Manchester City, a club with a rich history and a vibrant present, has many stories that even some of its most ardent fans might not know. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a footballing powerhouse, let’s explore some of the lesser-known facts about this beloved club.
1. The Club’s Original Name
Manchester City was not always known by its current name. The club was initially founded in 1880 as St. Mark’s (West Gorton), then became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 before finally settling on Manchester City in 1894.
2. A Record-Breaking Goal Scorer – Before Aguero!
Eric Brook, who played for City from 1928 to 1940, held the record as the club’s all-time top goal scorer for nearly 80 years, with 177 goals. This record was only surpassed by Sergio Agüero in 2017.
3. The Revie Plan
In the 1950s, under the management of Les McDowall, City became known for the ‘Revie Plan.’ Named after forward Don Revie, this tactical innovation involved Revie playing as a deep-lying centre-forward, a precursor to the modern false nine role.
4. Maine Road Memories
Before moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2003, Manchester City played at Maine Road since 1923. The stadium, nicknamed the Wembley of the North, had the highest capacity of any English club ground at the time it was built.
5. The Ballet on Ice
No, we’re not talking about some random new reality TV show. One of City’s most famous matches, known as the Ballet on Ice, took place in 1968. Played on a frozen pitch at Maine Road, City demonstrated remarkable skill and grace to beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in what was described as a ‘ballet’ on ice.
6. Famous Fans
Manchester City has its fair share of famous fans. One of the most notable (and one we expect most City fans will know already) is Liam Gallagher, the former lead singer of Oasis, who is often seen wearing City colours and attending matches. His outspoken love for the club has made him one of its most famous supporters.
But did you know Ice Cube, Jackie Chan and Andrew Flintoff are also amongst the celebs who support City?
7. City on the Silver Screen
Manchester City and its fans were the focus of the documentary ‘Blue Moon Rising,’ which followed the club through the 2009-2010 season, capturing the highs and lows of being a City supporter.
In addition, Manchester City was a focal point in the film “There’s Only one Jimmy Grimble,” which was released in
8. Manchester City in Literature
In literature, Manchester City earns itself a mention in the novel ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. One of the characters, a houseboy, becomes an ardent fan of the club, showcasing its reach beyond the borders of Manchester.
9. The Club’s Artistic Legacy
Manchester City has an artistic side that many may not know about. The club has been an inspiration for numerous artists and musicians over the years. One notable example is the album cover for ‘The Age of the Understatement’ by The Last Shadow Puppets, which features a silhouette of the City of Manchester Stadium (now known as the Etihad Stadium). This artistic connection highlights the club’s influence that extends beyond the football world and into popular culture.
10. The Pioneer of Floodlights
Manchester City was one of the first clubs to play a match under floodlights. The game, played in 1956 against Hearts, was not only a spectacle but also marked a new era in how football could be enjoyed during the evenings.
11. A Unique European Feat
In 1970, Manchester City became the first English club to win a European trophy and a domestic trophy in the same season. They won the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup, a remarkable achievement for the time.
12. Community Roots
Despite its global status, Manchester City remains deeply connected to its community. The club has been involved in numerous community initiatives, focusing on education, health, and social inclusion in the Greater Manchester area.
Certainly! Here’s an 800-word article titled “12 Lesser Known Facts About Manchester City,” written in a friendly and easy-to-read UK English tone. Each fact has its own subheading, and the article includes a range of unique facts about the club, including mentions of famous fans and the club’s appearances in films or books. The article concludes with an invitation for readers to contribute their own facts.
12 Lesser Known Facts About Manchester City
Manchester City, a club with a rich history and a vibrant present, has many stories that even some of its most ardent fans might not know. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a footballing powerhouse, let’s explore some of the lesser-known facts about this beloved club.
1. The Club’s Original Name
Manchester City was not always known by its current name. The club was initially founded in 1880 as St. Mark’s (West Gorton), then became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 before finally settling on Manchester City in 1894.
2. A Record-Breaking Goal Scorer
Eric Brook, who played for City from 1928 to 1940, held the record as the club’s all-time top goal scorer for nearly 80 years, with 177 goals. This record was only surpassed by Sergio Agüero in 2017.
3. The Revie Plan
In the 1950s, under the management of Les McDowall, City became known for the ‘Revie Plan.’ Named after forward Don Revie, this tactical innovation involved Revie playing as a deep-lying centre-forward, a precursor to the modern false nine role.
4. Maine Road Memories
Before moving to the Etihad Stadium in 2003, Manchester City played at Maine Road since 1923. The stadium, nicknamed the Wembley of the North, had the highest capacity of any English club ground at the time it was built.
5. The Ballet on Ice
One of City’s most famous matches, known as the Ballet on Ice, took place in 1968. Played on a frozen pitch at Maine Road, City demonstrated remarkable skill and grace to beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 in what was described as a ‘ballet’ on ice.
6. Famous Fans
Manchester City has its fair share of famous fans. One of the most notable is Liam Gallagher, the former lead singer of Oasis, who is often seen wearing City colours and attending matches. His outspoken love for the club has made him one of its most famous supporters.
7. A Cinematic Appearance
Manchester City and its fans were the focus of the documentary ‘Blue Moon Rising,’ which followed the club through the 2009-2010 season, capturing the highs and lows of being a City supporter.
8. Literary Connections
In literature, Manchester City finds a mention in the novel ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. One of the characters, a houseboy, becomes an ardent fan of the club, showcasing its reach beyond the borders of Manchester.
9. First Club to Win the Premier League with a Positive Goal Difference
In the 2011-2012 season, Manchester City won the Premier League with a positive goal difference of 64, the first club to do so since the Premier League began. This was a sign of their offensive prowess and a turning point in their history.
10. The Pioneer of Floodlights
Manchester City was one of the first clubs to play a match under floodlights. The game, played in 1956 against Hearts, was not only a spectacle but also marked a new era in how football could be enjoyed during the evenings.
11. A Unique European Feat
In 1970, Manchester City became the first English club to win a European trophy and a domestic trophy in the same season. They won the European Cup Winners’ Cup and the League Cup, a remarkable achievement for the time.
12. Community Roots
Despite its global status, Manchester City remains deeply connected to its community. The club has been involved in numerous community initiatives, focusing on education, health, and social inclusion in the Greater Manchester area.
In Conclusion
Manchester City’s journey is a rich tapestry of remarkable feats, unique stories, and fascinating facts. These 12 lesser-known facts provide a glimpse into the diverse history and culture of a club that’s as much about community and innovation as it is about footballing success.
We Want to Hear From You!
Have you got a lesser-known fact about Manchester City that you think deserves a mention? Share your knowledge and we’ll credit any that we use!
