41 years of age, grew up in a village in Ireland, fell in love with the blue in the mid-seventies, when there were only rags, pool and leeds being followed. Corrigan was my hero, always wanted to be the keeper. Was always a source of amusement when going thru school years, why Man. City? At that age Maine Road was a million miles away, but I was there in spirit every Saturday, always imagined myslf sitting near the woman that used to ring the bell behind the goals. I still have all my diaries, games, results,scorers, etc.
Left school, got me job, and saved for my first trip to the pictures on my wall. Stayed in some kip out in Palatine Rd, Didsbury. Maine Road was everything I expected and more, the atmosphere, the people, the first bar lady I spoke to in the old social club was married to a man from my town. That was City, it was like I had being going there all my life. Went there as often as I could over the next few years, some great days, some shite days, some great players, more shite players, but I was there. I could go back and tell all these supposed rags about Manchester, the place that they would only ever see on their wall. Only drawback was that in the times they were, and that I was an Irishman travelling on my own, I was always invited in for a "cosy" chat with the authorities going in and out of the airport. On the Sunday they would always throw in question about how a certain player had played, when they actually hadnt played at all.
Haven't been able to get to Eastlands as much since the club moved, but I'm rearing my own branch of supporters club now. Brought them all to Eastlands two days after the jersey launch, we were the best kitted out family in Blackpool for the rest of the week! City jerseys are springing up all over our town now, we even have a couple of season ticket holders, one actually won BBC 5 Live Fan of the Year a few seasons ago (anybody who went away to Groclin should have got an award). Sorry for been so drawn out, we may not be local, but we love our Blues over here, and we're on a drive now to immunise the country against the red plague. Superbia In Proelia!
