Eddie Hitler Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I did, once, with my Dad taking me to my first game in the last season we spent up there. A 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on 27 October 1979 (yes, I had to look the date up but I remembered the score).We played our last one that same season on 3 May 1980 away to Spurs so a bit over 35 years ago. From there it was all downhill but not being very old and not living in Bristol I knew nothing about the events of 1982 until much later.So realistically nobody under 40 has seen us play at the top level.And as we do have some incredibly long-serving loyal fans did anybody see John Atyeo play, last game 10 May 1966 so nearly 50 years ago? Hopefully I can redo this poll in 5 years and get 100% having seen City play in the top division Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welcome To The Jungle Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Born in '94 so sadly no. Be nice to see but I won't lose sleep over it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 yep Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vincent Vega Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Indeed i have , my 1st game was against Man City 1977 we won 1-0 .....how times have changed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldstandrobin Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Was priviliged to start going down to AG in 1957 with my dad and saw the great Big John on many occasions and was there in Crackers Corner (Old open end) to see Clive'y boy send us to the promised land. Players Managers, directors and Staff come and go but we DONT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weymouth red Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Yes I did great days! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nogbad the Bad Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Didn't miss many home games in those 4 seasons and followed City to most of the away grounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Roper Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Yes watched City play in top flight ,home and away . Bit nerve racking going away in those days ,never know what was going to happen once you got off the coach . Still great fun although we didnt win very often . Arsenal away first game back still stands out ,waited all summer for it ,was a glorious hot day ,City everywhere in all the pubs etc and then of course we only went on to win .Gooners were well peed off after ,got out alive just . Proper away day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidered abroad Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I saw Big John's first and last games for City.Home to Newport County in August 1951 and home to Ipswich in the last match of 1965-66 season.In between countless home and away games. So many memories, there are too many to recall here.I saw every home game in the four years of First Division in the 1970's. Plus a good number away but not as many as I wanted to because with a young family, cash was tight at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welcome To The Jungle Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Never rated big John myself Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vincent Vega Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Never rated big John myselfBig shirt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pongo88 Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I saw Big John play. I even saw him play in a reserve match in the early 60s after he'd been dropped for one match due to lack of goals! I used to have the programme (1 sheet of A4) but it's disappeared. I should have kept it as it would have been a collectors item. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashton_fan Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Yes watched City play in top flight ,home and away . Bit nerve racking going away in those days ,never know what was going to happen once you got off the coach . Still great fun although we didnt win very often . Arsenal away first game back still stands out ,waited all summer for it ,was a glorious hot day ,City everywhere in all the pubs etc and then of course we only went on to win .Gooners were well peed off after ,got out alive just . Proper away day My old next door neighbour was an Arsenal season ticket holder and he told me Arsenal fans still talk about that game, the away support was something I've never seen before or since. All in all a perfect day and probably my favourite game ever. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nogbad the Bad Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 My old next door neighbour was an Arsenal season ticket holder and he told me Arsenal fans still talk about that game, the away support was something I've never seen before or since. All in all a perfect day and probably my favourite game ever.Did you not go to Coventry? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashton_fan Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Did you not go to Coventry?I did but Highbury was a bigger stadium, I think we had more fans there. Also not as stressful as the Coventry match, just enjoyable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aizoon Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I very nearly saw John Atyeo play for City in the top division. If those two Easter games against Southampton had gone the other way.., Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nogbad the Bad Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I did but Highbury was a bigger stadium, I think we had more fans there. Also not as stressful as the Coventry match, just enjoyable.From memory weren't the crowds for those matches about 37k at Highfield Road and about 43k at Highbury? So not much in it, and I've always thought we took at least twice as many to Coventry.Either way, you'd never know the massive City support if you look at the goals from those 2 games though, somehow the footage doesn't capture just how many were there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1960maaan Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 From memory weren't the crowds for those matches about 37k at Highfield Road and about 43k at Highbury? So not much in it, and I've always thought we took at least twice as many to Coventry.Either way, you'd never know the massive City support if you look at the goals from those 2 games though, somehow the footage doesn't capture just how many were there. I've thought that before, I've seen estimates from 15-20k. I remember the M5 was a carpark on the way back and I'm sure on the way out one lane was blocked by 2 guys with a City flag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Saturday Boy Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 42 years unbroken season ticket since the age of 5 in 1973 so yep saw City in Division 1. I had whooping cough so couldn't go to the Coventry match - my Dad arranged for my name to be read out on Radio Bristol!My Dad (now 82) has had a season ticket for the last 69 years. He went to the Coventry match and got there at half time as the coaches were delayed due to sheer volumes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Cloud Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Best memory, us beating Liverpool, worse, Coppers walking around with their backs absolutely covered in Gob! