On the Saturday evening we went to a pub for some grub and a wee feed of the black stuff. On the pub TV was a Man City match. I think it was against Birmingham in the Championship or League One.
Being a footy hater, Her Indoors wasn't too happy! I got caught multiple times sneaking a peak.
Since losing the '81 FA Cup final, City were on a downward spiral.
Getting relegated or promoted was an almost annual event. It seemed like we were in a different league every season. I actually quite enjoyed being in the lower leagues as we were the big fish in the small pond. We still were getting 30,000 at Maine Rd and we were the team to beat, which we frequently were. Another benefit was that I could watch the EPL as a complete neutral, having no skin in the game.
Those days are long gone.
We are now (arguably) the best club on the planet. We have the best manager, a fantastic facility at the Etihad, owners who know what they want and how to get it and an executive (Begiristain and Sorriano) that is best in class. On Sunday we were not at our best against a rampant Chelsea on their home pitch, yet still we scored four times and walked away with a point. The match was an EPL classic. Well done to Chelsea for their stellar performance.
I was convinced this season would be an epic fail. I expected post Treble-itis and losing Gundo and Mahrez, and KdB to injury, would see us struggle, yet we have reached the November International break at the top of the league and are the first team to qualify for the last 16 in the UCL. The goal now is to win 4 EPLs in a row, a feat never done before and few will bet against it.
But for all the success, I know that I have to live in the moment because it won't last. Just like Liverpool in the 70s and 80s, and Man U in the 90s and 00s, it will all come to an end. We could end up in the lower leagues again, quite easily. Just ask Leeds or Forest fans.
And that would not be the end of the world. I just need to keep pinching myself that the club which 25 years ago was playing Stockport and Wycombe Wanderers will soon be representing Europe in the World Club Championship. I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
Being a footy hater, Her Indoors wasn't too happy! I got caught multiple times sneaking a peak.
Since losing the '81 FA Cup final, City were on a downward spiral.
Getting relegated or promoted was an almost annual event. It seemed like we were in a different league every season. I actually quite enjoyed being in the lower leagues as we were the big fish in the small pond. We still were getting 30,000 at Maine Rd and we were the team to beat, which we frequently were. Another benefit was that I could watch the EPL as a complete neutral, having no skin in the game.
Those days are long gone.
We are now (arguably) the best club on the planet. We have the best manager, a fantastic facility at the Etihad, owners who know what they want and how to get it and an executive (Begiristain and Sorriano) that is best in class. On Sunday we were not at our best against a rampant Chelsea on their home pitch, yet still we scored four times and walked away with a point. The match was an EPL classic. Well done to Chelsea for their stellar performance.
I was convinced this season would be an epic fail. I expected post Treble-itis and losing Gundo and Mahrez, and KdB to injury, would see us struggle, yet we have reached the November International break at the top of the league and are the first team to qualify for the last 16 in the UCL. The goal now is to win 4 EPLs in a row, a feat never done before and few will bet against it.
But for all the success, I know that I have to live in the moment because it won't last. Just like Liverpool in the 70s and 80s, and Man U in the 90s and 00s, it will all come to an end. We could end up in the lower leagues again, quite easily. Just ask Leeds or Forest fans.
And that would not be the end of the world. I just need to keep pinching myself that the club which 25 years ago was playing Stockport and Wycombe Wanderers will soon be representing Europe in the World Club Championship. I'll enjoy it while it lasts.
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| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports |
All with a little help from your friends in the Middle East .
ReplyDeleteReds have played 14 early saturday games over the past 3 seasons , Spurs & City are next on 6 . The encounter on sat week is timed for the Far East market ; hope the players aren't jet lagged / injured after the international fixtures . Sunday ( 4 : 30 ) would of made a lot more sense ( for some ) . A # 2 - 2 will be the outcome .
We woz robbed! Good to see Kovacic celebrating our injury time pen!
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