Feature photo: Nicolae Stoian. Ian Mellanby is center right, with Celtic/Union scarf.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of a close friend of Philly Soccer Page: Ian Mellanby.
Ian hailed from across the pond. He grew up in Leeds, England where he originally fell in love with the game at the famed Elland Road. He moved to Philadelphia in the 1990s and set down roots in Northern Liberties, where he started an independent publishing company—Old City Publishing, Inc.
After moving to Northern Liberties, he became a fixture at The 700, a historic bastion for fans of the game and a bar that played a large role in the creation of PSP itself. Through the Northern Liberties and 700 communities, Ian became a dear friend of many local fans of the game, including PSP’s own Mike Servedio and former managing editor Ed Farnsworth. (Ian also became a longstanding member of the 700 FC pickup league—where his disdain for playing defense was almost as renowned as his incredible knack in front of goal.)
Ian—like Ed and all of his soccer mates from The 700—were founding season ticket holders of the Union. Their group is well known in Lot A, partially because of Ian’s famous Vanagon, which is a focal point of tailgating activity that grabs the attention of most passing fans. (But Ian’s tailgating fare was truly legendary, particularly a PSP/700 favorite: soy and sriracha marinated Portobello mushrooms.)
Ian’s relationship with the Union was deep enough that in 2014 when he married the love of his life, Barbara, Danny Cruz and Sebastian LeToux sent them a personal congratulatory video message. And in the past few years Ian’s love for the game came full circle as he watched Brenden Aaronson grow through the Union system and ultimately arrive at Ian’s childhood home of Elland Road. To say that Ian was ecstatic to see Brenden at Elland Road, and immediately succeeding, is an understatement.
Ian will be deeply missed by all who knew him, especially at PSP, The 700, and in the larger Northern Liberties community. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife Barbara and all of Ian’s family and many friends.
Ian’s Union family will wear their iconic blue & yellow 700 FC jerseys to the final game of the season to honor him.
The current 700 FC shirt. Ian Mellanby, back row center with the Union ball cap.
700 FC. Ian Mellanby, bottom right with Leeds cap.
PSP Crew at USMNT sendoff match before the 2012 World Cup. Ian Mellanby, center.
New Ian via the band he was in: 56 Men. He was a very good bass player. Was shocked to learn of his passing. He was great guy.
*Knew
Ian was a good dude. I didn’t know him well, but you didn’t have to in order to recognize that. Sad moments.
His disdain for playing defense during indoor at the Northern Liberties Rec Center was evident. After stopping or gathering balls in the back I would look up and always see Ian in front of the goal frantically waving his arms for a pass. He was a great guy and a great friend. It was a pleasure to attend Union games with the 700 FC gang. Ian will be sorely missed. MOT and DOOP!
Very difficult to overstate Ian’s influence in NL’s business community and especially the 700 footy world. He will be terribly missed.
Thanks for this, Mike. ♥️
What a beautiful write up about Ian. An incredible guy who did so much for so many. An amazing uncle and pretty great brother in law.
I loved hanging out with Ian and he was such a positive soccer guy. One of my favs to see pre and post game. He will be missed. Keeping him and his family in my thoughts and prayers… sending positive vibes from Texas. Miss you guys and yearn for a 700 Club US World Cup game viewing party.
I didn’t know him, but it sounds like he was a great person. And as a PSP reader for years, a Lot A tailgater, and a founding member, I’d like to say to this family and to those who did know him: I’m sorry for the loss and I hope all do as well as you can during this tough time. Be well.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Ian. Sending prayers and condolences to all to him.
Mike, Mike, 700 Footy family and friends – thank you so much for sharing these memories as well as your love and support. My nephews can attest to Ian’s distain for defense/preferred goal position and love for cooking. While this is an incredibly difficult time, I will save this and smile when I read it. We will be celebrating Ian on the afternoon of Saturday, November 12 in Northern Liberties (more information will follow). Thank you all and take care.
Barbara, your husband was a great and generous man. Many talents and passions I was saddened to hear this news.
I hope you will let us know where the memorial on Nv 12 is so those who wish to travel from out of town may attend. Be well.
James – Thank you for the message and I apologize for the delay in my follow up. The Memorial will be on Saturday, November 12 from 1-4 PM at St. Michael’s (4th & Fairmount) in Philadelphia. There will be a brief memorial service and then we will be in the church hall to celebrate Ian with friends and family. I will be updating the Facebook page and also doing outreach to Philadelphia Whites/Leeds.
James – Thank you for the message and I apologize for the delay in my follow up. The Memorial will be on Saturday, November 12 from 1-4 PM at St. Michael’s (4th & Fairmount) in Philadelphia. There will be a brief service and then we will be in the church hall to celebrate Ia’s life with friends and family. I will be updating the Facebook page and also doing outreach to Philadelphia Whites/Leeds.
pat saverino
Thank you so much for sharing your memories and love with
us as our family struggles to keep our love over the sense
of sadness over the loss of an extrodinary shining star.
Ian was a very generous soul. I am very saddened to hear this news. But at least I knew him…