1500 Competitive City Matches

Scaring Europe to Death said:
No Testimonial Match for me, but after numerous counts and recounts, and the occasional “no recollection whatsoever, but I've got a programme so I must have attended” I've finally calculated that the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg at Newcastle will also be my 1500th competitive City match.

From a 1-1 draw v Chelsea in 1971, to a 3-2 defeat at Plymouth, and the World Club Championship in Philadelphia, my claims to fame are limited and a tad dubious

I studied at Marple Ridge in the same School Year as “Taguey”, the infamous pitch invader v Bury.

For almost 40 years I lived in Whaley Bridge, just a long throw from Alan Gowling, Edwina Currie and “Big Neil” (the chef who used to take a frozen chicken into the Platt Lane in the early 90s)

I was Alfons Groenendijk’s Account Manager, but sadly when I threw him a can of peas he just caught it two handed, whilst his left foot didn't even move (so evidently Peter Reid was talking bollocks)

I've never claimed to be a Super Fan.

On the contrary, as a keen cricketer (and latterly umpire) I've often missed games when the seasons have collided.

However, aside from York and Lincoln, I also had a Season Ticket throughout the 1980s when City’s average attendance had dipped alarmingly, whilst thanks to events elsewhere, football supporters were often treated with utter contempt.

Emotionally, any reference to the 6-1 at Old Trafford (City’s first away game after I lost my dad) still brings me to tears, but aside from the obvious games, I can still picture Tony Cunningham’s goal celebration at Ninian Park, the 4-2 win at Bradford, the David White show at Villa Park, and Paolo Wanchope’s finest hour at Elland Road

Top of the Tree?
Beating Liverpool 1-0 in 85, and even at 61, my favourite City player of all time remains Clive Wilson

I've met some great people along the way and sadly some are no longer with us.

It's becoming more of an effort, but I still kick every ball, and suffering from small man syndrome, I still fall out with those around me (and on here) on a regular basis.

Nothing personal. I just love the club
Up the Blues!
Click to expand...
I was at Plymouth that day 0-2 up and somehow contrived to get beat, think that's the one and only time I've been walked out across the pitch.
 
Marple Ridge - you must have left as I started there going by your age.

Well done on reaching 1,500 matches.
 
Also lost count of the games I've watched City,my first was 62 also Pardoes debut lost 4-1 at Maine road to Birmingham.I've also watched City play on over 30 Grounds that have all gone now like Maine road,but don't ask how many more I've been on its a very lot.First cup final in 69 also I was at City's biggest ever AWAY win in 68 at Elm Park Reading 7-0 cup replay.Remember my first City away match midweek aged 11 at Blackburn in 63 told mother it was at Maine road me and my mate on the train that night but trouble when we got home after midnight.Lots of great times watching City with my mates best times when you could pay on the gate and stand with your mates at all the away games.Well I will be 74 in March still go to the odd game live away from Manchester now had a heart attack couple months back 4 Stents fitted on the mend now and back to playing tennis,doubles only forget singles.
 
Scaring Europe to Death said:
No Testimonial Match for me, but after numerous counts and recounts, and the occasional “no recollection whatsoever, but I've got a programme so I must have attended” I've finally calculated that the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg at Newcastle will also be my 1500th competitive City match.

From a 1-1 draw v Chelsea in 1971, to a 3-2 defeat at Plymouth, and the World Club Championship in Philadelphia, my claims to fame are limited and a tad dubious

I studied at Marple Ridge in the same School Year as “Taguey”, the infamous pitch invader v Bury.

For almost 40 years I lived in Whaley Bridge, just a long throw from Alan Gowling, Edwina Currie and “Big Neil” (the chef who used to take a frozen chicken into the Platt Lane in the early 90s)

I was Alfons Groenendijk’s Account Manager, but sadly when I threw him a can of peas he just caught it two handed, whilst his left foot didn't even move (so evidently Peter Reid was talking bollocks)

I've never claimed to be a Super Fan.

On the contrary, as a keen cricketer (and latterly umpire) I've often missed games when the seasons have collided.

However, aside from York and Lincoln, I also had a Season Ticket throughout the 1980s when City’s average attendance had dipped alarmingly, whilst thanks to events elsewhere, football supporters were often treated with utter contempt.

Emotionally, any reference to the 6-1 at Old Trafford (City’s first away game after I lost my dad) still brings me to tears, but aside from the obvious games, I can still picture Tony Cunningham’s goal celebration at Ninian Park, the 4-2 win at Bradford, the David White show at Villa Park, and Paolo Wanchope’s finest hour at Elland Road

Top of the Tree?
Beating Liverpool 1-0 in 85, and even at 61, my favourite City player of all time remains Clive Wilson

I've met some great people along the way and sadly some are no longer with us.

It's becoming more of an effort, but I still kick every ball, and suffering from small man syndrome, I still fall out with those around me (and on here) on a regular basis.

