My first trip to watch City at Maine Road, was just after the War. My dad took me on the tram from Burnage but sadly, I cannot recall who we were playing that day.
I was so excited at my first visit to watch my beloved team, but the large crowd was intimidating to a young boy. After a long time queuing at the turnstiles, we eventually forced our way onto the Kippax stand and squeezed into the capacity crowd, all standing of course.
As I was quite small then, I was having difficulties in seeing the pitch or players until my dad lifted me onto his shoulders.
In a world where everything seemed to be grey, I was amazed to see so much colour on the pitch and in particular, I noticed City`s goalie in vivid green.
Then an opposition forward hit a screamer to the far corner of the City goal. A certain goal, until this blond giant of a man ( in every way ) took off and not only reached the ball, but held on to it. His name of course was Bert Trautmann, a German P.O.W. whose life story is just as fascinating as the man himself.
I was dumbfounded that a human being could be so agile. That was the start of my goalkeeping `career`, forever trying to emulate Bert as I grew older.
Eventually I played for Manchester Boys at the same time as Nobby Stiles, but never quite achieved the heights I desired ( though still playing competitive 11-a-side soccer in Lancs & Ches. League at almost 67 ).
I have met Bert on a couple of occasions, but I am still awestruck by him…..he was and still is, simply MY HERO.
Thanks for the treasured memories Bert !

Malcolm Maginn