Hull City Honors Long-Time Fan Noel Hebbs on His 100th Birthday

Hull City Football Club has recognized one of its most senior and devoted supporters on the occasion of his 100th birthday. Noel Hebbs started following the Tigers at the age of five and maintained attendance at every home match for 73 years after World War Two concluded. During a birthday celebration held in Beverley, club representatives presented Mr. Hebbs with unexpected gifts and a video message from head coach Ruben Selles. Mr. Hebbs expressed being “overwhelmed” by the invitation to be the guest of honor at the MKM Stadium on Saturday for the game against Swansea City, where he met Selles, along with both current and former players. In his video message, Selles stated: “Hi Noel, how are you? I just heard that you’re going to turn 100 years – that’s amazing.”Happy birthday to you. I hope you have a good day and that you enjoy it. I’m here just to invite you to watch at the stadium our next match against Swansea as our guest of honour, and I hope you can enjoy a good performance and three points, and I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.” Mr. Hebbs, visibly moved, wiped away tears of happiness after the video finished. He commented, “I’m a bit overwhelmed actually, it’s more than I anticipated today,” adding, “It’s going to be an honour and something I never envisaged.” On Saturday, Mr. Hebbs received a stadium tour and encountered Selles pitchside. He urged the recently appointed coach, who took up his role earlier this month, to “change things” following a challenging season. Selles responded, “If we can, we will deliver the three points for you today.” Selles fulfilled his promise, with the Tigers securing a 2-1 victory. Mr. Hebbs observed the match from an executive box, where he was unexpectedly greeted by former players Nick Barmby and Jason Price, who gave him a signed jersey bearing the number 100. Midfielder Liam Millar also visited Mr. Hebbs for a conversation. Millar described it as “amazing” to encounter a 100-year-old supporter for the first time. Brendon Smurthwaite, Hull City’s supporter liaison officer, stated that the fans constitute the club’s core. Smurthwaite remarked, “To have seen the club across 95 years, and at three different grounds, it’s some achievement,” adding, “And to think in that time, all the players and all the managers – it’s fantastic.” Beyond his support for Hull City, Mr. Hebbs humorously suggested that the key to longevity was: “Don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t go out with women and have a very boring life.” He subsequently laughed and stated he had “had a great life and really enjoyed it”. He further commented, “I have no theory to living to 100 – it’s the luck of the draw.” He concluded, “I don’t think there is a theory to what you should do and what you shouldn’t do. Take life as it comes and enjoy it while it’s here.”