David Lamb

My first memory is the '81 Cup Final. I was six at the time and found it hard to understand why my Dad was getting so worked up! Not really understanding what all the fuss was about. I was taken to the league rematch early the following season. It was one of Trevor Francis' first games for us and I think Spurs won 1-0

Over the next 2 or 3 seasons, I would be taken to 3 or 4 games a season and invariably see City lose! However, I was starting to understand and get involved, despite never seeing them win for about 4 years. Then I saw Luton!

The infamous last game against Luton is usually remebered for the Pleat celebrations. My memory is of a game we should have won easily (is this true?) and then Rady Bloody Antic scored with little time left. The relegation put me off going the next season unless I thought it would be a good game that we might win.

The only game I went to that season was against Newcastle. This was by far the best side in the division. They had Keegan, Beardsley, Waddle. We had ..erm...well.. can't remember! Shows what state the club was in.

We won promotion the next season, then were back 2 years later. Of this period, my memories are few. One is of missing a last minute equaliser against Birmingham after leaving a dire performance early. Oh, and the Full Members Cup final at Wembley.

What a comeback that almost was. I was due to have my tonsils removed a few days before the game but my parents cancelled the op so I could go. Anyway the game is in my memory for two reasons, the comeback and the trouble. The trouble at this game was my first experience of any sort of football violance. It started when some Chelsea 'fans' were found in our end (just to the left of where I was sat). There was some minor fighting and then the police moved in and moved them to the other end. Then on the way home, a brick was thrown through a window of the coach in front of us. How bad, in reality, this was, I don't know. I just remember it as the first (and so far only, thankfully) time I have been afraid for my safety at a City game.

Anyway the game. 1-0 up (Steve Kinsey), 5-1 down. Then the last ten minutes. We somehow managed to get it back to 5-4. I think there was an own goal and a penalty in there, but whatever, it was almost a brilliant comeback! but not quite.

During our first season back in the second division, I remember wanting to go to the Huddersfield game, but wasn't allowed (a legacy of Wembley, my dad wouldn't let me go without an adult). Listening to the game on the radio that afternoon, I was amazed when we were 4-0 up at half time. It won't last said my dad, we won 10-1. I still remind him of that when he doesn't want to go to a game I'm going to!

After getting back into the First Division we struggled for a while (and still do!!). My next memory is perhaps my favourite. The Niall Quinn vs Derby County game. It was a game Derby had to win. We took an early lead through Quinn. Then Saunders broke through at the Platt Lane end. Coton brought him down. Penalty and Coton got sent off. The North Stand (where I was) was up in arms, after all, what could we see from the other end. Anyway, Quinn goes in goal and saves the penalty. What joy! I can't remember such a swing in atmosphere. One minute calm, then very hostile, then celebratory. We went on to win 2-1. Quinn was a hero.

Recently, I have been exiled in Birmingham for much of the year. As a student, I don't get to see many games but try to stay in touch. Hopefully, I'll get to see the Liverpool game and perhaps Villa away (if a date is finally set in term time).