My first match was around ‘54 – ‘55 against Spurs at Maine Road, we lsot 3-1. I remember the atmosphere and seeing City run out for the first time. It was exciting, I was impressed by the sky blue shirts with red numbers, and Bert trautmann became my favourite straight away.
The disappointment of losing the ‘55 cup final and winning the ‘56 cup final. I was in the crowd to welcome back City with the cup, everyone chanting for Bert after his heroics during the match. The memories from when you are young are the most vivid, I can still recite both City teams from the ‘55 and ‘56 Cup Finals. I also remember a real “downer” towards the end of the fifties when city lost to Grimsby Town in the FA Cup at Maine Roa, what a miserable journey home.
Of course, the real highs came during the Mercer Allison period, wonderful memories of winning the championship and other trophies. I came to live in the Midlands during this time, and went to watch city at Maine road whenever I could, and went to matches around the Midlands when City were playing.
Inthe low period when we were in division 2, I had to take the “brickbrats” from villa, Wolves, WBA, Birmingham City and even walsall fans. The worst howevrr came from those Midland Man Utd fans, I stood my ground and gave as good as I got.
A nice memory was a pre-season firendly, wolves v City, July 2004. SWP made one of his fantastic runs down the right, cut inside and scored a great goal.
However the biggest thrill that happened for me, when my daughter booked a stadium tour as a surprise for my 60th birthday. We travelled to Eastlands in the summer of 2004, it was a glorious sunny day and the stadium was a magnificent sight.
City were to play Lazio in a friendly, so unfortunately we were unable to see the dressing rooms. I photographed various parts of the ground and rounded off the visit by having lunch in the cafe next to the museum. It was a wonderful experience and one I will always remember.
I am phyiscally an absentee supporter, but I am always with City in spirit, and await anxiously the result on match day, experiencing the highs and lows according to the outcome.
With the new dawn at Eastlands, I look forward to the exciting times ahead, and offer all concerned my best wishes for the future