long-serving club secretary Bernard Halford (centre) is presented a shirt by Manchester City's chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak (left) and executive chairman Garry Cook (right), becoming only the second Life President in the club's 116-year history
Gala Fairydean Rovers are hosting an evening with Life President of Manchester City Football Club, Bernard Halford later this week. The Question and Answer event will take place on Friday 21st of April in the club’s Red and Black Lounge. Mr Halford is the only non-player to be inducted into the Manchester City Hall of Fame and was asked to join the team on the balcony at Wembley Stadium when they collected the FA Cup in 2011.
Bernard, known throughout the game as ‘Mr Manchester City’, has celebrated over 50 years service to the game he loves – the vast majority of which has been spent at Maine Road and then the City of Manchester Stadium. Born and raised in Chadderton in Greater Manchester, Bernard first of all joined his local club, Oldham Athletic, as assistant secretary and later secretary before, 13 years later, fulfilling a boyhood dream by joining his beloved Manchester City as Company Secretary.
The title of Life President was bestowed on Bernard by City Chief Executive Officer Garry Cook in 2010 and he stated, “His contribution to this club has been immeasurable. He is respected and adored by all the staff and we are delighted to make him a Life President, only the second in our history. Behind the scenes he is one of the most respected faces in English football - recognised wherever he goes at all levels of the game. It has been our honour and a great source of pride for us as a football club to have Bernard as our secretary for more than three decades.”
Bernard is no stranger to the Scottish Borders and has visited Selkirk FC many times to celebrate Manchester City’s link with local legend Bobby Johnstone.
The event which is free starts at 8pm in the clubrooms beneath the stand at Netherdale. All are welcome.