I'm 61 and was attending Maine Road from 1973 and the only success I can remember was the League Cup semi in 76 against Middlesbrough, great night though it was. Maine Road reminded me of relegation and the odd good win, although 77 was a good season when we were First Division runners up. I would much rather have what we've had since the takeover where I have witnessed some of the greatest achievements and the best football as well as seeing some fabulous footballers. Also you could smell the bogs from the Kippax and by the end the ground had become a patchwork quilt of a stadium.I'm 62 not 16, no way I'd want that now no.
Great memories of the 53 at Belle Vue.I remember when I was about ten going to City on the 53.
The bus pulled up near Belle Vue Dog track, a few people jumped up on the platform at the back, and the bus was jam packed,
As it was about to drive off a woman tried to get on, but the conductor said "Sorry we are full"
She opened her coat revealing a low cut dress and a big cleavage
He said "Never mind that luv'. I've got to get these lads to the match"
Summed up perfectly.Miss it? Yes
Want to go back? No
one of the biggest myths in English football2 minutes walk from mine, atmosphere 100 x better, cracking banter with the away fans top corner of the Kippax, much more of a “belongs to us” feeling than the Etihad, better boozers, better scran places, could get away with putting a spliff to bed. Loved it.
The football is miles better at the Etihad but the vibes aren’t in the same universe.
one of the biggest myths in English football
Forward with Franny.Swales out…
I had some great memories of Maine Road games, but being homest, from my first game against Rochdale in the league cup (73?), without the nostalgia I can bet there were far more wet cold and miserable days:)I'm 61 and was attending Maine Road from 1973 and the only success I can remember was the League Cup semi in 76 against Middlesbrough, great night though it was. Maine Road reminded me of relegation and the odd good win, although 77 was a good season when we were First Division runners up. I would much rather have what we've had since the takeover where I have witnessed some of the greatest achievements and the best football as well as seeing some fabulous footballers. Also you could smell the bogs from the Kippax and by the end the ground had become a patchwork quilt of a stadium.
For me a big part of Maine Road died in 1994 when the Kippax was demolished and it became all seater. Had a few good years in the North Stand up to the point that we moved grounds but it was a poor second to standing in the top left corner of the Kippax. That's the Maine Road I miss like fuck, plus all the pubs of course (and the kebab and curry houses!). The pub choice around Eastlands is dog shit in comparisonWhich iteration of Maine Road?
If it's the first one I went to in 1976, then every now and them would be a huge treat; if it’s the one we left in 2003, then no thanks.
Good point, and yes, we probably wouldn't ...if we hadn't of moved grounds I doubt we'd of had our current owners involved with us
I agree, the one with the old stands, the proper Kippax, or as my Dad used to say, Kippax Street. Platt Lane with the long wooden forms to sit on, this was before I was old/big enough to go in Kippax. The smell of cigar smoke wafting from Main Stand. I remember during evening kick offs, looking across to the Main Stand and you could see the flicker of lighters or matches when people where lighting their cigarettes or cigars. Funny how you remember things.Which iteration of Maine Road?
If it's the first one I went to in 1976, then every now and them would be a huge treat; if it’s the one we left in 2003, then no thanks.
Maine Rd was shit at the end. We all pretended the new Kippax was great but it was shit and we all new it.I'd like a brand new, state of the art stadium but on the Maine Road site and reopen all the pubs that closed down. The one negative of all the success we have had is that we didn't see it at Maine rd.