It was wonderful opening this page just now and it was particularly poignant to immediately see the photo of Frank Swift – because it was his presence when we were literally sitting beside the Goal only a few yards away just behind the goal line. I have been meaning to enter my name among this “Hall of Old’uns” but I have not been to well of late. However, my birthday on March 26th, reminded me of my many visits to Maine Road during the war – including attending so-called “International Representative Matches” where well over 70,000 fans attended. The immediate names which come to mind (as well as the very kindly “Big Frank” Swift) are Styanley Matthews and Willie Waddell (Scotland).
I have been a loyal fan – mostly from afar however – because I ‘emigrated’ to London in 1951. Since that time I have been lucky enough to have travelled the world a great deal – but ‘City’ was ALWAYS on my mind – through Thick and Thin – and there were many times when I was in some other part of the world – and made a point of seeking out an English Sunday paper – always 1 to 3 days late – but still costing huge amounts of money. I still travel now and of course, it is so much easier now to pull up the results on my XDA – possibly even in real time.
I have to finish now, but – if it is possible, I will add to my story some other time. I will try to remember more Matches and Players etc. Before, I go, I have to tell you that my Son John who is now 51 – has been a Manchester City fan ALL HIS LIFE – even though he has only ever visited Manchester about a dozen times! (I could not and certainly would not entertain any person in my family supporting any other team!)
Good Luck to Mark and the Team and may you all get together and go from strength to strength