I would like to thank all those who have been in touch this season about my articles in the Manchester City match programme. I truly am grateful for those words. I have been fortunate enough to have been writing for the programme for a few years and always enjoy trying to tell a different story, or use a different angle. There’s so much to say and do and my programme articles in this year’s programme focused on a history piece (which I always try to make relevant to today – but that’s easy when you have history making managers like Pep and record breaking players like Haaland) and a crowd/attendance feature.
I hope they’ve been of interest and, with the crowd feature in particular, I have heard from several fans who have enjoyed the myth-busting that has come from that. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance to carry on writing for the programme over the coming years but if not, thanks to all those who read the piece. I’m driven by publishing the facts not the fiction and writing in an entertaining manner. I hope that comes across.
This season has also seen me write articles for the FA Cup semi-final and two for the upcoming FA Cup final. So there’s still at least 2 pieces coming this season in significant programmes.
Thanks again to all those who read my work and thanks to Reach for selecting me for the MCFC match programmes.
Day 6 of my posts counting down to the centenary of Maine Road’s opening game. Today it’s an aerial shot of Maine Road. Can you guess the year?
I’m a bit of a ground obsessive (as you may have guessed) and I spend much of my time seeking out images of football grounds (not just City’s) and trying to date them. It drives me crazy when I see something misdated…. Anyway, before I waffle on can you work out which year this was taken?
I’ll give the answer tomorrow but I always look for clues, so I’ll give you a few which may help date this:
None of the temporary stands have yet been constructed in the corners
The MCFC lettering appears at the bottom section of the North Stand
The Souvenir Shop still appears to be operational and doesn’t look like it’s been turned into offices yet
Both the Platt Lane Stand and the Kippax have been replaced BUT what about the end panelling of the Kippax? Is that complete?
I’ll give you the answer tomorrow.
If you’d like to read more on the history of Maine Road, take a look at Farewell To Maine Road, which can be downloaded from this page:
The fifth of my posts counting down to the centenary of Maine Road’s opening game. Today it’s about the Players’ Tunnel at Maine Road…
Before I start notice on the black and white image the pitchside stone post. Yesterday I mentioned the carved edge style and how originally there were two impressive stone posts, one either side of the tunnel entrance. I said that by 2003 these had been remodelled extensively to match the rest of the white perimeter wall but that one of them still showed an element of the styling used throughout the stadium at the time of construction.
Maine Road’s Tunnel post. Photo by Ed Garvey
Well on the black and white image you can see that same post (on the right of captain Jimmy McMullan) in its original form.
So, what’s my angle for today? Well, it’s the players’ tunnel itself. In this 1926 image you can see the tunnel as it looked when it was first built. Eagle eyed readers may notice that the tunnel looks a little different to how it did during the 1970s onwards. That wall above the tunnel was actually taken down and the front of the seating above the tunnel was brought forward into the tunnel during the 1960s. You can see that by looking at this image of chairman Albert Alexander and Joe Mercer who are actually sat in front of where the original tunnel wall was. The space they occupy would have been open air, floating above the tunnel only a few years earlier.
Albert Alexander & Joe Mercer in the Directors’ Box extension (Copyright Mirrorpix).
The 1926 photo of the tunnel appeared in my 1997 book Manchester The Greatest City and about a year after it was published I received a letter from Canada. It came from an elderly City supporter who had emigrated to Canada many years earlier. His daughter had returned to England for a visit in 1998 and she popped into a bookshop (I think it was the old Sportspages shop) thinking that if there was a book on Manchester City she would buy it for her dad. She saw my book and bought it.
When she returned to Canada she gave the book to her father and while reading it he was stunned to find himself as a small boy on this photo. He is pictured leaning on the wall close to his mother and father. It was a remarkable coincidence but what made it even more special is that this photo came from film of the game. I was able, with the support of the British Film Institute to get a VHS copy of the game and I sent it to Canada so that he could also see himself and his parents on film, moving around.
For me that story gave me an overwhelming feeling that researching and writing about history can add significantly to the wellbeing, interests or lives of others. Research matters. There was also a great feeling of coincidence – I could easily have chosen a different illustration; the daughter may not have bought my book; her father may have only glanced through the book and so on.