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Colby-Tit Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 My first game at AG was against Leeds in 1976, the one that was called off because of fog.Got to feel sorry for anyone too young to have experienced those days. Being on the packed terraces of the East End, or the Park End, watching top flight football is something I'll never forget.No nannying H&S nonsense is those days either. My old man never had a problem bringing three wooden stools through. the turnstiles for me and my two brothers to stand on.Terracing also allowed an atmosphere that will never be recreated in an all seater stadium. Sends a shiver down my spine just thinking about it. The surges behind the East End goal when City scored could be a bit unnerving though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin_unreliant Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Was at the first away game at Highbury with my dad where The Cheese did us proud. Gunner fan put a brick throgh our coach window on our way out of North London. We also got spat at through the fence - some things in football HAVE improved since then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ForeverRed Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Yes, my first game was Coventry at Home, won 1 - 0, Tom Richie.Then started going regularly in 82 when I started work!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vincent Vega Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 42 years unbroken season ticket since the age of 5 in 1973 so yep saw City in Division 1. I had whooping cough so couldn't go to the Coventry match - my Dad arranged for my name to be read out on Radio Bristol!My Dad (now 82) has had a season ticket for the last 69 years. He went to the Coventry match and got there at half time as the coaches were delayed due to sheer volumes!Respect to you & your Dad , that's an amazing show of support Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lew-T Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Born in the 90s so didn't see either, but I was fortunate to see Styvar, Bas Savage and Nicky Hunt! In in all seriousness, I wouldn't change my early days of watching City! Some bad times but still some great times! The 11 wins in a row was exciting to watch as a youngster and has stuck with me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eddie Hitler Posted October 14, 2015 Author Share Posted October 14, 2015 Born in the 90s so didn't see either, but I was fortunate to see Styvar, Bas Savage and Nicky Hunt! In in all seriousness, I wouldn't change my early days of watching City! Some bad times but still some great times! The 11 wins in a row was exciting to watch as a youngster and has stuck with me. Legends all.You have all the good times to look forward to. I feel a bit cheated tbh as I have never seen as good a City side playing at as high level as I did the first time when I was way too young to appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Cyril Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Was Big John his actual nickname? I am familiar with that accolade in prisons and grumbleflicks. But didn't realise it was used in football in the 1960s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBlockExile Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Big John Galley was the King of City for me - Saw all the Home games from when we were in the top flight - those days seem a long time ago now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew Peacock Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I didn't think it would take us 65 years to get back up again when we were relegated.Thought it would be a couple of years consolidation then promotion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Colby-Tit Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 So there were two Big John's? This is really going to twist Cyril's melons. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glynriley Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Yep, seen them up there. My old man's been taking me to Ashton Gate since I was old enough to walk unaided (funnily enough I can't do that now sometimes!!)One of my earliest memories is of a 2-2 draw with Chelsea and I think Trevor Tainton and Micky Droy got sent off. Though that may have been the promotion season - Noggers or Slarti will know.First away game (outside Bristol) was Crystal Palace, Joe Royle scored and John Shaw saved 2 penalties.Hopefully we'll be back up there by the time I starting dragging my Grandson along (his dad plays rugby) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BS4 on Tour... Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Yep, great great times. Big crowds (who can forget the 38,000 against Liverpool), great team, great opposition players, proper football. For some reason I remember beating Ipswich 3-1 in early 1979 better than most other games. Lord Gerald Gow frightened the life outta Paul Mariner! And what a great Ipswich team that was.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fodbarmyarmy Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Never rated big John myselfThat's not BIG John.... that's Slightly Strict John............not nearly as Stern as we were first led to believeAnd YES I had a ST in the enclosure in 77 & 78 & 79 princely sum of about £15 I think - my old man bought me them so not sure exact costGot loads of ticket stubbs from those days too...... Dolman tickets were cardboard not paper crap Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cider head Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 yep, my dad took me and i loved it but football is a very different monster now and not sure i would enjoy the prem.Sadly seen us drop down all the divisions after 4 seasons up there with the best.Not seen Atyeo play bar only video clips but you can't argue with his record and stats as a player to show how good he was. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
