Neil Hamnett

Why Blue?

Dad and his brothers and sisters were born within spitting distance of Maine Road, and at one point one of my uncles lived on Maine Road in a house belonging to Manchester City. I was born and bred in Chorlton and City were my family’s team, but I didn’t pay that much attention at first, mainly to irritate my dad.

That is, until the 1981 Cup final, and I watched it with my cousins, dad and uncle and we all cheered and sung so much that I lost my voice and I couldn’t go to school the next day.

My ma wasn’t best pleased as I was only 8 at the time.

I begged my dad to get me a season ticket and take me with him, which he did, and I have been a season ticket holder since then.

I think the 1981 Cup final was a good place to start because it introduced me to the highs and lows of being a City fan that I have been experiencing ever since.

Over the years girlfriends have come and gone but City remains in my heart.

First printed in: MCIVTA Newsletter #1222 on