Brian Rawling

Why Blue?

I am pleased that the usual furore about changing the manager seems to have died down although if Mourinho became available, then that might be a different matter.

I have followed City since I went to Maine Road just after the War, WW2 that is. We beat Leicester City one nil in the old Second Division. It was a holiday weekend and we had gone to Maine Road the day before to watch the Rags playing Bolton Wanderers in the old First; we were allowing “Salford United” to use our ground; can you imagine what would have happened if our rôles had been reversed, although United were a different outfit then to what they are now.

Although United were the first team I ever saw, when I watched City it was no contest. Though City contained my idol, Frank Swift, the greatest goalkeeper ever! I can remember most of the team that day: Sproston and Westwood at full backs, Les McDowall captain and centre half, and Jimmy Constantine at centre forward and the goal scorer that day.

I still miss Maine Road, and although I live in Norfolk I do try to get to one or two games a season; the last couple of games I have travelled from Yarmouth as I still have friends and relatives in the area.

I really look forward to receiving MCIVTA.

Keep the faith.

First printed in: MCIVTA Newsletter #1634 on