On this day (25 October) in 1985 the Daily Mirror covered the staggering news that Manchester City’s financial crisis meant that they were paying £1,000 a day in bank loan interest alone. City had gone from a profitable, major trophy challenging club, prior to Swales’ time as chairman to a debt-ridden club that seemed to be downsizing at every opportunity. There were frequent managerial changes and the ground was lacking the kind of investment it needed and, in many ways, the similarities with modern day United are clear. CIty fans regularly demonstrated against Swales and his supporting directors.
The media rarely supported fans in their demonstrations, often criticising them. The contrast with 2026 is clear – now City have an owner and board who have invested BUT some in the media want them to demonstrate against their owner. Where was the support in the media when City fans needed them?
The 1980s was a truly important decade in the history of Manchester City Football Club and you can find out more on this season (and why the club was in debt) by reading the following 2,500 word feature on 1985-86 (available to subscribers). Enjoy!
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