Homecoming films & facts

[gary james]

In the build up to the homecoming parade, thought I’d post this….

In 1934 the authoritive Pathe News claimed 1 million people turned out to watch City come home with the FA Cup that year - in the days before hyperbole took over these things this was an astounding number considering there was a depression etc. and it proved what City actually meant and how big the club was back then (Utd's treble homecoming in 1999 was originally claimed to have 500k but people now say about 1m, but this is definitely comparable).

These 1934 films are a real and get across what City has always meant to fans:

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=4936

Listen out for the song/chant: "Who said City couldn't play, City couldn't play....". This version shows fans (mostly female) singing it near the end:

http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//BHC_ ... 407190562/


Other homecoming snippets:

In 1956 Bert Trautmann still hadn't been diagnosed with a broken neck and he did actually attend the homecoming parade. There's film of him looking uncomfortable on the open top bus and the crowd cheering him. They chant his name and he makes a speech - the next day he went to hospital!

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=40435

The 1956 parade also made history as it was the first ever outside broadcast by Granada TV who started broadcasting that week. They had the homecoming shown live and an American TV expert helped them organise it all. It was a major TV moment locally.

In 1969 the coach driver was the same guy who drove Utd for their 1968 European Cup homecoming and he said more were at City's. They also started the parade in Wilmslow (Umbro's base at the time) - the longest route ever!

The 1904 homecoming was Manchester's first sporting celebration and, possibly the largest celebratory gathering ever seen at the time (and did much to build Manc identity.... I could talk about this for hours!). An independent/neutral article claimed “the whole population” of Manchester turned out at 9pm on a Monday night to see this first parade. Manchester’s population at the time was about 600,000.

Every FA Cup homecoming City have performed has been special in some way. Let’s make sure next week’s matches those of the past.

[Ted Hughes]

Brilliant.

My Nan used to sing that song they're singing in the 1st clip.

[gary james]

Brilliant.

My Nan used to sing that song they're singing in the 1st clip.

Any idea what the next verse was? It's to the tune of "what a rotten song" (popular in the 20s & 30s) and they go on about "Who said City couldn't play...." - So I reckon the next verse would be some sort of witty response but can't work out what.

[Chinners]

Quality clips, cheers Gary nice finds

[blues-clues]

A million band-wagon jumpers!

"And if they could do this next year and get league honours as well.....eeee that'd be champion"

Very very good. Many thanks

[Fullartj]

Thats brilliant fair play to you!

[Niall Quinns Discopants]

Super super stuff. Cheers.

[Ted Hughes]

Brilliant.

My Nan used to sing that song they're singing in the 1st clip.

Any idea what the next verse was? It's to the tune of "what a rotten song" (popular in the 20s & 30s) and they go on about "Who said City couldn't play...." - So I reckon the next verse would be some sort of witty response but can't work out what.

All I can remember is the basic "Who said City couldn't play, City couldn't play, City couldnt't play...Who said City couldn't play, City couldn't play foot-ball " Have asked my parents but they can't remember. I had a feeling there was a whole other section with bits about the players but I may be mixing it up with the theme tune from Dad's Army!

I'll ask my uncle next time I see him & report back if he comes up with anything.

[feedthegreek]

off topic lads
what about the old days look at this wembley pitch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQ-rJx13s9g