My Dad originally from Irlam O’Th Heights ( think I got that right) moved to Chadderton as a young man and was more into his Rugby League ( Oldham ) than football. Consequently he never took me to the footy.
Enter Valerie ( my Mum’s workmate ) and her elderly parents , who offered to take me to Maine Road for the first time circa 1965 I think , as an 8 year old.
Johnny Crossan was captain and I think we played Bolton in a friendly ..... anyway , immediately hooked.
I went with them for a few years then , including Newcastle in 68 , FA Cup final in 69 and League Cup Final in 70.
Then in 71/72, if memory serves me right , I started to go to with mates as a 14/15 year old.
I was never a football hooligan but as a young teenager I admit to being ‘ interested / intrigued ‘ with what was going on , in and around the grounds , part of being a kid I guess. I travelled the length and breadth of England following the boys then , until packing up and moving to Australia in 88.
The rest they say ‘ is history ‘ ....... what a journey, and what a time to be a Blue.
Thanks Valerie , I’m forever in your debt.