‘Malta to Wembley’ – a unique book

The Manchester United Supporters Club (Malta) deserves praise for their initiative in publishing the book “Malta to Wembley” which was launched a few days ago at their premises in St Venera. The fact that the proceeds from the book’s sale – the price is only €50 – are going towards Charity (Puttinu Cares) is enough to induce a good number of club members and followers, and even veteran Hibernians supporters, as well as local and international football enthusiasts to give the thumbs up for this book. Former MUSC president Joe Glanville and MUSC member Simon Poulton were behind this great publication which has been dubbed as unique, fantastic, fascinating, wonderful and smashing, among other adjectives. No wonder. Glanville’s memorabilia is certainly second to none and the 284-page book is replete with highlights of Man United’s triumph, starting with the tie against Hibernians at Old Trafford and the Empire Stadium (United had advanced to the second round on a 4-0 aggregate). The book must also be described as a collection of scanned local and foreign newspapers and other memorabilia which include match tickets, match programmes and even official dinner menus. No doubt, I was really impressed with what I saw when my old friend Joe Glanville showed me the book. It brought about nostalgia of that unforgettable moment when Hibernians of Malta hosted the famous Red Devils of Manchester at the old Empire Stadium in Gzira. I can never forget the then Fr Hilary’s boys goalless draw against such illustrious opponents in front of a crowd of around 25,000. It was one of those few red letter days for Hibernians FC and for Maltese football as well. During the launch of the book last Tuesday – thanks to the MUSC - I also had the occasion to meet some of the Hibs players who are still alive and who had taken part in that memorable match, as well as Man United players John Aston and Alex Stepney. It was another memorable occasion to see former Hibs players such as Victor Cassar, Freddie Mallia, Freddie Mizzi, Francis Mifsud, Freddie Delia and Salvu Gatt. They all made me remember the glorious days, not only of Hibernians FC, then coached by the ‘footballing’ priest Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, but also of other Maltese football giants of those days. Moreover, it was also nice to be in the presence of two former well known players of Manchester United, who had also played in the final against Portugal’s Benfica at Wembley. Alex Stepney and John Aston are both well known persons, but in my opinion, I think it was Stepney who paved the way for United to win their first ever European Cup in that final (4-1 after extra time). I still remember that after Bobby Charlton had put United ahead early in the second half, Benfica equalised 15 minutes from the end through Graca. Then a few minutes before the final whistle, it was Stepney who made an unbelievable save off a close range effort from the late Portuguese great Eusebio, thus sending the match to extra time. It was then that United took over scoring three times without further reply. I still remember Eusebio – as the true gentleman he was – applauding Stepney for his fine save! I cannot also fail to mention that John Aston was perhaps not among the scorers in that final, but he was named Man of the Match. Those were real sporting moments which will remain indelible in my mind. To conclude, I must really thank the Manchester United Supporters Club, especially their president Joseph Tedesco, for giving me and others such a good opportunity to remember some of the few glorious days of Maltese football.