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Joy for Noel as Hull City honour 100th birthday

Phillip Norton / BBC A 100-year-old man smiles as he sits next to a table with a birthday cake and a card showing a picture of the King and Queen. The cake is amber and black, with a Hull City logo on the top and candles spelling out "100". The man is wearing a smart white shirt, a tie in the colours of Hull City and a rosette badge that reads "birthday boy". A Christmas tree stands in the background.Phillip Norton / BBC
Noel Hebbs attended every Hull City home game for 73 years

One of Hull City's oldest and most loyal fans has been honoured by the football club for his 100th birthday.

Noel Hebbs began supporting the Tigers when he was five years old and attended every home fixture for 73 years following the end of World War Two.

At a party to celebrate his birthday in Beverley, representatives from the club surprised Mr Hebbs with gifts and a video message from head coach Ruben Selles.

Mr Hebbs said he was "overwhelmed" to be invited to spend the day as guest of honour at the MKM Stadium for the match against Swansea City on Saturday, when he met Selles and current and former players.

Noel Hebbs, a 100-year-old man shakes the hand of former footballer Nick Barmby in an executive box at a football stadium as his two sons look on. Mr Hebbs, who wears glasses, is sitting by a window and dressed in a smart jacket, Hull City tie and Hull City hat. Mr Barmby, who has short grey hair, is dressed in black and smiling as he looks down at Mr Hebbs.
Mr Hebbs meets former player and manager Nick Barmby during his VIP day at the MKM Stadium

In the video message, Selles said: "Hi Noel, how are you? I just heard that you're going to turn 100 years – that's amazing.

"Happy birthday to you. I hope you have a good day and that you enjoy it. I'm here just to invite you to watch at the stadium our next match against Swansea as our guest of honour, and I hope you can enjoy a good performance and three points, and I'm looking forward to seeing you soon."

An emotional Mr Hebbs wiped away tears of joy as the video concluded.

"I'm a bit overwhelmed actually, it's more than I anticipated today," he said. "It's going to be an honour and something I never envisaged."

Football manager Ruben Selles bows down and smiles as he grasps a hand of Noel Hebbs, who is sitting in a wheelchair and smiling. Mr Hebbs is wearing a Hull City hat and scarf, which is knotted under his neck.
Ruben Selles greets Mr Hebbs at the MKM Stadium

On Saturday, Mr Hebbs was given a tour of the stadium and met Selles by the side of the pitch.

He challenged the new coach, who was appointed earlier this month, to" change things" after a difficult season. Selles said: "If we can, we will deliver the three points for you today."

He was true to his word, as the Tigers ran out 2-1 winners.

Mr Hebbs watched the game from an executive box, where he was surprised by former stars Nick Barmby and Jason Price, who presented him with a signed shirt with the number 100 on it.

Former footballer Jason Price holds a framed souvenir shirt in an executive box at a football stadium. Mr Price has dark brown hair and wears a white T-shirt. The shirt is black with gold details, including the name "Hebbs" and the number "100". Signatures can be seen written in black pen on the golden numbers.
Jason Price, who helped Hull City to back-to-back promotions in 2004 and 2005, with the framed signed shirt

Midfielder Liam Millar also dropped in to chat to Mr Hebbs. He said it was "amazing" to meet a 100-year-old fan for the first time.

Brendon Smurthwaite, Hull City's supporter liaison officer, said fans were the heartbeat of the club.

"To have seen the club across 95 years, and at three different grounds, it's some achievement," he said. "And to think in that time, all the players and all the managers – it's fantastic."

Phillip Norton / BBC A 100-year-old man wearing a birthday rosette and a Hull City tie sits by a table with a birthday cake and a card from the King and Queen. Behind him stand his sons, who are smartly dressed and smiling towards the camera.Phillip Norton / BBC
Mr Hebbs with his sons Geoffrey and Alan

As well as supporting Hull City, Mr Hebbs joked that the secret to a long life was: "Don't drink, don't smoke, don't go out with women and have a very boring life."

He then laughed and said he had "had a great life and really enjoyed it".

"I have no theory to living to 100 – it's the luck of the draw," he added.

"I don't think there is a theory to what you should do and what you shouldn't do. Take life as it comes and enjoy it while it's here."

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