English rose among the thorns (The Malay Mail)

LORRAINE KILBY is the rose among the thorns in the England youth team.
She is the team's head of administration and has been with the English
FA's youth teams since she was 19 and fresh out of school.
Lorraine, 24, is an important link to the team and she loves every
minute of her job.
It all started when she answered an advertisement by the English FA for
an administrator for the youth teams five years ago.
"I love soccer and I have not had a moment of regret since accepting the
job," said Lorraine who got hooked to the game after following her father
to soccer matches.
England manager Ted Powell said Lorraine sees to the team's every need -
from contacting players for training or tournaments at their clubs to
making travel and hotel arrangements.
"And she does it with such professionalism that we have no complaints,"
said Powell.
Lorraine has travelled extensively with England's Under-15, Under-19 and
Under-21 sides.
Lorraine and Powell were in Johor Bahru 10 weeeks ago to do the
bookings, check out the training grounds and to see to the squad's all
other possible needs.
Lorraine said she has not encountered any major problem.
"I take pride in my job and ensure that whatever is required is done to
the best of my ability.
"And I get much satisfaction from seeing the young footballers become
top players in the League and the senior national team," she said.
Among the players she has worked with are Sol Campbell, Gary Neville,
David Beckham, Paul Scholes, David Neville, Nicky Butt and Robbie Fowler.
Lorraine is certainly the envy of many a soccer fan but it is no cosy
job as it requires total dedication and great administrative skills.
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