REDOXO Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I remember the Arsenal game you mention very well. I was in the EE and it was/is my birthday :laugh:!I met John many times at the club as he would come to most home games and would often be seen at the directors entrance if you got there early enough for autograph's. What a very nice man, I think he began to recognise me as I was there a lot and would always pat me on the head, after he signed my prog (again)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivorguy Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 First game in August 1950 away at Torquay. Fear my last game might be a repeat of that!!!!Big John is the greatest City player I have seen but cameos by Arthur Milton and Chris Crowe (both former England forwards) also stand out.Despite my grandfather's admiration for Atyeo he remained faithful to the memory of Billy Wedlock - save for the cup final when his England teammate beat him to score the only goal for Manchester United.I guess all our heroes are born in our youth. I live always in hope and just maybe my worst fears will not come about and Kodiga will one day fire us into The Premiership.After all hope is the common currency for all us City supporters! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOTBLUE Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Seen us in the top division seen us in the bottom division,but I've never seen us in a non league division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidercity Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I was at Arsenal and Coventry what a great season. Pity I only want us to go up to the prem for the money then we can compete in the championship, a much better league. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northsomersetred Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 It's when i first started watching City, my dad used to bring me up to most home games only ever did a few away games though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Just too many memories of those years - Highbury, Coventry, beating Liverpool, Norman Hunter, East End surges, being terrified at away games sometimes, being chased all the way back to Lime Street from Anfield, walking from TM to AG and often getting mixed up with the away fans (Leeds on the foggy day was the worst), getting chased around the old Brent Knoll service area by Villa (five of us, twenty of them) and many, many more.Wouldn`t change it for the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFC II Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I never did, born in 99 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOTBLUE Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I never did, born in 99You're a mere whippersnapper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-Robbo Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 First attended as a lickle boy in 1970/71.I wasn't particularly "in" to football as a youngster, despite going to loads of matches. I suppose it was so all-present in our house that I just thought it was something all adults did.Highlighst of my visits back then were to get a Wagon Wheel or a Curly Wurly from the old tuck shop in the Grandstand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offside Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I just missed the Div 1 days. My first game was the season after we got relegated from the top flight, so my first two seasons of watching City involved successive relegations and near-bankrupcy. Still loved it as a young lad, though - I had no real concept of the league table (a bit like SOD!) so took one game at a time. There was never any question of me supporting another team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFC II Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 You're a mere whippersnapper.I wouldn't call myself overconfident! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
22A Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I started watching City in 68-69 season, so the answer is yes. August 76 we travelled to Highbury just KNOWING that City were going to win, but not wanting to tempt fate by saying so.The EP ran an article stating that after 65 years absence, it'll be a unique experience for all City fans to see City play top flight football. They were then bombarded with letters from guys in their 70s & 80s recalling the previous time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 And it still would be for those less fortunate than us north of the river. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robofwells Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Yes watched City play in top flight ,home and away . Bit nerve racking going away in those days ,never know what was going to happen once you got off the coach . Still great fun although we didnt win very often . Arsenal away first game back still stands out ,waited all summer for it ,was a glorious hot day ,City everywhere in all the pubs etc and then of course we only went on to win .Gooners were well peed off after ,got out alive just . Proper away day what day that was football special train packed. Malcolm Macdonald was making his debut for Arsenal all summer in the papers what he was going to do to us! Arsenal fans not happy at the end or Chelsea fans who we bumped into on the way back from Orient (I think) playing their first game in dig 2 after relegation. Great day for all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Between heaven and hell Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Just too many memories of those years - Highbury, Coventry, beating Liverpool, Norman Hunter, East End surges, being terrified at away games sometimes, being chased all the way back to Lime Street from Anfield, walking from TM to AG and often getting mixed up with the away fans (Leeds on the foggy day was the worst), getting chased around the old Brent Knoll service area by Villa (five of us, twenty of them) and many, many more.Wouldn`t change it for the world.My god I'm still having nightmares about that foggy Leeds game. I was 13 at the time and can remember the chaos outside after the ref called it off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviestevieneville Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 My first game as a five year old was Stoke at home, first game back in the top flight when Shilton done Cheesley's knee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maltshoveller Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 My first game was 1976/77 v Villa8 Years old nil nil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archie andrews Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Yep, seen them up there. My old man's been taking me to Ashton Gate since I was old enough to walk unaided (funnily enough I can't do that now sometimes!!)One of my earliest memories is of a 2-2 draw with Chelsea and I think Trevor Tainton and Micky Droy got sent off. Though that may have been the promotion season - Noggers or Slarti will know.First away game (outside Bristol) was Crystal Palace, Joe Royle scored and John Shaw saved 2 penalties.Hopefully we'll be back up there by the time I starting dragging my Grandson along (his dad plays rugby) that was the promotion season 75/76 mate can remember being behind goal in park end in the middle of silk scarved Chelsea fans.the sendings off were a night game at ag city won either 3-0 or 3-1 and loads of Chelsea marched around the pitch from the east end singing one tommy Langley!ps didn't know you are a granddad :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Jesus! Silk scarves - I`d forgotten them. I think I`ve still got a couple of ratty old ones in the loft. