The annual Royal Signals football competition, the McBean Trophy, is without doubt a sporting highlight in the Corps' calendar. It is named after Major Tony McBean, a brave and gifted goalkeeper who was an influential member of the Corps team for over 20 years, first as a player, then goalkeeping coach and finally Assistant Coach. This role he embraced with enthusiasm, passion and pride right up until he tragically lost his life to motor neurone disease in 2016.
The McBean Trophy is the Royal Signals' inter-Regiment cup competition. Previously designated The Signaller Cup, the competition was renamed in 2017. The very last Signaller Cup final in 2016 was played in the North East at Consett FC, Tony’s local club; he presented the trophy to 1 Signal Regiment after a thrilling game against 3 Signal Regiment, a befitting end to the competition.
The very first McBean Trophy final saw 22 Signal Regiment beat 1 Signal Regiment, again at Consett FC. The winners were presented the McBean Trophy by Claire, Tony’s wife, watched by his two lovely daughters and in front of friends, family and the Corps' football community.
Brigadier Niall Stokoe OBE, Chairman of Army Football Association said“When I think of Tony (which is still very often) I am always drawn to remember how, in the depths of his illness when even messaging was hard, he still texted me about football. I know how difficult it was for him to do it, but when Spurs played Newcastle he couldn’t resist - he had to do it. And I had to reply and, if Spurs were winning, spare him no quarter and in those moments it wasn’t me texting my dying mate but rather me texting the mad-as-a-box-of-frogs goalkeeper and ludicrously optimistic Geordie fan with whom I played so many matches. He lived and breathed the game, he lived and breathed being a soldier and that this trophy will always bear his name will be forever fitting.”
“The McBean Trophy is an important part of Royal Signals Football, providing an opportunity for all our units to compete against one another. Over the years the competition has highlighted new talent and has provided a number of surprise results, I suppose the beauty of the beautiful game! The McBean Trophy, named after our fellow footballer, much missed friend and Corps legend, Tony McBean, is played in the absolute spirit of the game; with total commitment, a desire to do everything for your team and teammates and of course, with a will to win.” - Lt Col Simon Smith, Chairman of Royal Signals Football Association, Commanding Officer, 30 Signal Regiment.
This year, the final was between 21 Signal Regiment and 30 Signal Regiment, significant as both Regiments held a special place in Tony’s heart. Tony was the Regimental Sergeant Major of 21 Signal Regiment, prior to becoming the Corps Regimental Sergeant Major. 30 Signal Regiment was the last unit that Tony served with and provided close support to Tony and his family on behalf of the Corps. After an absolutely thrilling match (even better than watching England beat Germany in our opinion), 30 Signal Regiment came out as 5-3 winners, with two goals being scored in extra time. Congratulations to everyone that took part, it really is a very special Corps competition.
