Tony Bezzina - 'a man for all seasons'

It takes a very strong man to survive 30 years in football administration, especially in our country. Some of you think that I am exaggerating but before you take up your pen to contradict me, stop and think.

Which is the easiest, managing a big and wealthy club or one which has no way of making money except, to receive handouts from a few benefactors?

Thirty years is a long time in football. Some people, however, can absorb the pressures and tribulations of the job much better than others. One such man is Tony Bezzina, the Hibernians FC president.

It was exactly 30 years ago to this day that Bezzina took over at the club. This job was never easy since he had to work in the shadow of former club presidents Carmelo Balluci, Tony Sammut and Lawrence Xuereb. These three men took the club from the doldrums and placed it on the road of success.

Bezzina proved to be more than equal to the job and during his time the club emerged as one of the top sides in local football.

Bezzina is the son of the late Salvu Bezzina and Frances Formosa.

His father was another great benefactor of the club and his memory is still cherished in Paola. Tony was born on November 13, 1948 in a house at Tal-Borg Street, only a couple of corners away from where I was brought up myself.

After completing his studies, Bezzina joined his father in the family business. Showing initiative and maturity well beyond his years, he advanced through the ranks.

Kind, quiet and unassuming, Bezzina has become a legend in Paola. The Hibs players, especially, benefited mostly, and I am sure that they would be the first to admit that he was always forthcoming when they needed his help.

During his 30 years with the club, Bezzina has led the team through some of its greatest moments. Who can ever forget the Hibs team of the 1980s when in four years the club won three League Championships and two FA Trophy finals?

In those days Hibs were unbeatable. They went through 38 consecutive league games without losing a match. This record still stands to this day. However, it was not always a bed of roses. There were hard times as well.

Between 1983 and 1990 there were years when the team was hovering on the brink of relegation. It was then, that his will of steel came to the fore. A lesser man would have given up, but not Tony. He plodded on until the bad times passed. Then, once again, he started to reap his reward.

In the mid-90s, Bezzina assembled another formidable team winning two championships, an FA Trophy and a Super Cup in 'the Brian Talbot era'.

This period was followed by another successful one when under the guidance of present coach Robert Gatt, the team won the championship in 2001-02 and the FA Trophy in 2006 and 2007.

Bezzina's name has become synonimous with Hibernians. However, he would be the first to acknowledge the help of his right-hand men Ronnie Calleja, Jesmond Abela, his son Ranier and the rest of the people who serve on the Hibs' committee.

There are too many to mention. However, one has to name men like Norman Buckle, George Demajo and John Agius who have helped Tony turn Hibs' nursery into the best on the island.

Undoubtedly, Bezzina's name will always be linked with that of Hibernians FC. However, football is not his only past-time. For many years he has been honorary president of the De Paule Band Club and also takes active part in social activities in Paola.

Some years ago, Bezzina was instrumental in forming the Hibernians Sports Association which has introduced various sport to the youths of the locality and its vicinities.

For Bezzina, the future beckons. However, I will not be revealing any secrets if I say that the outgoing football season was one of the worst in his career.

The team promised a lot at the start of the season and there was talk among the players that they were going head-on for the championship. It would have been a great thank-you gift for the president from the people who most enjoy his generosity. Instead, the team finished in the doldrums of the Relegation Pool. It was surely not the fault of the president.

The supporters, officials and players now have another chance to make up for the lapse of last season.

If everyone comes together, then we could still make Bezzina's 30th year as president, the most memorable in his long career.

On behalf of all his friends, the grateful Hibs supporters and all the people of Paola, I wish him a long life and the best of luck.

Thank you Tony.