The When
The Why
And
The Win
Stories from the fans of
Manchester City Football Club
My Story
Photographed by my husband in front of Pasha Vibes Turkish Restaurant, Wilmslow Road, Rusholme. Formally The Clarence, a pub where my friends and I would go for pre match drinks when City played at Maine Road. A site that holds many fond memories.
Sunday November 7th 2003
Everton v Manchester City
This was the weekend that my now husband and I had first started going out together. We were colleagues first, then became friends, working in London, it was an exciting time. We had spent most of that weekend together, there had been a work Christmas party on the Friday night and Saturday was spent nursing the hangover. That Saturday afternoon, Nige asked if I wanted to go for lunch tomorrow, a Sunday roast, what a wonderful idea I thought. However, I had already a prior engagement. I told him that I was going to the game, City were playing Everton at Goodison and I had a ticket.
"Everton?" Said Nige "you're going to Liverpool?"
"Yes"
"How are you getting to Liverpool?"
"I'm going to drive"
"To Liverpool? Are you driving back after?"
"Yes"
"Isn't it on the telly?"
"Yes"
I confess, there was a brief moment when I did think to myself I suppose it is a ridiculous idea to drive from London to Liverpool and back, approximately a 400 mile round trip to watch a 90 minute game of football, that is being broadcast on Sky. To dedicate all that time and effort for what turned out to be a 0 - 0 draw, perhaps that does seem a little strange. The only defence could muster was
"I suppose it's just what I do".
My First Season Ticket 1996 / 97
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First European Away Game 2003
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The First All Manchester FA Cup Final 2023
Josh
Photographed at work in the warehouse with his Mario Balotelli poster. Direct Digital, Space Studios Manchester.
2014/15 Shirt signed by Samir Nasri and Alvaro Negredo. Joe had the shirt signed for Josh while at work on the set of a commercial.
Sunday October 23rd 2011
Josh's 9th Birthday
Derby Day - Manchester Utd v Manchester City
Josh still remembers this as 'the best birthday ever'. A visit to XS Super Bowl in Walkden had been arranged for a game of Laser Quest with his friends. After the exhilaration of tearing around, stalking each other and battling it out armed with lasers, the plan was then to head to the bar downstairs and watch the game. Josh and his Dad Joe were in the minority amonst the group, just the two of them were the City contingent, everyone else supported Utd. Joe was feeling confident, he believed that City could beat United that afternoon. City not having the greatest record of victories at Old Trafford this was music to the ears of all Josh's friends and their Dad's in attendance. After much debate, a wager was placed, Josh and his friends watched on as their Dad's each declared their bet. Each participant was to pay £50 to whoevers team won, Joe standing to shell out the most if City were indeed to lose. 13:30 kick off, 22 minutes into the game, Mario Balotelli scores "Why always me".
There is no need for me to bang on about the result that day, history was made. Joe went home with the money tucked firmly in his pocket and the taste of victory.
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It should have been ten...
Josh & his Dad Joe
Photographed at the rear of Space Studios, West Gorton. Opposite this patch of grass is Clowes Street where St Marks Church once stood. The church founded an Association football team playing their first reported game in November 1880; the predecessor to Manchester City Football Club. The first football pitch was said to be on a Farmer's field close to Thomas Street, which is now Wenlock Way and running parallel to the rear of Space Studios. Here on this patch of grass, with that history in such close proximity could be the hallowed ground?
Anthony AKA The Ginger Wig
Photographed on Kippax Street, Moss Side, Manchester. The street that lead to the notorious Kippax Stand at Manchester City's former ground Maine Road.
Saturday 8th August 1998
Manchester City v Blackpool
The opening game of the 1998-99 season saw Manchester City starting the season in the football league's third tier for the first time in the club's history. The previous season had seen them relegated to the second division after a couple of tumultuous seasons in the first division. Despite this fall from grace for the first game of the season against Blackpool 32,134 supporters filled the terraces to support their team, Anthony, his Dad and friends took their usual seats, block BB lower, in the Kippax stand.
During the summer before the new season started Anthony while on holiday in Scotland, took a stroll around a souvenir shop. For a bit of fun he decided to purchase a novelty Tam O'Shanter, with a tuft of ginger hair protruding from the rim. The hat was pretty much destined for the box in the loft full of other novelties and to serve as a holiday reminder, when the first game of the season arrived. Feeling quite mischievous Anthony decided to take the 'Ginger Wig' with him to the game and wear it with the sole intention of embarrassing his two friends! It certainly had the desired effect 'I still remember the look on their faces as they walked down the steps' said Anthony 'shaking their heads as they approached'. Anthony proceeded to wear the ginger wig throughout the game and it seemed somewhat of a lucky charm! City got off to a winning start, that day with a 3-0 victory. It was then suggested by the surrounding season ticket holders that Anthony must carry on wearing the ginger wig to continue the winning streak.
Manchester City were promoted that season via the play offs, after a truly unforgettable display against Gillingham. The club built on this success and have gone from strength to strength. City moved from Maine Road in 2003 and have now established more success at the Etihad Stadium, culminating in winning the treble in 2023. The ginger wig is still being worn to every game.
All this success runs parallel to the continued commitment to the Ginger Wig, coincidence? I doubt it, long live the Ginger Wig!
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The Ginger Wig!
Dave & Sue
Photographed on match day outside the Etihad, with issue 299 of the City Fanzine King of the Kippax.
Saturday 24th Septemeber 1988
Barnsley v Manchester City
King Of The Kippax - Issue No1
A football match last for 90 minutes, but the communal experience that goes with being a supporter lasts a life time. Families and Friends spend time together in a realm where they can escape all other aspects of their daily lives.
The gratification that we have as a football fan, the delight we gain in Monday morning conversations with colleagues, or the connection we can find with strangers hasn't always been as uncomplicated as it is these days. In the 1980's the reputation of football fans was at an all time low. Hooliganism blighted the game, and the coverage in the media was grim.
During this period of time, the regular football fans support didn't waiver, week in, week out, home and away. This commitment and continued loyalty went unnoticed and was unaccounted for through any media channels; their voice went unheard. Dave, frustrated by the misconceptions in the press wanted an outlet to reflect a positive view from the terrace, revealing the humour and dedication of the regular City Fan. Encouraged by the newly formed Football Supporters Association he embarked on writing a Fanzine "King of the Kippax' was born! Not only was this an opportunity for fans to voice their opinions, he was able document the away games for other fans that couldn't attend, and during that season of 88-89 show some optimism to City's chances of promotion. Dave's wife Sue provided illustrations and helped with the typing to ease the workload; as the fanzine grew and became more successful they collaborated as co-editors and gained a supply of regular contributors. The fanzine has provided a balanced view of the clubs path during some turbulent times throughout the years and a continued platform for fans to provide their perspective.
Issue 300 will be the final publication of King of the Kippax, the closing chapter in what has been an incredibly successful fanzine. You would be hard pushed to find a City fan that has attended over the past 35 years that hasn't purchased a copy or is at least aware of it. I can safely say it will be greatly missed.
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Colin Bell
The King of the Kippax
