David Whitwell

Why Blue?

I had my first season ticket in the season 1987/88 – and I am now eighteen. In thinking of the question `Why Blue?’ now, I suppose that I could have been either a United or City fan.

I’ve lived in a United household all my life – with my dad and brother supporting United – and my mum not particularly interested in football. Where did I get the Blues from then?

Well, I suppose it must have been from my grandad – who sadly passed away in 1988. I remember my dad telling me stories of the last day of the season in 1968. To my knowledge, to win the title, City had to beat Newcastle away and Utd had to lose at home against Sunderland (I think). He was at the Utd game. Utd lost something like 4-1 at home and City won 3-2 away (again I think). My dad told me that grandad was dancing within himself when he heard the results – obviously not wanting to cheer.

That must have been where it came from. The first ever City game I saw ‘live’ was in 1984/85 against Fulham when we were in the second division. I don’t know, but even at the tender age of eight, something attracted me to Maine Road, and you can’t call me a part-timer as we were crap then (mind you, we are now!).

I remember when we came down in 1987. I was at home watching Grandstand and when the vidi-printer result came through, I was close to tears; as that was the first awful thing that had happened to me as a City fan. I remember my grandad coming in, patting me on the head and saying how frustrating City are and how they will come back stronger.

Due to the Utd household, I suppose I could have ended up following the Reds. I remember in the season 88/89, I went to loads of games at Old Trafford when City were away. Although I did enjoy watching United, I just couldn’t raise the same enthusiasm as going to City.

My proudest moment? In the terraces at Valley Parade in 1989. We had missed countless chances. But then to my right I saw Whitey charging through, good cross, Morley was there! Oh my word, I went absolutely bananas – that would have been a bit of a cliché then, eh?!

My worst moment? Lots to choose from. However, I still see it now. The Munich singing at Maine Road – it really breaks my heart at times to think that people are actually laughing about people who died. I just don’t understand them.

Don’t worry City fans, we’ll be back.

First printed in: MCIVTA Newsletter #62 on