This shirt was originally signed by Ryan Giggs and put into a raffle on Tom Clare’s testimonial evening in Manchester. It was won by Jere and he decided to make it extra special to honour Tom and his night. The shirt was signed during the evening by Tom himself, Maltese Supporter Clubs two legends Joseph Tedesco and Joseph Glanville, the voice of Old Trafford Alan Keegan and the documentarist John Gubba.
Tom Clare was one of United’s greatest followers. He passed away after a long struggle against cancer earlier this year. He was 78. He was one of the most beloved figures in the United fanbase across many decades, and charmed thousands with his passionate reminiscences on his cherished Busby Babes, in particular.
Despite moving to Texas in later years, Clare still made regular trips to Old Trafford, and entertained fellow supporters as recently as last November, when he gave a brilliant, vivid talk at the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation annual dinner.
Born in Chorlton-upon-Medlock, he was first taken to Old Trafford as a small boy by his grandad, who himself had watched United in the days when the team was known as Newton Heath.
He later wrote – in Forever a Babe: Growing Up with Manchester United, one of his many books on the club and its history:
“The period from 1945 to 1958 will always remain etched in my heart. It had a pronounced effect upon my life… During those years, my grandfather instilled into me a love for Manchester United Football Club. It is a love that still burns brightly today.
I grew up alongside the emerging young team that became famously known as the Busby Babes. They were unique: so young, so vibrant, so talented, so approachable and so accessible.”
One only needs to take a brief look at Tom’s incredible output as a writer of United material to recognise just how voracious his love for club was.
Through his contributions to Red News, the Red Cafe forum and countless other outlets – not to mention those many books – younger Reds could gain an invaluable insight into the players that was lost at Munich. And indeed, much of the Reds’ subsequent history. Tom simply never stopped, even when diagnosed with cancer.
Want to know something of Eddie Colman’s talent, or what Duncan Edwards was like as a character? Tom was your man.
TRIBUTES TO TOM
Barney Chilton (editor of Red News fanzine): “Tom Clare was a great man and great Red. Who led great life. He was like a sponge with his MUFC knowledge + his heroes the Babes – always happy to share stories with all. He helped RedNews so often. A gent. My thoughts to Cheryl, Jenny + family + friends like RIP.”
Paul English: “I’ve just found out that my dear friend and true font of all Utd knowledge, Tom Clare has passed away. For those who knew Tom, he was an absolute gentleman and was Utd through and through, having first been taken to Old Trafford by his grandad who’d watched Newton Heath play.”
Wayne Barton: “Now he can sleep free from pain. Some people are a gift to the world. Tom Clare was definitely that; I’m certain that anyone who knew Tom had their experience of supporting Manchester United enriched through finding a new perspective. Thank you Tom. You’ll never be forgotten.”
