My first ever game was back in 1975 I went with my dad and his friends I was 8 years old. We walked there from West Gorton, past Victoria Baths. It took about 45 minutes, I always ran off in front. When we got nearer to the ground the place was buzzing with fans most of them singing walking down Claremont Road. I was so excited, I know it sounds daft but I remember getting this little fluttering in my belly the nearer I got. We got in the long line of fans waiting at the Kippax end to get into the ground. Once through the turnstiles, my dad went to get his programme and then made me go to the loo! He waited for me at the bottom of the stairs. We stood in the corner between the North stand and the Kippax.

I could hardly see but remember being more interested in the people around me making loads of noise, the enormity of the ground and the strange woman sat behind the goal ringing a bell. Half time came and my dad’s friend Frank got out his flask of coffee and a couple of toffees for me as a treat. For years I thought Frank was deaf, he always had an earpiece in, it was a long time before I realised it was the results from the other matches he was listening to.

I remember my favourite players being big Joe Corrigan and Gary Owen. I’ve heard people say “once a blue always a blue” and it’s true, it’s bred into you from an early age. I still get that buzz walking down Grey Mare Lane with my son towards the stadium. These days I’m proud to say I work at the Stadium, along with my dad and daughter.