The Kippax Today in 1982

Southampton were the visitors to Maine Road on this day (6 November) in 1982. The image heading this feature is of the Kippax Stand about an hour before kick-off that day. Back then fans would queue up outside the turnstiles waiting for them to open at 1pm for a 3pm kick off. Once allowed in Supporters would head for their usual space on the terracing and wait for kick off. 

Away fans would typically be positioned in the section to the right of this photo and, depending on the size of the travelling support, they would either have all that final section of the Kippax including the open corner next to it, or would be penned only into the back section of the stand. It may seem odd today but on days when the away fans would be positioned at the back, the front section and corner were usually opened up for home fans. As was the case for this game.

While the Kippax was one vast area of terracing, the more vocal fans would tend to gather close to the away section, above one of two large tunnels that cut through from the back of the stand to the terracing.

Notice the advertising and signage on the roof. As well as the Manchester City sign there are adverts for the Junior Blues and City Bingo, plus several familiar local businesses, including the popular Parkside Hotel, close to the ground.

City defeated Southampton 2-0 on the day this photo was taken with a tenth minute goal from Kevin Reeves – past England ‘keeper Peter Shilton – and a header from Bobby McDonald in the 66^th minute. Shilton had saved a penalty in the 38^th minute from Kevin Bond while City captain Paul Power was judged the man of the match in most newspapers. 

The victory put City second to Liverpool in the League and four days later City and Southampton met again at Maine Road. This time it was a League Cup tie which ended in a 1-1 draw, but the replay ended in a Southampton win.

You can read more on the 1982-83 season here:

The 1980s: 1982-1983 Selling Francis

As for the Kippax… The stand had once accommodated over 35,000 and its capacity when this photo was taken was about 26,500. At the time it was demolished in 1994 it was the largest capacity terraced stand in the country, marginally higher than Anfield’s Kop.

Here are highlights of that match for those who want to know more about the game:

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