Jim Heaviside

Why Blue?

We can only hope that the Why Blue is one of many contributions to this column. The memories evoked are of a time long gone. When we were all proud to be English because fair play was a way of life. I was born in ’49 so I saw the glory years of the 60’s and 70’s and cried with 86,000(?) others at Bert’s game in the dark, wet night. My first real memory is of my soon to be brother in law Fred taking me to see City playing West Ham and winning 5-3, I think; not long after that I saw a young Glyn Pardoe play centre forward and look very promising in the reserves against Blackburn in maroon shirts. My fondest memory is of staying in his army buddy’s house in Middlesbrough after the game at Newcastle. I have my brother in law to thank for this curse that took us to Huddersfield and Wembley and Tottenham the week before Newcastle.

This Christmas my own son is flying in to Manchester and Fred’s own son is taking him to the game. I hope they get a pint at the Benchill or the Parkside before they go, like we used to. He will feel the atmosphere unique to English football games and I hope he remembers the words to Jerusalem, and somebody should sing it so he can hear it in person. I will be up early listening on the Internet.

This was meant to be a thank you but ended up being a rambling Why Blue? But any way, thank you all for keeping us all in touch.

First printed in: MCIVTA Newsletter #758 on