A book on the history of football in Valletta has been at the back of Paul Spiteri’s mind for the past three decades.
Now in his 34th year on the committee of Valletta FC, Spiteri has finally fulfilled his dream as the 22-time Malta champions have just launched the first volume of ‘CITY! The official history of football in Valletta’.
Written by local football historian Carmel Baldacchino, the first of two volumes spans the period 1886-1963.
The 600-page book is a trove of information, statistics and pictures about all football teams that emerged from the capital throughout the years and the forerunners of Valletta FC, one of the leading clubs in Maltese football.
“This is my 34th year on the committee of Valletta,” Spiteri, the club’s senior vice-president, said.
“It has always been my dream to publish the rich history of our club. Benny Pace (Valletta’s former secretary who also had the history of Maltese football at heart) was the ideal person to undertake this project but unfortunately he passed away some years ago.
“When the club eventually decided to publish this book, we turned to renowned football historian Carmel Baldacchino. We are glad that he accepted our proposal.”
While thanking Spiteri for his trust, Baldacchino said he requested time to ponder the club’s offer.
“Initially, I needed some time to think about it,” Baldacchino, who is also the Times of Malta correspondent on local football history, said.
“Benny Pace should have written this book but he is no longer with us.
“The fact that I’m not a supporter of Valletta is a plus as that enables me to be more objective and more professional in my work.
“I have to commend the club as they never put any kind of pressure on me and that’s unusual in Malta.”
Baldacchino said Valletta has made a rich and significant contribution to the history of Maltese football.
“Valletta is a big part of Maltese football,” Baldacchino said.
“Football in Valletta began very early. The Malta Athletic Club made a big contribution to Maltese football. It was formed some time around 1886 and it is the forerunner of the Malta FA.”
Victor Sciriha, the Valletta FC president, said the new publication represents another first for the club.
“I’m honoured to be leading this club for various reasons,” he said.
“One of these reasons is that this club always embarks on new initiatives and this new publication attests to this.
“The book should appeal not only to the Valletta fans but to all those who have Maltese football at heart.”
‘CITY! The official history of football in Valletta’ is selling at €30 for club members and €40 for non-members.
The book is sponsored by Brown’s Pharma Limited, a company owned by Alex Fenech, the Valletta vice-president.