Malta joins in flood of tributes for 'genius' Best

Sadness at the loss of a footballing genius was the predominant feeling among the thousands of fans on the Maltese islands, especially the Manchester United faithful, on learning of George Best's death yesterday.

Joe Glanville, a lifetime United supporter and former president of the local Manchester United Supporters' Club who knew Best personally, struggled to come to terms with news that the former United super star had lost his battle for life.

"He was a great player," Glanville said. "During his life, Best was surrounded by many good people but the hangers-on didn't do him any good.

"I can't help to think that it would have been very much different for George had he played in the modern football era, not just in terms of the money he would have made but also in the way he would have been managed by those around him."

Glanville regards Best as the best footballer ever.

"In my life, I've never seen a more skilful player. His was natural talent. Only Omar Sivori came close when it came to the expression of one's natural skills," Glanville said.

"Best had everything... balance, flexibility and pace."

Glanville's intimate relationship with Manchester United spans more than four decades during which he has spent countless hours of travelling to watch them play in England and across Europe.

During Best's hey-day, Glanville also enjoyed the privilege of travelling on the United team bus to away matches, so close was his relationship with the club, especially with the former United manager, the late Matt Busby. One particular incident involving Best has remained indelible in Glanville's mind.

"United were away to Sheffield Wednesday in the 1966-67 league," Glanville recalled. "In those days, the Sheffield Wednesday ground was said to hold a kind of jinx for us. The first half ended with United leading 2-0 but in the second 45 minutes, the Sheffield Wednesday players literally kicked Best out of the game.

"I remember Jack Crompton lifting a motionless Best off the floor.

"Battered and bruised, he had to be substituted and Wednesday came back to level the game at 2-2. By the time we had to leave the ground, Best's foot had swollen to such a degree that he could not even walk.

"So, Wilf McGuinness and myself carried him out of the dressing room and through the exit door where we were greeted with the sight of girls screaming for him.

"Among the crowd was also a man who passed a disparaging remark at Best. McGuinness took it so badly that he punched him."

Despite Best's reputation as a heavy drinker, Glanville said that the Irish was a good man.

"George Best was a very good person. In the dressing room, he was quiet. His career in top-level football was short but eventful."

Manchester United's journey to the European Cup title in 1968, the first won by an English club, had begun with a two-legged match against Hibernians, then champions of Malta.

United at Gzira stadium

David Sadler and Denis Law hit a brace each as United beat Hibs 4-0 in the first leg at Old Trafford. On Wednesday, September 27, 1967, Hibs took on Best and company at the Gzira Stadium and, inspired by a vintage performance from goalkeeper Freddie Mizzi, they managed to hold out for a goalless draw.

"Those two matches against United are among the best memories from my football career," Mizzi said.

"George Best was very popular at the time. He played in both matches against us but we prevented him from scoring. It was some feat for a Maltese team to hold a great side like Manchester United, who went on to win the Champions Cup."

James Bullock, president of the Manchester United Supporters' Club, also paid tribute to Best.

"George Best is a legend. His extraordinary talent and popularity off the field helped to raise the profile of the club in the 60s.

"My best memories of George Best are the goal he scored in extra-time when United beat Benfica 4-1 in the 1968 European Cup final and his six-goal spree in an 8-2 defeat of North-ampton in the FA Cup. A great footballer who will always hold a special place in the hearts of United fans."

John Buttigieg, a prominent Manchester United fan who also has strong ties with the Old Trafford club, summed up the sentiments of sorrow triggered by Best's death.

"This is a very sad day for Manchester United and the world of football in general," Buttigieg remarked.

"As a supporter, I am grateful that a player of Best's calibre donned the red shirt during one of the best periods in the history of the club."

The local Manchester United Supporters' Club yesterday issued a short statement to express their sorrow at the death of Best.

"The Manchester United Supporters' Club Malta with deepest regret bids farewell to George Best, one of the greatest players to grace the United shirt. Best has left us with a lot of fond and unforgettable memories. Thanks for everything, Georgie," the statement said.