The FA has taken the unprecedented step of naming the media suite at Wembley as “The Danny Fullbrook Lounge” in honour of the Daily Star‘s chief football writer, who died earlier this year.
Danny’s son Edward, who had been a guest at training the previous day, was present on Tuesday night along with Danny’s parents Jim and Sylvia and sister Josephine, when the FA chairman David Bernstein unveiled a plaque ahead of the Ukraine game on Tuesday.
Bernstein said: “I did not know Danny personally but I am well aware of his work and excellent reputation. He will be sorely missed.
“At the time of his passing the England manager Roy Hodgson and his captain Steven Gerrard paid tribute to Danny. I also know that several members of the squad recorded personal video messages for Edward. Roy and the team have asked to pass on their thoughts to everyone here today.
“It is fitting that the Football Association names this media lounge in Danny’s name.”
Club England managing director Adrian Bevington added: “I’ve never experienced a press conference like the one in Donetsk when Roy and Steven Gerrard paid tribute to Danny. It was such an emotional press conference and the regard Danny was held in by his peers was clear to see and felt by all.”
Frank Lampard said in Tuesday’s match programme: “He was a great bloke from a wonderful family. He had a big personality and he was very well liked. Sometimes footballers and the press have not always had such a good relationship but people like Danny made it easy to bridge that gap because of his personality.
“I went to his funeral and you can see by the reaction that he will be greatly missed by so many people. Every conversation I had with him was football or family and that sums him up as a man.
“I know what an incredible fight Danny fought and while we are all still getting over his passing, he will not be forgotten.
“Danny will be missed by us all. Hopefully the naming of this lounge will ensure his name will live on for many years to come.
“It’s brilliant what has been done for him. He was such a football man, to have his name forever at Wembley, a place he loved coming to work, he’ll be smiling down on this one.”
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