.9.09