As a fresh faced Seventeen year old, with two other friends in the car I headed to Manchester from Bath, a mere 355 mile round trip. It was a game which would change me forever. On arriving at Maine Road we were met by the City legend and true gentleman, Tony Book (Sir Tony Book). Coming from Bath himself, he’s good friends with my friend’s dad and had arranged tickets for us. That day he went out of his way to be there early so he could give us a guided tour of the stadium. Changing Room, Warm up area and I was pretty much hooked in already. We were later ushered into a supporters bar for a cheeky pre match drink and the atmosphere was electric. Well I thought it was until the game itself.
I think Sunderland needed to win and other games to go there way to stay up. I remember being in the main stand and when they scored, pockets of Mackems jumped up everywhere, without the hint of any trouble. Credit their away support that day. I don’t remember much about the game itself but have since watched it on You Tube with a lump in my throat. We eventually ran out 3-2 winners, courtesy of the great Niall Quinn. We also had the opportunity to go into the Players Lounge after the game but unfortunately the others weren’t so keen on staying. The high I was on I could have stayed there all night and then flew home….The long journey home was full of chat about the day and made it seem only a few miles away. I remember having a cheeky pint of Triple Crown on my return to Bath… and there a blue was born, City Till I Die!!