An interview with Fabian Yantorno, by Callum McFadden for WFi.
You are fondly remembered by fans in Scottish football for your time at Gretna and Hibernian. What are you up to now, and where are you based?
“I’m currently in Uruguay working as an assistant manager at Boston River in the top division. The manager is an Argentine coach, Israel Damonte, and I’m really happy in the role.
“It’s great to still be involved in football, especially helping young players, and even the more experienced ones, improve every day and give their best.”
How has the season been going so far at Boston River? And what’s the standard like in the Uruguayan top flight?
“We’ve played four matches so far, with two draws, one win, and one defeat, so it’s been a decent start, although we can definitely improve.
“We’re also preparing for a big game in the Copa Sudamericana. In South America, we have two major club competitions, the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudamericana. We’re in the Sudamericana and facing Racing in a kind of playoff. If we win, we progress to the group stage.
“It’s a huge match for us, and we’re determined to keep going in the competition.”
Let’s go back to the beginning. What was life like growing up in Uruguay, and when did you first start playing football?
“I’ve been playing football for as long as I can remember. It’s part of life in Uruguay. I love the game, and it has always been a passion of mine.
“I played for some heats in Uruguay before moving to Italy with Sambenedettese and spent a year there before returning to Uruguay to play for several clubs. After that came my move to Scotland with Gretna, then Hibernian, and later Hartlepool United in England.”
How did the move to Italy come about?
“My agent suggested the move and, of course, I said yes. In Uruguay and across South America, every player dreams of moving to Europe. The standard is very high, and financially it’s a big opportunity.
“I really enjoyed my year in Italy, but I always had one eye on returning to Europe again in the future.”
What were your first impressions of Scotland when you joined Gretna?
“It was very different. The language was a big challenge at first. I understood some English, but speaking it and making myself understood was difficult.
“Thankfully, everyone at Gretna was brilliant with me. The club, the town, and my teammates all helped me settle. On the pitch, I scored some goals and felt I performed well, so that made life easier.”
One of your most memorable moments was your free-kick goal against Celtic. What do you remember about that day?
“That’s definitely one of the highlights of my career, maybe the biggest.
“Before I mention the goal, I want to talk about Kenny Crichton, the physio at Gretna. He helped me enormously. Scottish football was faster and more physical than I was used to, so I worked extra sessions in the gym and did additional treatment with him. I remember him with a lot of affection.
“Kenny was a big Hibs fan and talked to me every day about Hibernian, Easter Road, and Edinburgh. Before we played Celtic, he told me, ‘You’re going to score today.’ And I did, from a free kick. Afterwards, he took me out to dinner with his family. It’s a memory I treasure.
“Scoring against such a big club while we were struggling financially made it even more special. I still get messages about that goal to this day.”
You later joined Hibernian. Did Kenny influence that move?
“He certainly spoke about Hibs every day. But when we played at Easter Road with Gretna, I loved the atmosphere. It’s a fantastic stadium.
“I scored another free kick there and said afterwards how much I enjoyed the pitch and the fans. Later, I ended up signing for Hibernian. In football, sometimes things just fall into place.
“Maybe it didn’t go exactly as I dreamed in football terms, but I have very good memories of the club, the city of Edinburgh, and the people there.”
How do you reflect on your time at Hartlepool United?
“I have very good memories of Hartlepool too. I lived near the stadium and made close friends there.
“We played against teams like Southampton, Brighton, Sheffield Wednesday, and Sheffield United, clubs that later reached the Premier League or Championship.
“League One is sometimes underestimated because it’s the third division, but it’s extremely competitive. The matches are tough, and the standard is high.”
You worked with Mick Wadsworth at both Gretna and Hartlepool. How important was he to your career?
“He was very important. From the first time we spoke, we had a good connection. He believed in me, probably more than I believed in myself at times.
“I owe him a lot in football terms. He’s a very good man, and I’m very grateful for everything he did for me.”
You spent almost 10 years at Sud América after returning to Uruguay. What did that mean to you?
“It means everything. Sud América is my club. Even though I didn’t make my debut there, it’s the team I support and love.
“I gave my best every time I played, and I feel the fans recognised that with their affection. I hope one day to return there, maybe even as manager.”
Have you returned to Scotland since leaving Hibs in 2008?
“No, I haven’t been back yet, and I haven’t spoken much English since 2012, so I apologise if I’m a bit rusty.
“But I have two daughters now, aged 12 and 8, and I’ve told them I want to take them to Scotland to show them Gretna, Edinburgh, and the places where I lived and played. They’re very excited about it. I know I’ll go back one day.”
Finally, Fabian, do you see yourself becoming a manager in the future?
“Maybe one day. Right now, I’m really enjoying being an assistant manager. It’s a special role because you’re close to the players and still out on the pitch.
“I still enjoy taking free kicks in training and being involved in sessions. Sometimes I still feel like a player.
“In the future, with more experience, perhaps I’ll become a manager. But for now, I’m happy learning and enjoying my role.”
Featured image: Fabian Yantorno at Boston River, 2022, via Tenfield on YouTube.
COMMENTS