i have to say that this is something that has really concerned me for along time. When the Sheik came along, it was like winning the lottery. Suddenly astonishing players started arriving by the coach load and City fans could not believe their luck. But whilst support did grow (I am not bothered by the tourists and all new support is good), it was very apparent that after a while, there was a real almost arrogance from many parts of the ground. Once we started winning a few trophies, when the results were not going our way or the team had an off game, the support was generally terrible.
I remember really well when we played Poznan and their supporters nearly knocked the stadium down with their support and for a while, whilst we 'borrowed' their Poznan, which did create a great atmosphere, there were not many home games which felt like they were bursting at the seams with atmosphere.
For me, as a supporter of 40 years plus, the last 8+ years have been a life changing experience, quite literally. Even now, seeing the likes of David Silva and Yaya ploughing their trade for our entertainment, is beyond words, good or bad performance.
I am not saying by any means, as supporters, we are the worst. Many premiership grounds are dead from the waist up but with the leg up we have had as a club in the last 8 years, we should be rocking at the seams every single home game and not a spare seat to be seen. IMO the likes of Liverpool, Spurs, Everton (shit hole ground!), Newcastle, Crystal Palace always seem to be rocking home grounds and really get behind their team, whatever the game is like. But most disappointing in terms of atmosphere, has been the Champions League matches. With the odd exception (like the win against Barca), it has been a real let down in terms of home fan support. we are now regulars in the CL, but think back 5+ years and it was never even a remote possibility of making the CL, let alone the Europa league on a regular basis. We are now witnessing the best teams and players in the world coming to our ground during the CL and for whatever reason, cannot seem to build up the atmosphere and backing for our lads. I know the English are supposed to be somewhat reserved, but it can be embarrassing.
This season will see the kind of side which every other team on the planet will envy, backed by undoubtedly the most dynamic manager the premiership has ever seen and if we cannot get right up for every single home game, with not a single spare seat, screaming our heads off, then all our haters have every right to criticise us. Last season, having Pep was beyond words and sadly, he was right when he said he was surprised by the 'lack of atmosphere' at our ground.
Anyway, moan finished. Even as a 54 year old, balding, fat long time supporter, I for one will be giving it large at every home game and shouting the house down.