1926 City v Fulham, Maine Road. Jimmy McMullan with the ball.
If you’d like to read more on the history of Maine Road, take a look at Farewell To Maine Road, which can be downloaded from this page:
If you’d like to support my research and this website but don’t want to subscribe then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It keeps the website going too. Thanks.
The fourth of my posts counting down to the centenary of Maine Road’s opening game. Today it’s a couple of odd design features that lasted until the end…
Most City fans will know of the semi-circular mosaics that featured above the exit gates (I’ll discuss them and another one later in the year) but these didn’t quite make it to the last game, being removed in the build up to it. There were a few other design features that did and, although these don’t look particularly impressive or significant, they do give clues to the style architect Charles Swain tried to use throughout his planning for the venue.
Below you can see the rectangles and carved edges of these wooden posts. These were typical of the style Swain adopted throughout the ground. Most of the woodwork and large scale stonework (such as the pitch side pillar also seen) used similar patterning when first constructed.
Maine Road’s Director’s Box panelling. Photo by Ed Garvey
The carved edge style is also seen here on this stone post marking the entrance to the pitch for the players. Originally there were two impressive stone posts, one either side of the tunnel entrance. But by 2003 these had been remodelled extensively to match the rest of the white perimeter wall. However, this carved corners still showed an element of the styling used throughout the stadium at the time of construction.
Maine Road’s Tunnel post. Photo by Ed Garvey
It was said that architect Charles Swain adopted an Art deco style, but if he did his planning was at the cutting edge of design as Art Deco didn’t become prominent until after 1926. He certainly used styling he’d have been familiar with from his days as a theatre architect.
If you’d like to read more on the history of Maine Road, take a look at Farewell To Maine Road, which can be downloaded from this page:
You can find lots of material on Maine Road throughout this website. Some of it is only available to subscribers but there’s also a lot of free stuff on here.
If you’d like to support my research and this website but don’t want to subscribe then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It keeps the website going too. Thanks.
Continuing from last week, subscribers to my website are able to download a PDF of the original Farewell To Maine Road book (which retailed at £25) in sections posted each week for the next few weeks. Today, we’ve got the second section. Enjoy!
Subscribe to get access – Monthly
If you would like to read the book and download a PDF of it then you can subscribe now at £3 per month or £20 a year. Monthly subscribers access everything posted to the site since 1 October 2022. All subscribers get everything else posted during their subscription too. You could always try a monthly subscription to see what you think (cancel any time).
As well as Farewell To Maine Road annual subscribers get access to everything posted since the site was created in December 2020 (that’s 100s of articles, videos, history talks and PDFs of two other books: Manchester A Football History and my first book From Maine Men To Banana Citizens).
The book has been out of print since 2004 with every copy sold within about six months of publication. Since then I’ve been keen to bring it up to date with stories about the site and the Etihad but that’s not been possible as no publisher has been prepared to invest in the way that Polar Publishing did to ensure it was the right quality.
Copies occasionally appear in second hand book shops or at online retailers but these often sell for ridiculous sums of money. The last time I checked there was one for about £100 here:
When it was published in 2003 apparently, I commented (though I can’t remember saying this, mind you it was 20 years ago): ‘On 320 beautifully illustrated A4 size pages this book tells the story of Maine Road from conception, right through to its final days as a sporting venue. With excellent photographs – including rare illustrations of the stadium during construction never previously published and images from every era – this has been a very interesting book to research, write and compile. I’ve also tried to ensure the views of ordinary fans are included, and some of the most powerful Maine Road moments are captured by the fans who saw them happen.’
In a review, Hugh Ryden wrote in King of the Kippax: ‘The architecture, the moving memories, the reproduction of rare photos and memorabilia and its extensive quotations, make FTMR a must.’
