Lindsay Roeplaceholder image
Lindsay Roe | Hotel Football
A die-hard Manchester United fan who has clocked up more than 1,000 games has spoken about his 50-year love affair with the club – and its famous next-door neighbour.
Lindsay Roe, has been a Manchester United fan since his first live game in 1976, when his uncle took him to watch United take on Birmingham City at Old Trafford.
Now, Lindsay, 61 and a former operations director from Ilkeston, heads up Nottingham’s fan club, organising coaches up to Old Trafford for every home game.
The lifelong supporter also has a few fans of his own at Gary Neville’s Hotel Football, located just steps away from United’s ground, where Lindsay stays for almost all home matches and special events.
Old Trafford stadiumplaceholder image
Old Trafford stadium | Getty Images
Lindsay’s connection to Hotel Football began before its doors even opened. As the chairman of the Nottingham Manchester United Supporters Club, he first met Gary Neville while organising annual dinners for fans. When Gary invited him to preview the hotel during its construction, Lindsay knew it would become his second home.
“I remember everything from that first game my uncle took me to, from the smells of the street vendors as we walked to Old Trafford, to climbing the stairs to the Stretford End and then seeing the stadium open out in front of you; I knew I was hooked from that first moment.”
Lindsay recalls his favourite players over the decades: “Steve Coppell was my first hero. Bryan Robson was a key figure in the 80s alongside Norman Whiteside who was a fantastic player. The 90s saw Roy Keane arrive and he was so influential in the team winning so many trophies, there were many more great players over the years: Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo to name a few.
“Gary Neville also deserves a mention as he made the step from being a fan on the terraces to putting the red shirt on and also captaining the club in later years. He played a huge part in the success under Sir Alex Ferguson, epitomising what a United player should be with his passion and commitment from the first minute to the last.”
Lindsay Roeplaceholder image
Lindsay Roe | Hotel Football
Now, Lindsay’s matchdays at United always begin in one place. “For me, matchdays start at Hotel Football. Whether it's food and drinks in the bar, catching up with new and old friends or one of the hospitality packages which include guest speakers and quizzes, the atmosphere is electric.”, Lindsay said.
“Words don’t do it justice. From the moment you walk through the door, you feel welcome and special. The location is perfect for football, but it’s the people who make you want to come back.”
Lindsay’s passion for the club also stretches beyond the grounds of Old Trafford as he also watches Gary’s Salford City F.C whenever he gets the opportunity. Away from the pitch, he also enjoys podcasts and has an exclusive first listen of Gary’s ‘Stick to Football’ podcast as a live guest.
Lindsay recalls countless scores and fixtures throughout his tenure as a fan, recounting with passion his numerous trips with Manchester United that have taken him across Europe, from Rotterdam in 1991 to Moscow in 2008, creating unforgettable moments like witnessing the club’s first league title in 26 years and the historic treble in 1999.
Lindsay said: “I always remind my daughter in jest that when she was born in 1999, the year we won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, those 10 days in May just outshone her slightly.”
Jess Southworth, sales & marketing director at Hotel Football, said: “Lindsay isn’t just a guest – he’s part of the Hotel Football family. His passion for Manchester United and his loyalty to us and the club make him truly special. Every time he walks through our doors, he brings that same energy and enthusiasm that defines football culture and we’re proud to call him our very own ‘superfan’.”
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