Joe Corrigan: Receiving an MBE was one of the proudest days of my life | OneFootball

Manchester City legend Joe Corrigan has described receiving an MBE from HRH William, the Prince of Wales as an incredible moment and one of the proudest days of his life.

The iconic former England goalkeeper, who chalked up more than 600 appearances for City across the course of a magnificent career that stretched three decades, was awarded the prestigious honour in the New Year’s Honours list for services to Charitable Fundraising.

Together with proud wife Val and their children, Joe attended a special Investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle earlier this month where he was presented with the MBE by the Prince of Wales.

Across the course of his 16 years with the Club where he helped City to European Cup Winners’ Cup and League Cup glory amongst his many notable on-field achievements, Joe was no stranger to the biggest of occasions.

But he admits the pomp and circumstance of the Royal occasion served as a moment he would never forget.

“You can't describe it the feelings and emotions. It was just incredible - a real once in a lifetime moment,” a proud Big Joe reflected.

“You think about where you come from. I’m from a working-class family and grew up on a council estate in Sale so to end up going to Windsor Castle and meeting the Prince of Wales and receiving the MBE is beyond words.

“You couldn't write stories like that. It was just an incredible day.

“And it was so special to be able to share the day with my family. My wife Val and our children were there, and they were absolutely brilliant. I think we were all totally awestruck.

“Then when we came out of Windsor Castle, my brother and my sister-in-law were over from America and staying not far from Windsor with their son, so we were all able to get together outside to have our pictures taken.

“Unfortunately, my sister who lives in Australia, couldn't make it across, but it was still such a fantastic day for everyone.”

The Prince of Wales, who is also the Patron of the FA, has been a long-standing committed and passionate supporter of football in this country.

And though he admitted to being more nervous ahead of the ceremony than at any time in his playing career, Corrigan said Prince William’s genuine interest and kindness instantly helped put him at ease.

“It was amazing to receive the MBE from the Prince of Wales. He was lovely and just helped ease any nerves straight away,” Joe added.

“I was so nervous beforehand. One of the Royal equerries was chatting to me and said, ‘Just try to enjoy the day.’ I said, ‘Listen, I'd rather play in front of 100,000 people than be doing this!’

“But the Prince just helped put me at ease instantly.

“When I got my first introduction, his initial words were: ‘I believe you played for Manchester City and England’ and as soon as he said that I was able to relax.

“I found we had something in common with him being such a football man.

“We talked about how I had played in a special game at Caernarfon in honour of King Charles the second when he was invested as the Prince of Wales in 1969.

“I mentioned that I also played in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee game at Hampden Park for the Football League against the Scottish League in 1977 and how it was such a special day meeting the Queen and Prince Philip.

“And I was also lucky enough to have met the Queen Mother at Wembley before the 1981 Centenary FA Cup final, so I’d met all his close relatives on his father's side, and it was amazing.

“Then we talked about City’s former players association and the charities that we're all pushing forward and getting more and more people involved in and he seemed very interested in what we do.

“The Prince of Wales and everyone else involved in the Investiture ceremony were just brilliant. Words can’t describe it.

“And the one thing I always say is that this award is not just for me. And it's not just for my family and my friends.

“It's for everybody, not least the Manchester City supporters because without the Manchester City connection and without the fans and their amazing support for me down the years I would never have got this honour.”

An MBE is awarded for achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.

Across the course of his tireless charity work down the years, which still continues to this day, few would dispute that Joe has more than met that criteria.

At the age of 76, Joe who is President of City’s Former Players Association now renamed as Once a Blue, continues to help in numerous charity fund-raising initiatives.

And he revealed receiving such tangible recognition for his efforts in the form of the MBE award only made him more aware and determined to keep doing all he can to help those who are less fortunate.

“I was very fortunate when I was a kid, as I had osteomyelitis in one of my knees and there was a danger in me losing my leg,” Joe revealed.

“And it was only because of new injections and treatment that I actually got through that and then I ended up playing for Manchester City and then England.

“But I've never forgotten that amazing treatment and care I got back at what was the Pendlebury Hospital and which is now the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.

“As soon as I joined City, we were encouraged by the likes of Joe Mercer and Harry Godwin that part of our job was going to see people who were not as lucky as you are.

“And then when I left the professional side of the game, you try to carry on.

“We look to support Christies. Another one of the big charities is the East Cheshire Hospice and the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, which was Pendlebury Hospital where I was treated all those years ago.

“It's just trying to do as much as you possibly can because so many people need this charity help.

“So, to be recognised for that - it was one of the great days of my life and so humbling as well as there are so many people who do amazing work but never get recognised.”

Everyone at Manchester City sends Joe their warmest congratulations on his award.

Joe Corrigan is President of Once A Blue - the new branding for City's Former Players' Association. For the latest news search for Once A Blue on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and X.