Video: Author Robert Nieri speaks to Notts TV’s Liam Hunt about his trip to Milan.
A writer says he has been left ‘touched’ by AC Milan’s efforts to honour the Nottingham man who founded the club.
Robert Nieri has been researching the life of Herbert Kilpin, a butcher’s son from Mansfield Road who went on to set up the Italian football giants in 1899.
Saturday saw the 100th anniversary of Kilpin’s death, marked by events in Nottingham and Milan.
Robert, from West Bridgford, flew out to take part in the Italian commemorations and launch Lord of Milan, a book about Kilpin’s life.
“We started with the book launch at AC Milan’s headquarters on Thursday in front of the Italian media it was a great success, I had to do the press launch in Italian,” said Robert.
“We also had Luigi La Rocca who is the Kilpin expert there together with former players including a former player who won the European Cup twice with Milan.
“It was just so positive, everybody we went to see were very accommodating.”
On Saturday, the 100th anniverary of Kilpin’s death, Robert visited the father of Italian football’s tomb in the Monumental Cemetery before attending the clash with fellow footballing giants, Juventus, at the San Siro.
He said: “It was really touching because just before kick off the announcer told the crowd that it was the centenary of the founders death and there was a big image that went up on the screen of Kilpin.
“I’m sure that inspired the team to a famous (1-0) victory, it’s the first they’ve beaten Juventus in nine attempts.”
Images of Kilpin surround the San Siro with his face emblazoned across the huge fan banners and flags.
The English version of The Lord of Milan will launch tonight at the Nottingham Conference Centre in the Kilpin Room in front of family, friends and a delegation from Milan.
To commemorate the Kilpin’s death in his home town, NCT launched its official ‘Herbert Kilpin bus’ outside his childhood home, 191 Mansfield Road on Saturday.
This Yellow line number 68/69 bus was unveiled by the Sheriff of Nottingham and local football historian Andy Black at a special ceremony attended by other local dignitaries and Herbert’s great grandniece, Helen Stirland.
Finally Herbert Kilpin is coming home
NCT Marketing Manager, Anthony Carver-Smith said: “We hope that our Herbert Kilpin bus will help bring just a little more recognition and fame to his distinctive name, intriguing our customers and passers-by to find out more about the important role he played in the history of football.”
Robert said: “I’ve seen photographs of the bus stop, I’ve seen the plaque and I’ve also seen the bus itself and the inside so it’s just great that on the centenary of his death finally Herbert Kilpin is coming home.”
