Bill Leivers (93), a resident at The Old Vicarage Care Home, was given a hero’s welcome at Manchester City FC, where he was treated to an unforgettable VIP matchday experience in honour of his time as a professional player for the club.
Arriving at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, Bill and his companions were warmly welcomed into the Legends Lounge, where they enjoyed first-class hospitality and a three-course meal. Throughout lunch, several Manchester City legends personally introduced themselves to Bill, sharing stories and celebrating his incredible contribution to the club.
The highlight of the day came when Bill was invited on stage in front of all the guests for a special presentation. He was honoured with a personalised Manchester City shirt bearing the number 430, marking his place as the 430th player to join the club. In a historic moment, Bill became the first-ever former player to receive a Legends Shirt, further solidifying his place in City’s rich history.
After the presentation, Bill was more than happy to sign autographs and pose for photos with the many guests eager to meet him. The group then took their prime seats in the Legends Stand to watch Manchester City cruise to a 4-0 victory before returning to the lounge for a final meet-and-greet, rounding off the day with cheese and crackers.
As Bill left the Legends Lounge, he received a standing ovation, with everyone clapping and cheering to honour his place in Manchester City’s history—an emotional and unforgettable moment for all.
Bill was treated like royalty throughout the experience, and those who attended said they had never seen him smile as much as he did that day. Reflecting on the occasion, Bill said:
“It was the best day of my life – I enjoyed every minute of it. I am happy, I am very happy!”
This incredible day was part of The Old Vicarage Care Home’s ‘Make A Wish’ program, which aims to fulfil residents’ lifelong dreams and create unforgettable experiences. “A huge thank you to Manchester City legend Peter Barnes for making this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity possible,” said Home Manager, Jordele Folkes.