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderup Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 First game was in 1975/76, York I think, Tom Ritchie scored a hat trick.First night match was Pompey (yes, that one).First away game was the Arsenal.First away night game was Coventry (yes, that one again!!).How lucky was I? Cheers dad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobBobSuperBob Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 First game was in 1975/76, York I think, Tom Ritchie scored a hat trick.First night match was Pompey (yes, that one).First away game was the Arsenal.First away night game was Coventry (yes, that one again!!).How lucky was I? Cheers dad. 22nd November - a special birthday memory for me - We were also on Match Of Day and That is my first memory of us being on Match Of Day but there was most likely an earlier appearance that someone will rememberWhat a great, and underrated player Tom was !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderup Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 22nd November - a special birthday memory for me - We were also on Match Of Day and That is my first memory of us being on Match Of Day but there was most likely an earlier appearance that someone will rememberWhat a great, and underrated player Tom was !!Really? My lad was born on 22nd November. Spooky! I don't think Tom was underrated, wasn't he one of the players Arsenal wanted at the time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Him and Geoff Merrick IIRC. Think they were offering 500k for the two which was big money then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderup Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Him and Geoff Merrick IIRC. Think they were offering 500k for the two which was big money then.Not half! When you think Supermac went there for £333,333.33 and he was, probably, the best striker in the country at the time. I genuinely didn't know it was that much and am surprised we turned that down tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephenkibby. Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 A game forgotten is our last game in div 2 before promotion.After the euphoria of the of the W.B.A. game we filled the gate on the final Saturday for the big celebration and!!!F...in Notts county turned us over 2/1!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Errrr....WBA? Wasn`t it Pompey? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DT The Optimist Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Must be us old gits who watched us in the first division. I never saw ATEYO just before my time, I recall John Galley with fondness and a young Chris Garland. late 60's when i started watching City. The promotion year and the days in the first division were amazing. The decline was equally amazing. From a First div team to bottom of Division 4 ! Not missed many games at all really, Joe Royale hat trick comes to mind ! Who remembers Gert Meyer ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderup Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Errrr....WBA? Wasn`t it Pompey?Of course it was Pompey but we did lose our last game. All the players were probably still pi55ed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephenkibby. Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Errrr....WBA? Wasn`t it Pompey?yeah your right to pissed. But it was the 1/0 win on the Tuesday night at the albion when we thought this could really happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archie andrews Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Really? My lad was born on 22nd November. Spooky! I don't think Tom was underrated, wasn't he one of the players Arsenal wanted at the time?my mrs ' birthday is on nov 22 that's spookier than her Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-Robbo Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Must be us old gits who watched us in the first division. I never saw ATEYO just before my time, I recall John Galley with fondness and a young Chris Garland. late 60's when i started watching City. The promotion year and the days in the first division were amazing. The decline was equally amazing. From a First div team to bottom of Division 4 ! Not missed many games at all really, Joe Royale hat trick comes to mind ! Who remembers Gert Meyer ! It's a pity "Royale" never played with "Cheese". That would've been proper tasty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Geert Meijer - went on to manage Ajax. How about Perti Jantunen? Terrific player scored a screamer against Wolves (?). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderup Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 I always though Gary Collier looked the classy defender rather than Geoff Merrick. Until he buggered off for nothing anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
archie andrews Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Geert Meijer - went on to manage Ajax. How about Perti Jantunen? Terrific player scored a screamer against Wolves (?).leeds first game of season Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ciderup Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Geert Meijer - went on to manage Ajax. How about Perti Jantunen? Terrific player scored a screamer against Wolves (?).https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fi&u=https://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pertti_Jantunen&prev=search Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidered abroad Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 From memory weren't the crowds for those matches about 37k at Highfield Road and about 43k at Highbury? So not much in it, and I've always thought we took at least twice as many to Coventry.Either way, you'd never know the massive City support if you look at the goals from those 2 games though, somehow the footage doesn't capture just how many were there. I seem to remember 43,000 at Highbury and 37,000 at Coventry. Irrespective of whichever way round the gates were, those games proved that we, the supporters, are top notch and deserve to be up there all the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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