Another King of the Kippax regular Steve Worthington wrote: ‘Following on in the winning formula of his epic “Manchester The Greatest City”, the highly acclaimed author and Manchester City Football Club Historian Gary James has rolled up his sleeves once more and has produced yet another fabulous football book for all to treasure and enjoy. “Farewell to Maine Road” is not only a must for all Manchester City supporters, it is also an essential for all football fans who possess a genuine interest and passion for the history of our great British past time. It catalogues the birth, evolution and ultimate decline of what was once England’s premier and revolutionary provincial football stadium; Maine Road, Moss Side, Manchester M14. Soon to be demolished into oblivion, Maine Road is vividly remembered in all its former glory in this classic portal to the past. Beautifully written with the knowledge and passion you would expect from a lifelong Moss Side Pilgrim, the book provides a definitive literate and graphic illustration of Maine Road’s long and varied history. It contains a rich tapestry of previously unpublished photographs, one of which, a unique atmospheric shot of the famous ‘Ballet on Ice’ (a famous Manchester City V Spurs clash in the late sixties), is arguably worth the cost of the book on it’s own. Having consumed and digested every morsel of information contained within, it is difficult for me to imagine how much painstaking work and dedication it must take to produce and compile a book of such quality. Whilst they continue to produce triumphs such as this, the marriage of Gary James and Polar Publishing is truly one made in a Sky Blue Heaven. This 320-page masterpiece has pushed the boundaries of football publications to a new and higher level and has already prompted tears of nostalgia in my eyes. But don’t take my word for it, sign up a copy and see for yourself, you’ll not be disappointed.’
The publicity blurb said: ‘The only officially approved history of Maine Road is the perfect book for any supporter of City; Maine Road attendee; or general football enthusiast.
‘The book details the history of the stadium focussing on its development, and on the key games and events which have made Maine Road such a famous and important venue. Using first hand accounts, as told by supporters, players, administrators, and the media this book has been written and designed to the same high quality used in the highly acclaimed Manchester: The Greatest City. With special features on all the big City matches, international games, FA Cup semi-finals, League Cup finals, Rugby finals, concerts, religious meetings, and even on United’s use of the stadium during the forties and for European Cup games in the fifties. In addition both City’s former ground Hyde Road and future venue the City of Manchester Stadium have been covered to provide the complete history of City’s three homes.
‘As with earlier works by Gary James & Polar Publishing this book is destined to be regarded as the definitive history of Maine Road & Manchester City’s other grounds.’
My publisher, Julian Baskcomb, commented: ‘Gary James is the appropriate man to write this work after a lifetime’s research on the club and its stadium. As a boy Gary was a regular in the Platt Lane Stand; then at the age of 16 he bought his own season ticket for the Kippax Stand and has been a season ticket holder ever since. He is also a respected journalist with articles for a wide range of publications including The Times and has recently managed the development of Manchester City’s new museum.’
The third of my posts counting down to the centenary of Maine Road’s opening game. Today I’d like to talk about exploring the back rooms and cupboards of the old ground.
During the 2002-03 season while I was researching and writing Farewell To Maine Road, the official history of City’s grounds, I was allowed to wander around the old place for my research. Club photographer Ed Garvey often accompanied me and we’d open doors, look under seats and generally try to see things that would not always be immediately obvious on match day.
One day we were helped on to the ‘new’ Kippax roof – a scary experience! Other teams we explored the nooks and crannies of the stands. Then there was the time when a paint store room door was open. We popped our heads in and found this gem. This old ‘ghost sign’ saying ‘Commit No Nuisance’ had originally been on public view. That wall was the internal side of the large external wall that surrounded the Kippax terracing. Fans would congregate on the side we were on and the painted notice would warn them to ‘commit no nuisance’.
A few of these used to be positioned around the ground but by 2002-03 we’d assumed they’d all gone. This one survived because, at some point the club built a series of storerooms and additional toilets against this wall, trapping this specific sign for ever.
I wish we could have dismantled it and taken it for good to be re-erected at the new stadium but sadly that wasn’t possible for various reasons. At least we managed to take a photo of it and ensure a permanent record of it was kept for ever.
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Maine Road’s first game and to commemorate this landmark moment I will be posting a different image or feature on the old stadium each day for 100 days. Day 100 will be the actual centenary of that historic first game.
If you’d like to read more on the history of Maine Road, take a look at Farewell To Maine Road, which can be downloaded from this page:
The second of my articles counting down to the centenary of Maine Road’s opening game highlights some of the original aims of architect Charles Swain. This image shows the central staircase at the centre of the Main Stand top corridor. In its heyday this was a rather dramatic entry point to the seats. Daylight poured in through the large window and two smaller side windows. At 3pm on a typical match day the sun (okay, this is Manchester so maybe the light!) was directly behind the stand.
