Jimmy Glass said it was “wonderful and surreal” to be back at Carlisle United to open a new bar that's named after him.
The goalscoring goalkeeper was at Brunton Park on Saturday to officially open ‘The Glass Bar’ – the new name for the Sunset Suite at the ground.
Glass chatted to fans young and old as memories of his amazing goal that saved the Blues from Football League relegation in 1999 once again came flooding back.
The bar was renamed after a supporters’ initiative at United, and sees Glass’s boots and famous red jersey on display from the game against Plymouth Argyle on May 8, 1999, along with other Glass-themed artwork.
The 49-year-old spoke to the News & Star shortly after heading behind the bar to pour a pint, during a tour of the ground that included visits to other bars, fan areas and Blues Store club shop.
“It’s wonderful to be back in Carlisle – I’ve not been back for a while, and it’s always great when I come up, and I always get a warm reception,” he said.
“I’ve brought my partner Natasha with me, I’ve shown her the sights, shown her the castle, and shown her the boot on the wall…
“To have a bar named after me is an unbelievable thing. My life’s very different now, I work in football still with Bournemouth, but it’s not quite the same reaction I get from the Bournemouth fans as I get from the Carlisle fans…”
The Glass Bar’s makeover was part of a project led by Carlisle United’s Supporters’ Groups, which saw fans donate memorabilia.
A fan poll chose the new name for the bar, while funding for the project came from United’s London Branch supporters, plus CUSG funding and contributions from the club and local businesses.
United’s supporters’ liaison officer Simon Clarkson accompanied Glass around the ground, while chief executive Nigel Clibbens was also there to greet the iconic figure in the Glass Bar.
Clarkson said the project was “a great example of fans, businesses and the club working together” and also thanked Mark Fuller for some of the images used in the new bar’s design, Myke Nixon for framing, and HH Reeds for the window vinyl displays.
It all marks one of the most remarkable moments in United’s and football’s history – when on-loan Glass scored in added time against Plymouth to keep the crisis-hit Blues out of non-league.
The keeper only played three matches for Carlisle but will forever be celebrated by fans.
“It is surreal,” added Glass. “I imagine it’s quite unique to any footballer to have that sort of relationship with a club where you play three games.
“But then, it’s a special club. The people here are wonderful. The club’s got a fantastic history and it’s lovely to be a part of it.
“The fans, supporters of Carlisle, have always treated me very well. As I look back, it’s just wonderful to have been part of something so fantastic.”
In the Glass Bar, the goalkeeper was introduced to a number of young supporters, including one visiting Brunton Park for the first time, as he relived the magic moment of 1999.
As the News & Star accompanied Glass into one of the other bars in the Main Stand – Murphy’s Bar – a supporter approached him and said: “Thank-you very much for saving our club. [Without that] nobody would be here today…”
Glass also performed the Golden Gamble half-time draw to a warm reception, and took part in the crossbar challenge in front of the Warwick Road End.
He didn't quite succeed - but, then again, he was always better at hitting the net...
*Glass was also this morning due to get his shooting boots on in an appearance for Harraby Catholic Club against Lloyds at the Sheepmount.
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