John Halpin raised a glass to Carlisle United’s fans after opening a bar that's been named after him at Brunton Park.
The Blues legend said he was honoured that a bar in the ground's Pioneer Stand has been renamed 'Halpy's.
It followed a fans’ poll, which saw supporters vote in favour of the former winger and community sports trust manager.
He was joined by family members for the official opening of Halpy's on Saturday – and the popular Scot even popped behind the bar to pull a pint.
The 61-year-old, who recently retired from his community role with the Blues, said he was thrilled with the recognition.
“I’m delighted,” he said.
“When I heard about it at first I was pleased but now to see it, and see people going to it…it’s an honour, really, to get that from the club. It’s very special.
“The really special thing is that it’s from the people who came and watched you, and remember you.
“To get anything from the fans is always special - any player will tell you that. I want to thank them as well.”
Halpin joins fellow former United heroes such as Allan Ross, Chris Balderstone, Peter Murphy, Peter McConnell, George McVitie and Jimmy Glass in having bars named after them at the stadium.
The man who starred for the Cumbrians from 1984-91, before going on to carve out a hugely respected name as United’s community leader for many years, was joined by wife Ann, son-in-law Rob, daughter Amy, son Steve and three grandchildren at the bar's opening before the Stevenage game.
“All the pictures of me above the bar are black and white so that tells you how long ago it’s been since I played,” Halpin joked.
“But in years to come I’ll bring my grandkids to the game and they’ll see that, so it’s lovely.
“Whether they’ll allow me behind the bar or not I don’t know! But it’s just nice to be remembered that way.”
Saturday also saw Allan Ross's wife Helen and daughter Ali pay a visit to the bar named after the late, legendary goalkeeper in the same stand at Brunton Park.
A further bar in the Pioneer Stand is being renamed after the late United and Workington Reds legend Tony Hopper who, along with Halpin, topped the voting in the online poll organised by supporters' groups (CUSG).
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