The top corridor of the Main Stand provided a more genteel atmosphere than other areas of the ground and when the stadium opened this corridor (below) included two tea rooms and plenty of space for City’s wealthier fans to mingle. The space may seem small by today’s standards but was significantly more impressive than most other venues of the era.
The original aims of architect Charles Swain are so clear. His background was in the design of theatres and cinemas and he wanted to give City attendees the same quality he gave theatre goers.
Maine Road’s Top Corridor. Photo by Ed Garvey
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Maine Road’s first game and to commemorate this landmark moment I will be posting a different image or feature on the old stadium each day for the next 100 days. Day 100 will be the actual centenary of that historic first game.
If you’d like to read more on the history of Maine Road, take a look at Farewell To Maine Road, which can be downloaded from this page:
Maine Road’s Top Corridor staircase leading to the seats. Photo by Ed Garvey
You can find lots of material on Maine Road throughout this website. Some of it is only available to subscribers but there’s also a lot of free stuff on here. If you like what you see why not subscribe or if you just want to support the site then that’s great too.
If you’d like to support my research and this website but don’t want to subscribe then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It keeps the website going too. Thanks.
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Maine Road’s first game and to commemorate this landmark moment I will be posting a different image and feature on the old stadium each day for the next 100 days. Yesterday I started with a little quiz and asked…
Look at this image of Maine Road from 1971. Can you identify the names/details for every one of the numbered areas of the old ground?
Maine Road aerial 1971 from Farewell To Maine Road
The answers are:
1 – Main Stand 1923-2003 (AKA Grand Stand on occasion)
2 – Main Stand J Block 1973-2003 (area between Main & North Stands
3 – Main Stand G Block 1931-1993 (area between Main & Platt Lane Stands, AKA Family Stand; ‘new’ G Block 1993-2003)
4 – Platt Lane Corner 1931-1993 (corner of Platt Lane leading to Main Stand, AKA Apple Pie Corner; The Boys’ Stand; The Boys’ Corner; ‘new’ Family Stand 1993-2003)
5 – Platt Lane Stand 1935-1993 (alternative ‘new’ Platt Lane 1993-2003; UMBRO Stand was initial name after redevelopment; original unroofed terracing 1923-1935)
6 – Platt Lane/Kippax Corner 1923-1994 (alternative: away section – which also stretched into the Kippax; HH temporary stand late 1990s onwards, which was also dubbed the ‘Alan Ball Stand’ as it was small and didn’t make much noise or the Gene Kelly 2)
7 – Kippax Street Stand 1957-1994 (AKA Popular Side 1923-1957 and replaced by ‘new’ Kippax Stand 1994-2003)
8 – Chanters Corner 1960s-1994 (AKA The Sways)
9 – Windy Corner 1923-1994 (area in between Kippax and North Stand; Alternative: Temporary Stand UU 1997-2003 dubbed the Gene Kelly Stand; original terracing 1923 to 1971 then rebuilt terracing as part of North Stand development)
10 – The North Stand 1971-2003 (alternative: The Scoreboard End 1923-1971 and referred to as The City End in an episode of Coronation Street!)
This image and associated terminology will help those unfamiliar with the specifics of the old ground over the coming weeks as I’ll provide more images, stories and facts about Maine Road. Enjoy!
Subscribers to my site can download the book Farewell To Maine Road, which was published in 2003. Details on this page:
If you’d like to support my research and this website but don’t want to subscribe then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It keeps the website going too. Thanks.
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of Maine Road’s first game and to commemorate this landmark moment I will be posting a different image and feature on the old stadium each day for the next 100 days. Day 100 will be the actual centenary of that historic first game. Today I’m starting with a little quiz…
Look at this image of Maine Road from 1971. Can you identify the names/details for every one of the numbered areas of the old ground?
