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Monday 09 December 2024 13:38
Legendary Maltese Manchester United supporter Joe Glanville received the Ian Stirling Fan of the Year award at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The award was created in 2023, in honour of the late, great Ian Stirling, who tragically passed away in May of that year, at the age of just 57.
Each year, it is presented to a Red that has gone above and beyond for the club, their community and the fanbase at large.
Stirling himself was the inaugural winner of the award last year but, in July, Joe was announced as the 2024 recipient, after thousands of nominations had been considered.
Joe Glanville is our Fan of the Year! Video
Joe Glanville is our Fan of the Year!
FAN OF THE YEAR | Legendary Red Joe Glanville was emotional after picking up the Ian Stirling Award on Saturday…
Glanville first visited Old Trafford and Manchester in the 1960s, and quickly struck up friendships with Manchester United staff and supporters.
In the years since, he has been a vital part of our Malta supporters’ club – now 66 years old – and has helped spread the United gospel to all corners of the globe.
He has embarked on countless fundraising drives via his unique memorabilia collection, and brought thousands of Reds – some of whom call him ‘Sir Joe’! – closer to the club that they love.
After receiving his award from former United defender Martin Buchan and Lynn Stirling – wife of the late Ian – Glanville was interviewed pitchside before our match with Nottingham Forest.
“It’s really great, for the simple reason that I’ve been coming here for donkey’s years!” said an emotional Joe. “I never expected this. It’s something out of this world for me.”
Joe Tedesco, the current president of United’s Maltese supporters’ branch, said: “Joe is a great ambassador of Man United, not just in Malta but worldwide. He’s well known by thousands of fans from all over the world, who’ve had the pleasure to know Joe… I think they [the club] made a good choice with choosing Joe.”
Asked for a defining memory from his years spent following the Reds, Joe couldn’t look past the impact Munich made on him as a young person. But he hinted that it was the love and goodwill he has received from other fans that has powered his long and happy relationship with United.
“Unfortunately it wasn’t a great occasion, but I always remember Munich,” he admitted, tearfully. “There are so many memories, it is very difficult to go back, because I’ve been coming here for more than 55 years!
“But I remember Manchester when it was all black! The help I always had from the people over here… they are great people. I’ve had a fantastic life.”
Congratulations, Joe!
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Monday 09 December 2024 13:38
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