Tom Clare: Farewell to a great United man
Earlier today, we received the heartbreaking news that one of United's greatest followers, Tom Clare, has passed away after a long struggle against cancer. He was 78.
Tom was one of the most beloved figures in the United fanbase across many decades, and charmed thousands with his passionate reminiscences on his cherished Busby Babes, in particular.
Despite moving to Texas in later years, Clare still made regular trips to Old Trafford, and entertained fellow supporters as recently as last November, when he gave a brilliant, vivid talk at the Manchester Munich Memorial Foundation annual dinner.
Born in Chorlton-upon-Medlock, he was first taken to Old Trafford as a small boy by his grandad, who himself had watched United in the days when the team was known as Newton Heath.
He later wrote – in Forever a Babe: Growing Up with Manchester United, one of his many books on the club and its history: "The period from 1945 to 1958 will always remain etched in my heart. It had a pronounced effect upon my life...
"During those years, my grandfather instilled into me a love for Manchester United Football Club. It is a love that still burns brightly today.
"I grew up alongside the emerging young team that became famously known as the Busby Babes. They were unique: so young, so vibrant, so talented, so approachable and so accessible."
One only needs to take a brief look at Tom's incredible output as a writer of United material to recognise just how voracious his love for club was.
Through his contributions to Red News, the Red Cafe forum and countless other outlets – not to mention those many books – younger Reds could gain an invaluable insight into the players that was lost at Munich. And indeed, much of the Reds' subsequent history. Tom simply never stopped, even when diagnosed with cancer.
Want to know something of Eddie Colman's talent, or what Duncan Edwards was like as a character? Tom was your man.
In late January, ahead of the 65th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, our matchday programme United Review decided to put together a feature full of memories from those who saw the Busby Babes play first-hand.
Of course, Tom's name was one of the first that sprang to the minds of those of us who work on UR. We knew his contribution could be invaluable. But we also knew of Tom's painful, worsening struggles with cancer.
I sent a speculative email to him, hoping that the invitation to supply some words on the Babes would at least bring a smile, even if he was unable to summon the energy to take part.
But, typical of Tom, he insisted. So late one Thursday night (mid-afternoon, Texas time) I called him and he spoke to me – rapt with enthusiasm and love for the team he had grown up with – for 45 glorious minutes. It was one of the greatest conversations I've ever had with a fellow Red. Though perhaps the word "conversation" overdoes my contribution: I simply listened, fascinated, to the stories that flowed out.
Tales of wagging school to walk from All Saints' to Old Trafford to watch the team train on the old cinder pitch behind the Stretford End. Of sitting outside Duncan Edwards' digs in Stretford, in the hope of meeting his hero. "I used to follow him about at times," Tom told me. "Duncan was just this effervescent, wonderful personality, and I got to know him. He’d come out and say ‘Have you got no home to go to?!’ "
Clare's stories were the thing that bowled you over at first. But writing this, it's his kindness and generosity – particularly in light of his health issues in later years – that stick with me most. And, of course, the immensity of his love for United.
Many in the fanbase have been steeling themselves for this day for some time, knowing how much Tom had to go through during his illness. His pain is now over, but his life's work – preserving the precious memories of the teams he watched – will indeed live forever, as long as Manchester United remains in the hearts of its many followers and people want to know our history.
Thanks for everything, Tom. Rest in peace.
The thoughts of all at the club go to Tom's family and friends – particularly his many close pals within the United community.
Hugely sad to hear Tom has passed away, Tom was a fine man and superb company. My love to Cheryl and family x pic.twitter.com/gUGFTpOf9q
— Alex Stepney (@AlexStepney1) May 7, 2023
TRIBUTES TO TOM
Barney Chilton (editor of Red News fanzine): "Tom Clare was a great man and great Red. Who led great life. He was like a sponge with his MUFC knowledge + his heroes the Babes - always happy to share stories with all. He helped RedNews so often. A gent. My thoughts to Cheryl, Jenny + family + friends like RIP."
Paul English: "I’ve just found out that my dear friend and true font of all Utd knowledge, Tom Clare has passed away. For those who knew Tom, he was an absolute gentleman and was Utd through and through, having first been taken to Old Trafford by his grandad who’d watched Newton Heath play."
Wayne Barton: "Now he can sleep free from pain. Some people are a gift to the world. Tom Clare was definitely that; I’m certain that anyone who knew Tom had their experience of supporting Manchester United enriched through finding a new perspective. Thank you Tom. You’ll never be forgotten."
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