Bernard Halford: Remembering ‘Mr Manchester City’ | OneFootball

Today marks the five-year anniversary of the sad passing of Manchester City Life President Bernard Halford – a man whose influence at the Club will never be forgotten.

The former long-serving Club secretary made a huge contribution to the Club for more than four decades earning him the nickname ‘Mr Manchester City’.

A lifelong City supporter, Bernard was born in Chadderton in May 1941 and completed his education at St Gregory’s in Ardwick in 1956.

But he was never happier than watching his beloved Blues at Maine Road or in the FA Cup finals in back-to-back years with his father Harold.

After beginning work in the cotton industry, Bernard joined his local club, Oldham Athletic, as secretary.

He was then offered the ‘dream job’ at City but initially turned it down out of loyalty to Latics chairman John Lowe.

However, he was worth waiting a little bit longer for, eventually joining in 1972/73 as Company Secretary before becoming Club Secretary, a position he was to fulfil for nearly 40 years as we changed managers, players, divisions, ownership and even stadiums during his tenure.

WATCH: Tributes pour in for Mr Manchester City

By his own admittance, Bernard “ate, slept and breathed” City and never missed a home game in 42 years.

It was a role he thrived in and he was key to hundreds of transfers in and out of the Club, from Denis Law’s shock switch from United in 1973 to the arrival of Patrick Vieira from Inter in 2010.

Bernard was a hugely influential figure in the creation of supporters’ organisations, helped with the founding of the Junior Blues and was also instrumental in the success of the Club’s Academy.

He was also a passionate advocate of grassroots football and served as Manchester FA’s Representative to the Football Association for 11 years from 2005 to 2016 and received an Honorary Life Membership from Manchester FA in 2016.

In 2006, Bernard was elected to the Club’s Hall of Fame - the only non-player to be bestowed this honour, and in 2010, Bernard became only the Club’s second Life President as he approached 40 years of service.

Just a year later, he was thrilled to see City lift a first trophy in 39 years when we beat Stoke City in the FA Cup final and such was his standing, Bernard was invited to lift the FA Cup – an incredibly proud moment for him.

A hugely popular figure and gentleman, he helped so many players and staff feel comfortable and at home at the Club.

Bernard passed away in March 2019 and many legends paid tribute, led by our manager Pep Guardiola and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“It was an honour and a privilege to meet and talk football with him and his knowledge of this football club was amazing,” Pep said.

“He was a great man, but moreover, he was also a great football man with a complete understanding of the game from grassroots level up.

“His whole life was dedicated to the game, but mostly to Manchester City and we were lucky to have him.”

Our chairman added: “Bernard was an incredibly dedicated, loyal and wonderful part of the City story for almost five decades.

“I was fortunate and privileged enough to know him for ten of those years. He lived and breathed Manchester City and was a tireless advocate for us.”

Bernard will always be remembered by the Club for his contribution and dedication to Manchester City and playing such a big part in our history.