When Did You Join?

[LookMumImOnMCF.net]

My dad tells me my first game was the 3-3 derby in 1990 sat in the north stand when I was 6, but I don't remember it.

I dunno if some freaky shit happened to me but I don't really remember much at all from my childhood at all. The fist City game I can remember going to was the 1-0 FA Cup defeat by Boro in 97.

Growing up in Gorton they was little alternative to supporting City.

[john68]

Can I just ask a few of the posters on here - when we moved to Maine Rd was there loads of people complaining that the atmosphere wasn't as good as at Hyde Rd, or is it just an Etihad thing?

Despite what the cheeky gits on here would have you believe, I was NOT around at that time Mate nor am I the oldest on here.

I would suggest that because the moves from both groundsand took place in different eras, the issue of atmosphere was probably a bigger deal when we moved to our present home. Much, though by no means all of the atmosphere at Maine Road was generated by the singing and chanting from, originally the Kippax Choir and latterly the North Stand. Prior to the mid 60s, almost all of the atmosphere would have been generated by the general ooohs, aaaahs and general noise of cheering created by the crowd.

The move from Hyde Road to maine Road in 1923 did however cause other major problems. There was a significant movement who were very upset about City moving from the local area (Gorton/Ardwick). So upset, that they decided to set up another club in East Manchester that played at Belle Vue. Manchester Central FC, (another MCFC) were set up by major figures from City's past in opposition to the move to Moss Side.
The significance of the other MCFC was that even from the (non league) Football Combination, they were seen as a threat to the existence of the rags. They were offered a place in the Football League but after a meal at the Midland between the League Chairman and representatives from City, their place was denied. Action by City that probably guaranteed the rags survival.

[gillie]

Can I just ask a few of the posters on here - when we moved to Maine Rd was there loads of people complaining that the atmosphere wasn't as good as at Hyde Rd, or is it just an Etihad thing?

Despite what the cheeky gits on here would have you believe, I was NOT around at that time Mate nor am I the oldest on here.

I would suggest that because the moves from both groundsand took place in different eras, the issue of atmosphere was probably a bigger deal when we moved to our present home. Much, though by no means all of the atmosphere at Maine Road was generated by the singing and chanting from, originally the Kippax Choir and latterly the North Stand. Prior to the mid 60s, almost all of the atmosphere would have been generated by the general ooohs, aaaahs and general noise of cheering created by the crowd.

The move from Hyde Road to maine Road in 1923 did however cause other major problems. There was a significant movement who were very upset about City moving from the local area (Gorton/Ardwick). So upset, that they decided to set up another club in East Manchester that played at Belle Vue. Manchester Central FC, (another MCFC) were set up by major figures from City's past in opposition to the move to Moss Side.
The significance of the other MCFC was that even from the (non league) Football Combination, they were seen as a threat to the existence of the rags. They were offered a place in the Football League but after a meal at the Midland between the League Chairman and representatives from City, their place was denied. Action by City that probably guaranteed the rags survival.

Back with vengance you old rascal at least you know our history but why did we save the rags?

[DoomMerchant]

Can I just ask a few of the posters on here - when we moved to Maine Rd was there loads of people complaining that the atmosphere wasn't as good as at Hyde Rd, or is it just an Etihad thing?

Despite what the cheeky gits on here would have you believe, I was NOT around at that time Mate nor am I the oldest on here.

I would suggest that because the moves from both groundsand took place in different eras, the issue of atmosphere was probably a bigger deal when we moved to our present home. Much, though by no means all of the atmosphere at Maine Road was generated by the singing and chanting from, originally the Kippax Choir and latterly the North Stand. Prior to the mid 60s, almost all of the atmosphere would have been generated by the general ooohs, aaaahs and general noise of cheering created by the crowd.

The move from Hyde Road to maine Road in 1923 did however cause other major problems. There was a significant movement who were very upset about City moving from the local area (Gorton/Ardwick). So upset, that they decided to set up another club in East Manchester that played at Belle Vue. Manchester Central FC, (another MCFC) were set up by major figures from City's past in opposition to the move to Moss Side.
The significance of the other MCFC was that even from the (non league) Football Combination, they were seen as a threat to the existence of the rags. They were offered a place in the Football League but after a meal at the Midland between the League Chairman and representatives from City, their place was denied. Action by City that probably guaranteed the rags survival.

for real? come one now. i think you read that all in a book somewhere or something. Care to enlighten us to your whereabouts? and no i don't mean some fucking dodgy "no laptop, etc" story. Make up some entertaining shit if required please.

cheers

[Ted Hughes]

My dad tells me my first game was the 3-3 derby in 1990 sat in the north stand when I was 6, but I don't remember it.

I dunno if some freaky shit happened to me but I don't really remember much at all from my childhood at all. The fist City game I can remember going to was the 1-0 FA Cup defeat by Boro in 97.

Growing up in Gorton they was little alternative to supporting City.

Fucking hell, I was sure you were much older than me.

[LookMumImOnMCF.net]

Really?

I was always sure you were much older than me :)

[john68]

Gillie,
Thanks Mate, good to be back home on here. To be honest mate, I have no idea why we acted as we did on the rags behalf but one thing that the past shows is that when we were the major dominant force in Mancunian football and they were suffering and in need, we, on several occasions baled in to assist them. Those are historical facts. Though they may exist, I know of no occasions at any point in our joint histories when they have come to our assistance.
On the Manchester Central FC issue, it is ironic that the rivals they seem to hate so much, City and Liverpool, (the Football League chairman of that time was also the Liverpool chairman), contrived to secure the rag's future.

