My First City Game » 1964

Out with my mates

William Norman Eaves — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:35:24 +0000

I was 14 years old and it was the first time my Mam let me go on my own to a City Match with my mates. It was on the 17th Oct 1964 , It was against Huddersfield a real red rose’s battle sadly we lost 3-2 but what a game , my mates and I walked to Maine rd there and back and we felt like “real grown ups” there was no trouble and I was hooked for life. Today I go with my own son to Eastland’s and I get the same “buz” with my new mates

A new city fan is born.

Steve Wright — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 15:17:15 +0000

Sometime in 1963 / 64. My Dad had been promising my brother and I that he would take us to see ‘City’, for some time. My elder brother Paul and I caught the bus from our home in Northenden to my aunty’s house in Platt Lane, very close to Maine Road. We were very young, I was about 7 or 8 years old. After various members of our family met up we walked the short distance to the turnstiles at the Platt Lane Stand where we joined a long line of city fans. I remember the police horses walking past and along the lines and how people loved to stroke the noses of those huge animals, well when your less than 5 feet tall they look very big!. When we all eventually got through the the turnstiles and Dad bought a programme, we walked through a tunnel towards the pitch and the seats of the Platt Lane Stand. This is the moment that caught my breath away, the sight of the huge crowd in the Kippax Street stand was an experience that left such a lasting impression on my young mind. Although I cannot remember who City were playing that day I do recall that it was one of Bernhard Carl “Bert” Trautmann, OBE (born 22 October 1923)last appearances in a City jersey. I also recall that City were playing in the ‘old’ 2nd division. I have remained a loyal city fan through the years. Sadly my aunty and most of the people who went to that game are watching from another ‘elevated view’ but I thank them for taking me to see City and providing me with a lifelong passion. What a great day, thanks Dad

Division 2 City v Leyton Orient 26th August 1964

John Bowers — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:11:16 +0000

My abiding memory was that the pitch was so green and everything was perfect. August games are full of optimism and hope. I was with my Dad and my big brother and City won 6-0. I thought it was always going to be like this. I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for but my timing was great. The next 12 years were fabulous.

Half price seat in Platt Lane end

John Brennan — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:20:08 +0000

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.

dreams are made of this

gary campbell — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:15:25 +0000

i was taken to my first city game on a lovely sunny summers day in 1964. i was a boy of 6 who sat proudly on my uncles shoulders spellbound by the sight of so many happy faces singing and chanting out city songs. we won the game and from that day i knew i was forever to be a city fan. now im 51 with a family i have brougt up to be city fans. and now i bring my grandson who is proudly called Michael Colin Francis Campbell (MCFC) and i proudly see in his face the feeling i had that first day back in 1964. city till we die

First city game

Colin McNeilly — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:50:07 +0000

I first went to watch City on October 3rd 1964 aged 7. Me and my best mate Dave Esser were taken by his Dad and Uncle who were season ticket holders. We sat on top of the parapet above the tunnel in the Kippax.(No health & Safety in those days!)Maine Road seemed so vast and crowded…yet there was only 15,000 there. City beat Rotherham 2-1. From then on we attended nearly every home game and few away as well.Particularly remember the FA cup games against Leicester and Everton where the crowds really were huge. My over riding memory is of the pitch being very muddy, Citys shirts getting more pale blue as the season wore on and the all pervading smell of cigarette and tobacco smoke.I moved away from Manchester in 1968 but have always continued to follow City and get back to COMS 5 or 6 times a season and go to most matches in London. Did’nt get ticket for 69 cup final but made the League cup final in 70 and the 81 Cup finals. Looking forward to what this new era brings but am prepared to be patient!

My mate Steve Butterworth and his Dad Ronnie

Gary Bloor — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:46:16 +0000

My first game was Bert Trautman’s Testimonial at Maine Road in 1964 . Steve’s Dad Ronnie took us in his Ford Pop and I remember it being a combined City / Utd side against an all stars England team. There were players such as Charlton ,Law , Matthews and the ground was packed out. I don’t remember a great deal about the game but the atmosphere I have never forgotten . I do recall that the blues and reds won 5 – 4 though !..Thats what started me off and I have had the bug ever since through good times and bad.

1st game

Kevin Hallsworth — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:22:53 +0000

At home to Norwich City in the 2nd division at Maine Road – aged 8 years (May 1964 i think). To enable a better view of the game climbed up the ladder of the scoreboard at the back of the old scoreboard end. I received a clip round the ears and told never to go up there again. City won 5-2 and i was hooked.

City 6 leyton orient 0

Ray Illingworth — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:43:11 +0000

Stood in the north stand singing we want 7 Keven
(derek Kevan i think) been hooked ever since.

THE GOALKEEPER SCORES

PAUL MORRISSEY — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:12:55 +0000

I was taken to my first City game, as an 11 year old, by my next door neighbour Mr Allen, who was a lifelong City fan. Walking to Maine Road, and then seeing the pitch from the back of the Platt Lane Stand (with its wooden benches!) still sends shivers up and down my spine! As for the match, well it was a 1-1 draw with Bury – Harry Dowd got injured, Matt Grey went in goal, and Harry then went and scored the equaliser – how could you forget that! And, if my memory serves me, The King (Colin Bell) was also playing for Bury – so I saw him even before he played for City! Brilliant, and I’m still going – thanks Mr Allen!