I was born in may 1940. Dad was back from the war..he was in the RAMC (medical corps) so wasn’t demobbed until 1946.
His business had failed during the war so he bought into a shop at Withington with my Auntie Minnie.Her and Mum ran it,Dad joined the Ministry of Food. One day my brother Brian(5yrs older)told me City had been promoted to the 1st division and we would go and watch them next year. We walked to the match down Platt Lane..sorry don’t recall who it was against or the exact date in 1947 but I remember Eric Westwood at left back..why him I don’t know! We drew..thats all I can remember.
BUT from playing on the local “rec” with pals at every spare minute..I became – and still am 61yrs later – hooked on soccer,the “blues” and a United “hater”!. Since then I have followed City everywhere..”head down Nobby” (Roy Clarke – a Withington neighbour) got 3 season tickets for Dad,Brian and I – we had to give them up – each at different times and for different reasons – thro neccessity and only after many,many years. I then stood on the terraces..and honestly enjoyed it more!Brian lives in Essex but he and Dad – I’m sure (up there somewhere)still follow the Blues.
However, as I am now retired and live in the Isle of Man (moved there with my job – not as a tax exile!)I cannot really justify the cost of going to watch City..Its my ambition to get to Easlands – I haven’t been yet.. before I turn my toes up! I will make it!!. What will the future hold for the great unpredictables? they have caused me more enjoyment and heartache than..well anything else! But come on City ..give Mark a chance..HE NEVER showed that arrogance and pettiness so typical of most Untd players over the years. Don’t let this wonderful opportunity pass..we are rich but maybe our wonderful pedigree is more importent, don’t lose the true “blue”. Finally lets hammer Untd at “old trafford” – I refuse to call it anyhting else!.
Sorry I have gone on..but I hope I live long enough to see us back on top..in style..the way we won the league that night at Newcastle..where we belong.Unfortunately my son supports Liverpool 1st but City 2nd!
Roy Oliver