Nothing personal. I just love the club
Up the Blues!
Click to expand...
Cracking effort mate, both the doing and the keeping track!
 
xgorton said:
Also lost count of the games I've watched City,my first was 62 also Pardoes debut lost 4-1 at Maine road to Birmingham.I've also watched City play on over 30 Grounds that have all gone now like Maine road,but don't ask how many more I've been on its a very lot.First cup final in 69 also I was at City's biggest ever AWAY win in 68 at Elm Park Reading 7-0 cup replay.Remember my first City away match midweek aged 11 at Blackburn in 63 told mother it was at Maine road me and my mate on the train that night but trouble when we got home after midnight.Lots of great times watching City with my mates best times when you could pay on the gate and stand with your mates at all the away games.Well I will be 74 in March still go to the odd game live away from Manchester now had a heart attack couple months back 4 Stents fitted on the mend now and back to playing tennis,doubles only forget singles.
Click to expand...
Brilliant mate
I really envy the lads who were there at Newcastle in 68, just a few years after suffering the George Poyser era.

I was born on August 29th 1964
City 0 Northampton 2

Respect to all those who were belittled but kept the faith
respect
 
Scaring Europe to Death said:
What?
I'd not counted Youth/Reserve/Testimonials

This is like Samuel Johnson being corrected by Blackadder
Click to expand...

A great City Life.

I wish I could count them, but as a regular at aged 4, I am not sure which games I missed in the early years. My memory didn't kick in until I started going independently aged 11.

My top 5.

Newcastle away 68
Leicester Wembley 69
The Sick Swan
Lokeren away
Spurs away 4-3 Cup.
 
Scaring Europe to Death said:
No Testimonial Match for me, but after numerous counts and recounts, and the occasional “no recollection whatsoever, but I've got a programme so I must have attended” I've finally calculated that the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg at Newcastle will also be my 1500th competitive City match.

From a 1-1 draw v Chelsea in 1971, to a 3-2 defeat at Plymouth, and the World Club Championship in Philadelphia, my claims to fame are limited and a tad dubious

I studied at Marple Ridge in the same School Year as “Taguey”, the infamous pitch invader v Bury.

For almost 40 years I lived in Whaley Bridge, just a long throw from Alan Gowling, Edwina Currie and “Big Neil” (the chef who used to take a frozen chicken into the Platt Lane in the early 90s)

I was Alfons Groenendijk’s Account Manager, but sadly when I threw him a can of peas he just caught it two handed, whilst his left foot didn't even move (so evidently Peter Reid was talking bollocks)

I've never claimed to be a Super Fan.

On the contrary, as a keen cricketer (and latterly umpire) I've often missed games when the seasons have collided.

However, aside from York and Lincoln, I also had a Season Ticket throughout the 1980s when City’s average attendance had dipped alarmingly, whilst thanks to events elsewhere, football supporters were often treated with utter contempt.

Emotionally, any reference to the 6-1 at Old Trafford (City’s first away game after I lost my dad) still brings me to tears, but aside from the obvious games, I can still picture Tony Cunningham’s goal celebration at Ninian Park, the 4-2 win at Bradford, the David White show at Villa Park, and Paolo Wanchope’s finest hour at Elland Road

Top of the Tree?
Beating Liverpool 1-0 in 85, and even at 61, my favourite City player of all time remains Clive Wilson

I've met some great people along the way and sadly some are no longer with us.

It's becoming more of an effort, but I still kick every ball, and suffering from small man syndrome, I still fall out with those around me (and on here) on a regular basis.

Nothing personal. I just love the club
Up the Blues!
Click to expand...
When I started reading I thought “oh great - another let’s talk about myself post” that you get all over the place nowerdays. But this is a really interesting read and brought back some great memories. I’m not quite as old as you - but I loved Clive Wilson. He’s just behind Paul Power for me. Probably because they were both left back, as was I.
Today will be my first match at the Etihad since my dad suddenly died very recently, so I’m sure I’ll be going through similar feelings to what you experienced at the sickswan. Filling up just thinking of it :(
I also used to miss games due to cricket (I was a county pro for 4 years but only ever got to play 2XI) so missed some crucial games.
Our other link is the most important one in that I snogged Edwina Curry’s daughter on numerous occasions when she went to Denstone Collage in Staffs.“She's got a tongue like an electric eel and she likes the taste of a man's tonsils”
Anyway, sorry for doing the life story thing that I just criticised haha. Great achievement on 1500 games. Many more to come I hope. Top fan. Top blue. Well done
 
wattle said:
When I started reading I thought “oh great - another let’s talk about myself post” that you get all over the place nowerdays. But this is a really interesting read and brought back some great memories. I’m not quite as old as you - but I loved Clive Wilson. He’s just behind Paul Power for me. Probably because they were both left back, as was I.
Today will be my first match at the Etihad since my dad suddenly died very recently, so I’m sure I’ll be going through similar feelings to what you experienced at the sickswan. Filling up just thinking of it :(
I also used to miss games due to cricket (I was a county pro for 4 years but only ever got to play 2XI) so missed some crucial games.
Our other link is the most important one in that I snogged Edwina Curry’s daughter on numerous occasions when she went to Denstone Collage in Staffs.“She's got a tongue like an electric eel and she likes the taste of a man's tonsils”
Anyway, sorry for doing the life story thing that I just criticised haha. Great achievement on 1500 games. Many more to come I hope. Top fan. Top blue. Well done
Click to expand...