Maine Road aerial 1971 from Farewell To Maine Road
I’ll be posting the answers tomorrow, so watch this space. If you can’t wait that long then subscribers to my site can find the answers on page 13 of Farewell To Maine Road which can be downloaded from this page:
Oh, what a night! Last night was one of the most incredible games of football I have seen. It’s certainly City’s best European performance at the Etihad and, from what I can remember, no European game at Maine Road has bettered it (older Blues may talk about the ECWC semi in 1970 – I was only a baby – but surely last night bettered that too?). I’d go further and say that in terms of overall performance, atmosphere and style, considering who City were playing, that that was the greatest City game of all time.
Pre match MCFC V Real Madrid waiting for the team
Obviously, we had the high drama of Agueroooooooo in 2012 but most of that game had been a frustrating mess of a match. Yesterday was brilliant, breathtaking and wonderful from the moment we got up yesterday through to leaving the stadium many, many minutes after the final whistle. The game was incredible – I don’t normally do superlatives so when I do I genuinely mean it.
There’s a certain amount of ‘completing the circle’ in City’s European journey – Alan Oakes captained City’s first European Cup game against Istanbul’s Fenerbahce in 1968, so the entire continental journey started there and this year the Blues have reached the final to be played in that city. It also felt appropriate that the man we’ve been singing about when we’ve sung our going to Istanbul chant these last few years was the man who scored twice. Ber-nar-do!
Players pre match MCFC V Real Madrid
I know we’ve been to a Champions League final before but this year it feels different. City have suffered at the hands of English clubs Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea over the years in Europe and it never quite felt right. Playing continental royalty like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich and now Inter Milan takes it to a different level. This time it just feels right. Football can shock and it’s the unpredictability that makes it such a wonderful game, so nothing can be taken for granted at all.
Champions League at Porto
Many Blues have waited a long time for this. I was a toddler when City last won a major European trophy and I always dreamed of seeing City match or eclipse what Mercer’s men did in 1970. From Marsh’s debut to Pleat’s jig; ‘Look at his face’ to Tueart’s overhead; Beating AC Milan to Hutchison’s own goal; FA Youth Cup winners to Ball’s ‘hold the ball in the corner’; Bournemouth 3-3 to Morley’s Bradford goal; Reeves’ wonderful FAC goal to York away; 5-1 to 6-1; Bananas at Stoke to relegation at Stoke; FMC Final to Dickov’s rescue; Swales Out to Thaksin’s Albert Square singing; Kippax Last Stand to Etihad’s safe standing; Foe’s last goal at Maine Road to Aguerooooooooooo; Pearce’s good luck beanie to Bernardo’s cup; the invisible man to Emptyhad; James up front to Walker in nets… it’s been a long time!
The young Gary
As I said, I know we’ve been to a CL final before but, to paraphrase Barry Davies, ‘look at this season…. Just look at this season!’
Congratulations on reaching the final to Pep, the players, the management, the officials and, most importantly, those fans who have been to City’s lowest points and are now experiencing the highest. Rival fans will not agree unless they’ve experienced it themselves but multiple relegations are character building and make moments like this even more incredible than they already are. You don’t need to experience a relegation to enjoy success, but if you’ve suffered relegations (I’ve been through five) and those dismal, dismal days then reaching points like these are heightened.
Final moments MCFC V Real Madrid 2023
I’m sure there’ll be the usual negative voices about money. Show me a truly successful club who hasn’t spent! Not only that but City have beat Bayern and Real in this campaign (plus in the PL the usual collection of clubs that have been spending big for decades)… hardly poor relations. Hardly clubs with no history of success. These are European giants. Real Madrid have won more Champions League/European Cups than all English clubs put together. They are European aristocracy. Last night and this entire campaign so far has been a massive achievement for City, overcoming major obstacles and competing in a Premier League that in the last 12 years or so has seen more of the top clubs challenge and tighter points totals between 1st and 2nd than in previous decades.
It’s too early to celebrate and football can be cruel, but let’s ensure we all enjoy these moments. Malcolm Allison once said to me: ‘Celebrate every success as if it’s your first, because it could be your last.’ As a man who had been to the top and helped City win a European trophy I guess we should always remember his words. Hopefully, we’ll be celebrating on Sunday and then again next month.
Champions League Porto 2021Champions League trophy at Porto 2021
Gary James' Football Archive 