Hugh Fawcett

Why Blue?

My first visit to a match in Manchester was when I visited my grandad in Chorlton. He took me and my brother to Manchester Boys vs. Liverpool Boys, then Man Utd. vs. Fulham and Man City v. Bury (in the then 2nd Division). City won 4-1 and I liked the blue shirts… My brother was more impressed with Charlton, Law, Best and United and the fact they were up challenging for a championship. Is this the mark of City fans being unimpressed by so called stars and glory? Anyway, it was a good punt. The phoenix was rising. We got promoted and 2 years later were champs and had a great run where we used to stuff United in most derby games, so my youth was quite a happy one with City, not the usual suffering of most City fans. Great parallels with that time right now. Allison proclaiming at a United dinner speech we’ll overtake you in 2 years – and we did. We had a great club spirit and strong management. Now the same with Joe Royle and proclaiming “What goes around comes around”, I’d say that target isn’t too many years away again with the way the club is run now. Players and rip-off agents no longer run the club. I’m hugely optimistic right now but when you’ve seen all the ups and downs, the enjoyment is really being part of a great club, not the glory. This club is its fans and the affinity with the players – look at Birmingham and Blackburn this season. My favourite kit has always been the “lucky” red and black kit so it was great to see it do us proud again at Blackburn this season with the 4 shots that hit the woodwork. I used to wear the red and black almost permanently as a teenager. I love the sky blue of course too. The blue moon is rising again.

First printed in: MCIVTA Newsletter #620 on