My First City Game » 1980-1989

Bournemouth 1988

Daniel — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:55:16 +0000

1988 – My 1st game was against Bournemouth.We needed 3 points to gain promotion that day.3-0 up at half time we were cruising and everyone was in party mood.in typical city fashion we drew 3-3, unbelieveable.I should have known then what a rollercoaster ride it is to support my beloved City.

1981 FA Cup Final Replay

James Hall — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:43:24 +0000

I did not go to the game but I remember as a 6 year old watching it on a black and white portable telly in the kitchen in our home in Chorlton. At the end my dad turned to me and said ‘Don’t worry son I will take you the next time we are at Wembley!’ I thought how cool was my dad but now I realise how clever he was…. I am hoping that my 5 year old now gets the chance to see more Wembley Finals than me!!!! (Just the one in ‘99) COME ON CITY!!!!

Big Game – Big Horse

Heath Currie — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:09:34 +0000

Boxing Day 1984 (just ‘celebrated’ my quarter century against Stoke!) Dad took me in the wooden Platt Lane benches. Was in absolute awe of the stadium, the crowd, and was deafened almost when Jim Melrose scored for City.

Nearly half time, Dad gives me some money for a drink, and I walk, backwards, up the tunnel, so not to miss any of the action, not noticing the enormous shadow about to cover me! Cue nine year old lad walking into the neck of huge horse!!

Needless to say, the idea of a drink quickly left me, and I sprinted back to my seat!

What a day!

A disappointing loss that set the scene

Tom Parish — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:09:32 +0000

Ipswich Town in the Full Members Cup, I finally persuaded my dad that I was old enough to sit through a full match. As a 7 year old, I instantly loved the Kippax, the clunking turnstiles, the stench of the outside loos, the ‘no alcohol past this point’ signs over the tunnel, the mystery of the abandoned staircases at the back (post-Hysel), the naughty words being shouted by men rolling up cigarettes, I was bamboozled by the whole experience, but I had no real idea what was going on during the game. I spent part of the second half cheering on Mick McCarthy, to whom I took an instant liking for some reason. I don’t remember much else but I do remember feeling the electricity around me when Varadi scored our second goal. We still lost 2-3, but I was hooked.

My dad took me to a few games after that, most of which were pretty awful, but it was him leaving me at home for the 10-1 the following season that really got me buzzing. Dad took me every week during our promotion season, and I’ll never forget the Bournemouth 3-3 and being sat anxiously watching the vidiprinter and the news that we’d clinched promotion at Valley Parade.

Dad bought me a season ticket for my first season in the top flight, and it was 21 years before I missed another home game after that.

A defeating of Milwall

Steven Redmayne — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:09:30 +0000

Got a City top from the shop before the game the black and red away that was iin the sale bin then went into the ground. I remember the roar of the Kippax as we strolled on to a 2-0 win. Once a blue always a blue City City

Bobby Mac plays a blinder in net

Mike Young — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:09:26 +0000

I remember walking up the steps at the back of the Kippax and as i got to the top seeing the pitch laid out in front of me like the green baize of a snooker table.
With butterflies in my stomache i sat on the wall at the front of the kippax and the matched kicked off.
Within 3 minutes big Joe Corrigan was being taken from the pitch with a dislocated shoulder and Defender Bobby Mcdonald went in goal.
Bobby played a blinder.
Tueart put city in front and Bobby made save after save until the referee blew the final whistle.
City had won and gone top of the table due to bobby’s heroics in goal.
We didn’t stay top long and were relegated that season on the final game against Luton

Tommy Booths testimonial

Martyn parmley — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:32:50 +0000

My very first City match was Tommy Booths testimonial match in 1981 when I was 11 years old. My dad took me to the match and i watched in awe from the Kippax stand as my dad pointed out such greats as Franny Lee, Dennis Tueart, Tommy Booth etc played before me. I was hooked and have spent years following ‘MY’ team through good and bad times. I love, and will always love City.

Villa thriller

john gibbon — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:32:39 +0000

My 1st game was when my dad took me to the cup final replay in 1981 against tottenham(spurs) and despite the fact we lost the final we lost it to a wonder solo goal by Villa…hence the title villa thriller…i will laways remember the true support from both teams,since that day the song blue moon will always play a massive part in my life and now my 6 year old sons life names Jensen after nicholas jensen.

City Vs United 1985 – the buzz of the crowd!

martin lyons — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:25:02 +0000

I remember my first match very clearly!, we parked a little away from the ground and walked to the Kippax, I remember feeling the buzz of the crowd and the anticipation in the air!, we got through the famous turnstiles of the mighty Kippax and went to buy a program, and a burger!, it seemed as if the walk up the steps took ages, but when I got to the top and had my first glimpse of the pitch I knew instantly I was in football heaven!.

The match began and again the buzz was electric & the ground was absolutely packed to the rafters!, it was end to end and every kick of the ball brought batted breath from the crowd, I was so nervous, it was like nothing I had ever experienced before!, I remember united got a penalty (suprise!) and they netted it!, from that moment I knew what it was like to support City, ups and downs, highs and lows!, but to be honest I would not have it any other way!, City till I die!!, we lost 3-0, ok we lost but it left me wanting more, I live for every City game and win,lose or draw City are in my blood!!, I would love to win this seat to give it dad to say thanks for taking me to see the greatest football team!!.

Man.City 2 – Blackpool 1 FA Cup Replay 1988

Brendan Walsh — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:24:50 +0000

Will never forget Wed Feb 3 1988, I was 10 and my Grandad and dad took me and my brother to see us in the FA cup, the atmosphere had me hooked from the off. Sitting opposite the Kippax I couldn’t believe people stood for the whole 90 mins! That’s the day Paul Lake became my first City hero:)