To all the loyal supporters who have attended like myself over the last 35 years week in week out, I’m sorry to say but I’m bowing out and wish you all the best with this and up and coming seasons.
Reason being the dreadful experience I had forced upon me at home against Southampton.
let me explain if you will, over the many years in the Kippax and South stand, I upgraded to corporate in the 1894 suite. Now those who attend that suite will know it is what I would call at the bottom of the barrel corporate wise, looking more like a truckers diner. However it does have the best seats opposite the owners which make up for the shabby surrounds and awful food on offer.
So back to the match which was if you remember on what was the warmest day we’ve had in years, me and my business partner got dropped off as we were making a day of it and intended to drink a lot more etc. Everyone was happy and excited as we past security and entered the main entrance, that was until I saw this guy run like the clappers from the back wall to confront me. “Your not coming in here dressed like that” looking confused I asked whoever not ? “Shorts - no Shorts”. No don’t get me wrong I had no idea you couldn’t wear shorts as this was probably the first time ever I had wore any. These were cotton dress shorts not football or the cloth type, together with a shirt and loafers shoes.
I explained I hadn’t any idea and would never wear them again, but this guy a proper jobsworth was having none of it, I asked what were my option on which he replied get some tracksuit bottoms from Asda. I mean Asda tracky bottoms really
.
As we were meeting up with people for a meal and wasnt getting anywhere with this guy, I set off to the supporters store to buy some from there if they had any to fit me. Being 5ft 5” my legs are not the longest and nothing ever fits me lol. I did however find a pair on the rack rather expensive by hey ho needs must. Off I walked to the changing rooms to try them on. Only to be told there are no changing rooms open today. What am I to do I asked, you’ll have to change outside was the reply.
much to the amusement of the 1000’s of fans outside City square I was down to my undies and put the Tracky bottoms on with my loafer, no those who can remember Max Wall will understand how I looked, and the looks and laughter from the aether fans never stopped. I felt like digging a hole and jumping in it.
We finally got into the suite although to late to get our meal, but just time for a pint. I spent 10 minutes explaining why I looked like I did, and everyone agreed Tracky bottoms look far worse than shorts. We made our way to the seats and got ready for the game, I looked around to see at least half a dozen fans with shorts on which made me fume as you can understand. I did manage to take a sneaky photo of one in Adidas shorts with stripes on the side, I could hardly walk round taking photos here and there without getting into trouble.
HT came and into the suite I went to confront our corporate manager who was nowhere to be seen, I found out later she was off on the day.
At full time I pointed out others in shorts walking out to the staff on the door, they apologised and said they must have got through on the quiet etc.
They said a memo should have been sent out on the day but someone forgot to send it.
Now it’s not the money I had to part with or the meal I missed, it’s just down to the embarrassing position I was put in by to me is a crazy rule. I’m 60 in a couple of months and can do without being made to look like a stupid clown for anyone.
Dress shorts are smart dress and worn by both men and women and should be allowed on such days, footy shorts and tracksuit bottoms are a no.
I see the state of some of the players guests heading towards their private boxes and they look a state. The update rule says no shorts or tracksuits which I presume excludes track suit bottoms. You couldn’t make it up honest. So it’s one rule for them and one rule for us, and on that note I will not put another penny in the clubs coffers, not that they need it. I will be giving my seat to friends to attend as the last thing we need is more empty seats. My complaint has been sent in to my corporate assistant, who’s hands are tied. Not that I blame her one bit, at the end of the day if half a dozen fans turned up in shorts and were told not to do it again would it really matter.
Take care all you City fans, love City and always will although from a distance from now on.
PK
