Austria mourns Ernst Weber
Thursday, April 7, 2011
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The Austrian Football Association has paid tribute to Ernst Weber, the coach of both the women's senior national team and a number of male and female youth squads, after his death aged 62.
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Austria is mourning the country's women's and youth national coach Ernst Weber who died on Wednesday aged 62.
Weber's death came just a day after he presided over Austria's last game in the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship second qualifying round. Also in charge of the senior team, Weber had served the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) since 1996.
ÖFB president Leopold Windtner said: "We are all stunned and shocked. Ernst Weber was not only a serious, professional coach, but his exemplary character and his always open and friendly manner were an example for everyone. In the name of the entire Austrian football family it is my wish to express to his next of kin, especially his dear wife Gabi, our most sincere condolences."
Former SC Brunn, VfB Mödling, 1. SVg Guntramsdorf and SC Grossengersdorf player Weber began his coaching career in 1981 with the regional Leistungszentrum Südstadt selection. He then worked for Admira Wacker, SC Eisenstadt, Kremser SC – winning the 1988 Austrian Cup – SK Vorwärts Steyr, FK Austria Wien and SV Braunau before joining the ÖFB.
He initially coached the Austria men's U21 side from 1996 until 1999 before switching to take charge of the women's national team and a selection of male and female youth sides – finishing third at the 2003 UEFA European U17 Championship. Weber had previously battled cancer, successfully coming through chemotherapy in 2002.
