Tony Hopper’s family spoke of their immense pride as a bar was opened at Carlisle United in his memory.
The much-missed former Blues star was remembered at the official unveiling of Hopper’s – a newly-named bar at Brunton Park.
Many of Tony’s family attended the opening, which sees images of Tony in his Carlisle days adorning the bar in the Pioneer Stand.
Tony’s wife Sue went behind the bar to pull the first pint on a day all the bar’s takings were being donated to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Tony’s brother Darren said it was a proud day for the family to see him remembered in such a way.
“We’ve got three generations of the family that’s turned out today for this,” he said.
“We’ve got dad, aunties, uncles, cousins, children – we’re very, very proud.
“It’s a legacy, and an honour that we now have it both here and at Workington Reds [where a bar is also named after Tony].
“So Tony’s face is on two sides of Cumbria.”
Darren was wearing Tony's shirt from his last season with United as the family gathered in front of the bar for photos.
There was a further special family connection in the new bar, as the artwork on the bar was designed, printed and made by Tony’s nephew, Aaron MacMillan, at Carlisle-based Image Signmakers.
Aaron said it was a real honour to be so involved in the project in Tony’s memory.
He said: “I’ve got his name tattooed on my arm. He was one of a kind. He was a really good person. I was just proud to do it for him.”
Hopper’s is the latest bar at Brunton Park to be renamed after a former United hero following a supporters’ groups (CUSG) and club initiative, with stars such as John Halpin, Peter Murphy and Jimmy Glass having been similarly honoured in recent months, adding to bars already named after legends such as Allan Ross, Peter McConnell, Chris Balderstone, George McVitie and the club's 1974/75 team.
The Hopper’s bar takings from the Good Friday game against Tranmere Rovers will add to the huge fundraising for the MND Association that has taken place in recent years.
Tony, who played for United from 1992-2002 after coming through the club's youth ranks, and also went on to have a long and hugely respected spell with Workington Reds, passed away from MND in 2018 aged 42.
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