1943
My very first match at Maine Road was the game against Blackpool in the3rd round of the war cup.in April 1943. The crowd of over 53,000 was the highest since the war began. City had lost the first leg 3-1.
In those days players were often on loan so the team in brackets was their normal club.
There were no programs so I made my own at the time!
My first 'derby' game the following November. Again a home made programme. On the left wing for City was Jack Boothway with whom I worked a few years later when I became a draughtsman at Simon Carves.
1946
From
time to time I will include a programme showing teams from the past. This first
one goes back to March 13th 1946 and a game between the Army and RAF at Stamford
Bridge. There were some great names from the past - Stan Matthews, Tommy Lawton,
Billy Wright, Neil Franklin ,Bert Williams, Frank Soo to name but a few.
Note those season ticket prices
Yes - Ladies football in 1946!
1949
1954
1955
1957
Whilst stationed in Norwich I used to go to London often to watch games. You'll notice several well known names in the England side
1958
1960
Note that it's David Pleat playing on the right wing
The teams lineup - ex Man City Peter Doherty was Irish Manager
Jimmy Murphy (Welsh manager) and John Charles pass by
The first of many international games I have watched over the years
My first view of the twin towers at Wembley Stadium arriving early as a steward for the Amateur Cup Final in 1954 between Bishop Auxland and Crook
The last time I saw the twin towers of the old Wembley from our coach as we left the Stadium following the
miracle of the win against Gillingham in 1999
