TRUE BLUE STORIES

Glyn Albuquerque

Well my days of following the Blues, goes back to 1972 when I was living in Nairobi, Kenya - I was a young lad then & Kenya being a Commonwealth country - well we used to receive Match of the Day (more like match of "which ever tape we were sent") - which did not necessarily relate to the latest match played. Our neighbourhood had a small local park, where we played Football amongst many other games. Our oldest & most skilled player, an Arab boy from Oman - who was pretty damn good - used to follow Man. City - around the time when Leeds were at their best, & Francis Lee still a player.

Naturally - as I & many others looked up to him - I started following City - even if I didn't have a clue about the Club (many might still suggest not much has changed !) or it's players - my best friend followed Leeds (& knew something about them).

With time my fascination & knowledge grew, & once I emigrated to England in 1974, I was able to follow them with a bit more passion - unfortunately as I am a very keen sportsman myself & play Hockey on a Saturday during the season, I have only been able to see them Live on a few occasions - all at Crystal Palace - our local club - which has never been a happy hunting ground for the Blues. Since meeting Steve Wallwork who works in my building, & is a season ticket holder, I have tried to glean as much info' on the Blues as possible.

Over the years & especially recently, I have had to endure non-stop taunting about the inconsistent & at times quite depressing state of affairs at our beloved Club - & I have often been asked why I carry on following these "losers" - I cannot explain this loyalty - I guess it's once a Blue - forever a Blue, this doesn't help with most of my close friends & work colleagues supporting the "Red (scum) Devils" !!!!!

There are about 4 people in our building of approx. 1000 people who are Man. City supporters, & we make it known whom we follow (crazy I know !!!) - so when we have our rare wins - we make sure we crow about it - & comments like "this is the start of our un-beaten run" begin to emanate - shame these unbeaten runs come by very 2 weeks. Usually about this time some people will question - City ?!! what division are they in ? oh ! Nationwide League !!! - does anyone follow that league ??? I only stick with the Premiership !!!! - a two fingered response is usually enough to shut him up.

Well there is a brief report on how I became a Blue.