We were at home against Birmingham City. It was one day after my 12th birthday and this was my most highly anticipated present. I don’t think I had a wink of sleep that night as I can remember being tired right up until we got to the stadium. From that moment on, I was sure that I was to be a City fan all my life.

I went with my older brother, Paul, who had been going to games with my Dad for as long as I can remember, and discussing what had happened at the game. (I always wanted to see what happened but unfortunately Match Of The Day was always on after my bedtime!) Now I was finally going to see all the ups and downs of a game.

I was on a high from the minute I sat down. We were treated with goals galore as by the end of the first half, as we were 3-0 up. With Sommeil, Barton and Sibierski scoring them. As it was a week before Christmas Eve, and with the opponents being thoroughly hammered; chants of: ‘you should’ve gone christmas shopping’ echoed round the stadium. I for one, was finding this hilarious and an all round thrilling experience at the same time. In the second half, It became clear that we were coming away with all 3 points as they were now 4-0 down. A late consolation goal gave the visitors something to cheer about. However, we were cheering with them as it was an easy win for us. I loved every minute of it, we all felt like one big family, cheering the best team in the world.

I went to bed that night with ‘you should’ve gone christmas shopping’ ringing in my ears.