He’s already got a statue on the front porch, but soon Sir Bobby Charlton will be on the receiving end of yet another esteemed accolade from Manchester United.
As announced by the club this morning, the South Stand at Old Trafford is set to be renamed in honour of Sir Bobby to mark the 60th anniversary of his United debut in 1956. He went on to play 758 times for United, scoring a club record 249 goals.
Just as a little bit of added trivia, the South Stand contains the only surviving bits of the original stadium infrastructure, dating back to 1910.
The official unveiling ceremony will come before United’s home tie against Everton at the start of next month.
The Sir Bobby Charlton Stand will be unveiled against Everton on Saturday 2 April. #mufc pic.twitter.com/kL0WIMKFLg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 15, 2016
Sir Bobby told the official United website:
This is a great honour and I am very proud – for myself and my family – that the club has chosen to name the South Stand after me.
Manchester United has been such an important part of my life and I have so many wonderful memories of this Theatre of Dreams.
As a player, I remember the goals and the marvellous players I played with. As a director, I have seen some outstanding matches and players. It is a special place indeed.
I would like to thank everyone connected with United. So many people work so hard to keep us at the top; their effort should never be forgotten.
But most of all, I would like to thank Norma, my wonderful wife, and my family for the support and encouragement they have always provided. This is for them.
What a gentleman. While his place among the club’s immortals was already firmly sealed, this gesture is still so very richly deserved.
Lovely stuff.