Hahaha, I feel you were sensually reliving those necking sessions as you wrote that piece.
 
Scaring Europe to Death said:
No Testimonial Match for me, but after numerous counts and recounts, and the occasional “no recollection whatsoever, but I've got a programme so I must have attended” I've finally calculated that the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg at Newcastle will also be my 1500th competitive City match.

From a 1-1 draw v Chelsea in 1971, to a 3-2 defeat at Plymouth, and the World Club Championship in Philadelphia, my claims to fame are limited and a tad dubious

I studied at Marple Ridge in the same School Year as “Taguey”, the infamous pitch invader v Bury.

For almost 40 years I lived in Whaley Bridge, just a long throw from Alan Gowling, Edwina Currie and “Big Neil” (the chef who used to take a frozen chicken into the Platt Lane in the early 90s)

I was Alfons Groenendijk’s Account Manager, but sadly when I threw him a can of peas he just caught it two handed, whilst his left foot didn't even move (so evidently Peter Reid was talking bollocks)

I've never claimed to be a Super Fan.

On the contrary, as a keen cricketer (and latterly umpire) I've often missed games when the seasons have collided.

However, aside from York and Lincoln, I also had a Season Ticket throughout the 1980s when City’s average attendance had dipped alarmingly, whilst thanks to events elsewhere, football supporters were often treated with utter contempt.

Emotionally, any reference to the 6-1 at Old Trafford (City’s first away game after I lost my dad) still brings me to tears, but aside from the obvious games, I can still picture Tony Cunningham’s goal celebration at Ninian Park, the 4-2 win at Bradford, the David White show at Villa Park, and Paolo Wanchope’s finest hour at Elland Road

Top of the Tree?
Beating Liverpool 1-0 in 85, and even at 61, my favourite City player of all time remains Clive Wilson

I've met some great people along the way and sadly some are no longer with us.

It's becoming more of an effort, but I still kick every ball, and suffering from small man syndrome, I still fall out with those around me (and on here) on a regular basis.

Nothing personal. I just love the club
Up the Blues!
Click to expand...
Great work that man

IMG_2577.jpeg
 
johnnytapia said:
How we beat Liverpool that day has never properly been explained
Click to expand...
A bit like thrashing a vastly superior Lids team 4-0 in April '92 to hand the rags the advantage in the title race. Pre-game, old whiskey nose snidely suggested we'd throw the game, so in typical City style we proved the **** wrong.

We then went full Bert on the Govan pisscan, a week later, by drawing at the swamp to help Lids to win the league.
 
Scaring Europe to Death said:
No Testimonial Match for me, but after numerous counts and recounts, and the occasional “no recollection whatsoever, but I've got a programme so I must have attended” I've finally calculated that the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg at Newcastle will also be my 1500th competitive City match.

From a 1-1 draw v Chelsea in 1971, to a 3-2 defeat at Plymouth, and the World Club Championship in Philadelphia, my claims to fame are limited and a tad dubious

I studied at Marple Ridge in the same School Year as “Taguey”, the infamous pitch invader v Bury.

For almost 40 years I lived in Whaley Bridge, just a long throw from Alan Gowling, Edwina Currie and “Big Neil” (the chef who used to take a frozen chicken into the Platt Lane in the early 90s)

I was Alfons Groenendijk’s Account Manager, but sadly when I threw him a can of peas he just caught it two handed, whilst his left foot didn't even move (so evidently Peter Reid was talking bollocks)

I've never claimed to be a Super Fan.

On the contrary, as a keen cricketer (and latterly umpire) I've often missed games when the seasons have collided.

However, aside from York and Lincoln, I also had a Season Ticket throughout the 1980s when City’s average attendance had dipped alarmingly, whilst thanks to events elsewhere, football supporters were often treated with utter contempt.

Emotionally, any reference to the 6-1 at Old Trafford (City’s first away game after I lost my dad) still brings me to tears, but aside from the obvious games, I can still picture Tony Cunningham’s goal celebration at Ninian Park, the 4-2 win at Bradford, the David White show at Villa Park, and Paolo Wanchope’s finest hour at Elland Road

Top of the Tree?
Beating Liverpool 1-0 in 85, and even at 61, my favourite City player of all time remains Clive Wilson

I've met some great people along the way and sadly some are no longer with us.

It's becoming more of an effort, but I still kick every ball, and suffering from small man syndrome, I still fall out with those around me (and on here) on a regular basis.

Nothing personal. I just love the club
Up the Blues!
Click to expand...
Great post mate.

I doff my FOC cap to you.
 
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