24th August 1966, Wednesday night, City promoted to Division One as Champions playing the First
Division Champions Liverpool. Only a month after England win World Cup. My uncle Ron lifts me onto the barrier in the Kippax just behind the tunnel towards the open scoreboard end. over 50,000 pack in, I had never even seen 5,000 at a game before. I am just 14 years old my first City game.

First out Roger Hunt, World Cup Winner, the place erupts City and Liverpool fans together, a noise you could only imagine, then out come City, my first ever sight of the Sky Blue shirts. It was a feeling I still find hard to describe, it was as if we were made for each other,the noise, the atmosphere, the passion I sang and screamed, swayed and tumbled, it did not matter I saw only half the game through clusters of scarf waving supporter.

I spilled my half time tea and spent the second half clinging to the barrier for dear life as the crowd swayed to the end to end action singing songs, listening to men swear one minute and cheer the next. Then it happened, ball out to Colin Bell, trademark swerve and bang, right in. The first goal I ever saw him score, City win 2-1,my team, my city,send mighty Liverpool packing.

I slept with that match prog under my pillow for months, with my “Ty-Phoo” Tea Manchester City team picture over my bed. Still probably the best Wednesday night of my life.

Once a blue always a blue, thank you Colin Bell.