This blog post was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Jonathan Knott

Former British ambassador to Hungary, Budapest

Part of UK in Hungary

2nd April 2014 Budapest, Hungary

Partners Tournament at Vác FC featuring GB United

Guest Blog by John P. Marshall, Chairman of Vác FC – Founder at Aspire Group
 

Last Saturday, 29th March 2014, we witnessed GB United take to the field for a second time. Although on this occasion, taking part in an 8-team amateur tournament, held at Vác FC stadium for the inauguration of our brand new 4G AstroTurf pitch in association with the new official charity partner of Vác FC – The Smiling Hospital Foundation. For the grand opening we were fortunate to have present: Mayor Attila Fördős, Deputy Mayor Tibor Pető, Parliamentarian Péter Harrach and of our very own Ambassador Jonathon Knott. pic1

But after the formalities came a day full of goodwill, friendship, football and fair play. The wonderful thing about football is that everyone on the field is equal. This unique sport brings people together from all walks of life and allows everyone to have fun.

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The winners of the tournament were Trigo Kft, a global company with local presence in Vác. In fact, the event was also organised to thank the local Vác companies for their prolonged support of Vác FC and our VLSE Academy through sponsorship or tax relief initiatives. It also gave the opportunity to the expat community through the British Embassy and GB United to show how we are connected on so many levels: friendship, football and business.   GB United narrowly lost their first 2 matches and drew the last which put us into the 5th/6th place play off. Although we lost our final game 4-1, our only goal was from the penalty spot, scored by the one and only, Ambassador Jonathon Knott. pic3

On a personal note, it was an emotional day for me.  As Owner of Vác FC, Coach of GB United, a businessman and a British National, it was a proud moment for a number of reasons. It was an honour and a privilege to help organise an event that represented this many causes so close to my heart. Yes, Business is GREAT but life is short and days like Saturday make you realize what else is important: fellowship, happiness & humility.

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John P. Marshall and Ambassador Knott

A big thank you to all those who made the day possible, in particular, MaltaCourt Global Logistics, for sponsoring GB United and supplying our kits. In addition, thanks to Zollner Kft, Trigo Kft, Duna-Dráva Cement Kft, NBH Security, Pest MLSZ, Hungarian Football Journalists and the Vác FC Old Boys for taking part.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the British government.

About Jonathan Knott

Jonathan Knott was appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Hungary in March 2011 and arrived in Budapest in February 2012 to take up his post. He left this post on April…

Jonathan Knott was appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to
Hungary in March 2011 and arrived in Budapest in February 2012 to take
up his post. He left this post on April 2015.
He has previously held a variety of diplomatic posts at home and
abroad, several with a particular focus on commercial and corporate
finance issues. Jonathan has served in a number of positions in the
British Diplomatic Service since joining in 1988:
Before his appointment was Deputy Head of Mission and Director for Trade and Investment in South Korea from 2008 to 2011.Between 2005 and 2008 he held the post of Deputy Finance Director in the FCO.From 2000 to 2005 he served as First Secretary (Trade, Corporate Affairs and Finance Negotiator) in UKDel OECD Paris.From 1996 to 2000 he was First Secretary (Head of Political/Economic/Aid Section) in Mexico.From 1995 to 1996 he worked in the FCO as Deputy European Correspondent at the EU Directorate.Between 1991 and 1995 he served as Third later Second Secretary (Political / Press and Public Affairs) in Havana.From 1990 to 1991 he was Desk Officer in the FCO’s First Gulf War Emergency Unit.Between 1988 and 1990 he worked as Desk Officer in the FCO in the Anti Drugs Cooperation Department.
Jonathan holds an MA in law from Oxford University, and he is a
member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. He speaks
English, French, Spanish and Hungarian. He is married to Angela Susan
Knott and has one daughter and two sons.

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