Supporting Manchester City Over Fifty Years

Talking with granddad about players past, about Manchester City and the games that they had.“Ken Barnes” he would tell me,” should have had an England Cap” Sam Barkas was a full-back, son, who played before the war, He even captained England once, but only once I’m sure. Sam Cowan played at centre-half and was manager for a while Roy Paul played for City and was wale’s captain too. Frank Swift was our Goalie “son “ and England’s captain you know”, Fred Tilson, centre-forward Brook played on the wing, both these played For England and for City did great things. Glen Pardoe was the youngest player, to sign on at Main Road, Fifteen or so I think he was when he played upon our ground, Mike summerbee played on the wing, Colin bell was inside forward. Frances Lee could hit a ball, “It went faster than a train”! Watson, Sproston, Trautman, Harley, Herd and Bray all these played for City in years now gone away. For granddad tells me of players from some years ago, as if he watched them kick the ball, only hours ago. Now granddads supported City, for over fifty years He’s seen great players come and go he’s had the highs and had the lows But nothing gives him such delight, as watching the boys at, Maine Road tonight.

Carmine Grimshaw ©