Category Archives: Manchester United

1920s Manchester Derby Day Rivals

Here’s an interesting clip from this day (9 September) in 1977 featuring two Manchester football fans. This was shown on the BBC north west regional news programme on the eve of the Manchester Derby and originally would’ve included a voiceover which, sadly, has not survived.

The BBC’s David Davies talks with Nellie Walker, a supporter of Manchester City since the mid 1920s and Charlie Swinchatt, who had supported Manchester United since that time too.

https://bbcrewind.co.uk/asset/61d8676881037f0022f61528?q=Manchesteru0026amp;size=30

The derby the following day ended in a 3-1 City win with Brian Kidd netting a couple. You can view highlights here:

POSTPONED GAMES

The postponement of any game is rare. Obviously, the 2019-20 Covid hit season was different and in the days before undersoil heating icy conditions would often lead to postponements. However, Manchester City have suffered many postponements over the years. So for today’s feature I’m talking a look at some of them.

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More on the City-United 2009-10 postponed game here:

A Postponed Derby

United’s European Cup Ban

On this day (1 September) in 1958 it was revealed that Manchester United were to be prevented from taking a special place that had been awarded to them in the European Cup. UEFA had offered United the place as a mark of sympathy following the Munich Air Crash and the FA had approved the move but then discussions within the League proved problematic, leading to the Football League banning the move.

This cutting even quotes an unnamed official who basically said the European Cup is for champions and United ‘are not the English champions.’ It was all a mess and distasteful.

To understand the full story/impact of the Munich Air Disaster and how it affected all of Manchester then have a read of this:

The Munich Air Disaster: A Long Read

Brian Horton Arrives

On this day (28 August) in 1993 Brian Horton officially became Manchester City’s new manager. Subscribers to this website can read all about the appointment and the 1993-94 season below. It was such an important (and at times complicated season) that this article on that season is over 9,000 words long. It’s like a book in itself! It’s available to subscribers, so why not subscribe and relive this extraordinary season? It contains material from interviews I’ve performed with key figures from that time. In particular this one contains quotes from Peter Swales and Francis Lee which they discussed with me personally.

Here’s the 9000+ word article on that season:

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Former Manchester City Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson Has Died

Former City and England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76. My thoughts are with is family and friends.

Back in 2007 Sven arrived at Manchester City and brought positivity, entertainment and so much more in an extraordinary season. The season began with a great start which included City defeating Fergie’s United 1-0 in Sven’s first derby. His City career ended with him having a 100% win record in the derby. Here’s a video of Geovanni’s goal:

Thanks Sven for a great season.

The Birth of a Manchester City Chant

Manchester City meeting Ipswich this weekend is a nice reminder that a fixture between the two almost 50 years ago made an enormous contribution to the birth of a City chant. That chant is still sung today and is known as either the Viking Call or ‘The Best Team In The Land…’

Chanting at football games is rarely documented correctly with many myths, rumours and stories developing over the years. Te following feature is designed to give a potted overview of the development of singing at City and tells the story and part Ipswich played in it:

Now, for subscribers is an 1800 word article on the history and development of chants at Manchester City:

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Sven’s First Manchester Derby

On this day (19 August) in 2007 Sven’s Manchester City defeated Fergie’s United 1-0 in Sven’s first derby since joining City that summer. His City career ended with him having a 100% win record in the derby. Here’s a video of Geovanni’s goal:

Video of History Of Women’s Football Talk

If you’re interested in women’s football or in football in Trafford or Manchester then get your self a brew, settle down and enjoy this video of my talk. It was part of my work on the #WEuro2022 Heritage Lottery funded project and my long standing project into the history of women’s football in Manchester. Here goes:

This talk on the history of women’s football was staged at the National Football Museum a few years back. The talk lasts about 47 mins. Enjoy!

The Trafford Archive website I mention during my talk is available here:

https://exploringtraffordsheritage.omeka.net/exhibits/show/traffordwomensfootball

The work on the Manchester Corinthians continues and you can find out about the Authorised History here:

Order: Manchester Corinthians Book

150 Years Ago: Billy Meredith

150 years ago today on 30 July 1874 Billy Meredith was born. Billy was the captain when Manchester City brought Manchester their first major trophy, the FA Cup in 1904. He was also the goal scorer and a major hero to City fans. He later helped United achieve their first successes but returned to City for a final flourish.

His last game for City was 100 years ago this year! You can read about that and many other Meredith related stories across this website. Here’s a link to sone of them:

Welcome to Gary James’ Football Archive

The 1900s: 1908-1909 Inconsistency

Continuing the series of features on Manchester City in the early 1900s! Today it’s an article on the 1908-09 season. If you’re a subscriber you can read this below.

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