Doomie,
Obviously I read it somewhere yer great daft septic....As to my whereabouts? The pc crash was lie but don't tell anyone. The truth is that I was kidnapped by a group of sexually repressed Irish catholic female teenagers. Sadly, because of my age, I can't remember anything....sorry Doomie mate.

[Tokyo Blue]

Back with vengance you old rascal at least you know our history but why did we save the rags?

You can' t beat them 6-1 if they don't exist.

Ah yes, the original question. 1977. Great bit of timing there.

[dazby]

In 1981 I picked a lot of my sporting teams. Valleys were my local rugby league team and they wore a royal blue strip. I picked North Melbourne as my Aussie rules team (royal blue/white stripes). The FA cup was on and City had the nearest to royal blue. Sorted.

[Beefymcfc]

Some good reads there fella's and fella'esses, just goes to show how diverse our fan base is. And the bonus, certain AWOL posters returning to the board.

Looking back to when you first joined, who'd have thought it would take so long for us to pick up a cup? Good times ahead.

[Evenmydoghatesunited]

Well I have 3 incarnations. 4 even. I first went with my Dad in 67. Not a clue what was going on. Only remember it because of the pics of me in a home knitted city scarf. I have a similar pic outside Belle Vue zoo, anyone remember that? I went a few times in the early 70s and then we moved away.

I became a regular in 87 I think it was. The year Paul Lake swallowed his tongue anyway, very memorable moment for all the wrong reasons.

And then i got my first season ticket in 97 and bought some shares the year after. I have unquestionably had more lows than highs during those years but then again christmas would be no fun if it was every day would it?

[Good Times]

I started going to Maine Road some time in the 76/77 season when I was 11. My dad didn't really like sports so I used to go with my sister's friend's brother and his mates who were all a few years older than me. I can't remember which game exactly was my debut but I know it was bloody freezing and I could hardly see a thing standing in the Kippax. I remember going to see us against Norwich (an evening kick off) and getting separated from my mates. Then I was forced into exile by my evil parents, but still managed to go and see City at Upton Park (1-0, Channon!). I think it was 1978 and I was stood in the West Ham end (pretty scary for a 12 year old black kid on his own in those dark NF days in the East End of London) concealing my joy as Mick celebrated in his usual style.

I miss Maine Road.

[Piccsnumberoneblue]

I can't remember a time when I wasn't a Blue.
I went to reserve games when i was a tiny tot,Dad telling me it was too rough at first team games.
My memories of stood watching the 'stiffs' from The Kippax, were wanting Bovril, seeing Mr scott who lived opposite and being surprised because i didn't know he liked football. And my Dad disappearing at half time, telling me he was just going to get the players to come back out. Sure enough he would come back just as the teams trotted out so I firmly believed him.
First game. City v Leicester November 74. City won 4-1. Dennis Tueart scored after 53 seconds, Barney Daniels got two and King Colin the fourth.
Oh and the grass looked greener and the shirts that little bit more blue.

[Beefymcfc]

I miss Maine Road.

Sorry to just jump on one thing GT but this is one of the biggest things for me. We all know we can't go back and we all know how lucky we are to have a great stadium and great custodians but what got left behind at Maine Road has still to be created at the Etihad.

For me, going to Maine Road wasn't just about the football, it was almost a way of life - a weekly social event if you will. Knowing all those around you and being able to easily identify and chat any sort of shit was all part of the experience. I think that once we moved and everyone got scattered to the wind, that experience stopped and it's going to take a while to get that back. It is getting there though, I seem to be meeting up with newer and older City fans who do like to chat. Either that or they must think I'm a nutter for chatting to everyone within a couple of yards radius ;-)

[Good Times]

For me, going to Maine Road wasn't just about the football, it was almost a way of life - a weekly social event if you will.

You're right, mate. I was going to go into the whole spiel about meeting up and getting the bus into town, having a laugh (and a cry) but I thought I'd been boring enough for one post.

Really miss those days, and I miss living in Manchester tbh. I'm thinking of moving back home if the Missus can get a transfer with her job.

[steveo_88]

I'm a glory hunter to the core, I started following in 1999.

[Yffi_88]

I'm a glory hunter to the core, I started following in 1999.

Same here! At the start of the 99 season I got a jnr blues membership and my first game was a midweek shitfest on the complimentary tickets you get with the scheme.

[Beefymcfc]

I'm a glory hunter to the core, I started following in 1999.

Same here! At the start of the 99 season I got a jnr blues membership and my first game was a midweek shitfest on the complimentary tickets you get with the scheme.

Frickin' Newbies!

[DoomMerchant]

I'm a glory hunter to the core, I started following in 1999.

pfftt...i've got you beat by a country mile. ;)

First City match was literally at the Emirates. Sunk by an Adebayor double. Under Hughes. Boom.

Which gloryhole fucking fuck can top that? Maybe Kuwait. Few others.

cheers

[Risby]

I have been a blue since 1987. My dad who is a massive united fan, bought me a united shirt. The story goes that on receiving the shirt, I dropped it and said I wanted a blue one. My dad hit the roof and blamed my cousins for brainwashing me, all I can say is, as upsetting as it has been being a city fan over the years