Fans Comment
Ian Macdonald

Hats Off To Leicester City
29 April 2005

The other day I got a phone call from a new friend, arising from tragic
circumstances.  His name is John Murphy junior, brother of Bernard Murphy.  John was all excited about me having to see the presentation mural given to
his family at a recent Leicester match.

Leicester City versus Wolves was the nearest home game to Bernard's anniversary.  It was a midweek game and the Murphy family and friends were invited.  So a car load of Bernard's life long friends - Mick Mathews, Terry O'Donnell and family went down to Leicester not knowing what to expect.

Bernard's father, John, with the tribute from Leicester City

On arriving at the ground they were met by Leicester officials and many
other people, from the Police to reporters from the local newspaper, The Mercury.

Before the match the invited guests were taken to the place were Bernard met his tragic accident.  There, a party of people gathered to witness the fixing
of a metal engraved plate to commemorate Bernard, actually fixed on the wall by Tim Davies, the CEO at Leicester City.

Then the special guests were taken to the Garden of Memorial for Bernard, next to the ground and met the lady who tenders the garden.  John and the party were led into the new Leicester City ground, to be taken on a tour which was very impressive.

A special presentation was given as a keepsake in memory of Bernard.  Encased in a large frame was a picture of Bernard, match tickets of the day Bernard died with a programme from the game.  Leicester's and Everton's logos with a copy of the memorial plate.  A fully signed Leicester Shirt with the name
'Yifter' on - Bernard's nickname.  Dion Dublin presented the honoured guests with the frame.

PC Steve May even gave John senior a Bobby's hat to remember them by.  After the party were treated to a great meal with full corporate facilities, the family were given a view of the pitch and silver service.  Then the party watched the game which ended in a 1-1 draw.

I often speak to John junior now and John senior, they were at pains to
thank the Leicester police (especially PC Steve May), the Leicester City
Head of Communications, and CEO Tim Davies, plus all the Leicester people who have taken the Murphy's into their hearts.  When you think about it there is more than one 'People's club' and Leicester City in the treatment and respect given to Bernard's family and friends proves this.


Yours sincerely Ian Macdonald EISA

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