I can’t remember who we were playing. Who cares! I do remember that I was with my school friend, Pete Mills (where are you now, Pete?), that we’d have a pint of Chesters mild in the Parkside immediately before the match, that we would spread out on the sparcely populated benches in the Platt Lane End of Maine Road about 5 minutes before kick-off. City were in the old Second Division, recently relegated and George Poyser promoted to manager. I can’t remember who we played, but I can remember the City team. Harry Dowd was in goal. Cliff Sear and Vic Gomersall were the full-backs. Half-back line was Mick Doyle, George Heslop (not quite sure about George for that first match) and Alan Oakes. Forwards were Neil Young (still out on the wing), Matt Gray, Jimmy Murray, Derek Kevan and David Wagstaff. I went most weeks, including the 6000 lowest gate, and did quite a few ‘aways’. A few years later Joe and Mal had arrived and I was able to enjoy most of the ‘glory days’ (at Newcastle with my dad for the league title win in 68, Wembley cup final with girlfriend the following year)until I moved away from Manchester – just a bit before Joe himself moved on. Seen only a few games since. Never visited the City of Manchester stadium. But look most days on the City website and passing on the ‘passion’ to my 7 year old son. Since that first schooldays visit, I’ve had various jobs, lived in various places, had various wives (and divorces)! The one and only constant during those 40+ years has been that I’m a Man City supporter! And most people who know me know that as well.