My first City experience was a dream. I was on sprint vacation from school in the States and visiting my future wife who was studying in London. Through the MCIVTA newsletter, I met Ash B. who had a box in the Kippax Stand and he graciously invited us to attend the match.

We went to training on the Friday before the match, met all the players and Joe Royle and got a tour of Maine Road.

I couldn’t sleep Saturday night in anticipation of the crucial top-of-the-table clash vs. Charlton the following day. Goater scored a 20 yard volley off of his shin from a floated Ian Bishop pass. He was practicing this very move during training on Friday, albeit with his foot and not his shin! City dominated possession but “lacked the cutting edge” as Joe Royle often said at the time.

Charlton tied the match in the second half, but it didn’t matter. It got City out of their rut of form and sent us on our way to the Premiership.

I’ll never forget the hospitality the club showed to me, my wife and my friend Ash. I’ll never forget the chill that ran down my spine the first time I heard ‘Blue Moon’ or ‘Stand Up If You Love City’ ringing through the rafters. As an American, I was hard pressed to think of one professional sports organization in North America who would treat a complete stranger the way we were treated. Total class.

I’ve since been back once to see us draw vs. WBA at Eastlands in December 2004 (The Elk’s last goal for the club), and can’t wait to take our new daughter to her first match soon.

I know I am I’m sure I am I’m City ’till I die!

Keep the faith,
Dillon Allie
Chicago, IL USA