MCI Presents: City Circle 001, Fan-Focused Interview Series - Paul Dove

Everything we do here at Man City International revolves around our incredible fans, local and abroad. We wanted to create a platform that connects people, helps them learn about our club, and broadens their perspectives beyond what they already know about our club. With that in mind, we are incredibly excited to present the first ever installment of ’City Circle’, our fan-focused interview series. We were fortunate enough to connect with Paul Dove, aka Life of Sid on twitter, who was kind enough to share his thoughts and experiences supporting City from birth in 1970. 

• Hello Sid! Thank you for joining us for Man City International Presents: The City Circle. We’d love to know a little more about you. How did you first become a Manchester City supporter, and what drew you to the club?

I was born in Manchester in 1970.  My dad was the commercial manager for City, from 1968 to 1974 (he left because of swales).  We also had 3 city trainees living with us (including George Dunlop, who was a goal keeper who went into to play for N.Ireland).  My first game was a central league match (reserves) in 1972 and I went regular with my dad, until he left for Crewe Alex in 1974.

• Who are some of the greatest players you have seen play for Manchester City, and how do they compare to the current squad? 

Being born in the 70’s, Colin Bell was the greatest I’ve ever seen for City.  He was the complete footballer.  Dave Watson was a giant in defence.  Others include Kinkladze, Mike Doyle, Ali Bernabia, and the 2010 generation of Silva, Aguero, Toure and Kompany.  This side is just a continuation of that…I think they will go onto bigger things with the team. 

• City have truly gone through it all. How did you cope with the lows of being a Manchester City fan, such as relegation or disappointing seasons?

I was in the navy when we went down to the old 3rd division and was away in Greece at the time.   I managed t find a radio station and listened to it in a bar…by the end of the game I was so drunk and pissed off.  But we had been through the wringer a few times and I suppose you get used to it.  Even now, I think we are going to cock something up…it’s in our DNA I suppose.

• What do you think is the biggest misconception about Manchester City, and how do you respond to those who may not understand the club’s history or identity?

That we have no history.  I’m sick of arguing with idiots who are sheep and trott out the old lines, without researching things first.  It takes two minutes to look it up.  I’m bored of putting people right to be honest.  But every so often I let loose with a well chosen word or two .

• What do you think are the key values that Manchester City represents as a club, and how have those values evolved over time?

The main thing about city, is that we were always a community club, going back to my dads time there.  That has evolved into a global brand, but still has the community firmly at its core.

• How has the style of play and tactical approach at Manchester City evolved over the years, and how have different managers influenced that evolution?

Our most important manager in the last twenty years (before pep obviously) was Bobby Manc.  He put down the marker, changed our thinking, made us realise we could win things with style.  I’ve seen some terrible managers down the years (Ball, Pearce, McNeill, Frizzel).  Joe Royale did the impossible at Wembley in 99, and that became our most famous moment for a generation….until Bobby Manc.

• What is your opinion on the current ownership and management of Manchester City, and how has that impacted the club’s success and identity?

We couldn’t ask for better owners.  Everything from the hiring of staff, down to the colour of the cups is well thought out.  I can’t think of a single thing they have got wrong.  I don’t think the impact of city’s principal value (one of community) has been damaged at all, in fact I think it’s been enhanced.

• What advice would you give to younger Manchester City fans who are just starting to follow the club and learn about its history?

My son, who is 13, is a city fan (obviously).   My dad (his grandad) has told him so many stories about his time there, from Tony Coleman and his antics, to Franny Lee having a go about a missed penalty.  So really Jamie was born into that culture.  I’ve spoken to his friends who are city fans, told them to read certain books (Mercer, Doyle and Bell’s) to see what it means to be a city fan. 

• What is your opinion on the rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United, and how has it changed over time?

Growing up in Stretford, I was always smack bang in the centre of the rivalry.  All my mates, except one, were United fans, so it was jovial.  In the 80’s it became very nasty (a mate of mine had a sharpened coin thrown at his head at old Trafford).  But the more successful they became, the more unbearable they became, to the extent I wouldn’t even talk to United fans and cheered every loss as a city win.  But as I’ve got older (I’m 52 now) I’ve mellowed somewhat.  Still hate the fuckers though 

• What is your hope for the future of Manchester City, both in terms of on-field success and the club’s impact on its community and fans?

Obviously I want city to keep winning trophies.  I do worry about who will take over when Pep goes, but I can’t do anything about that.  I think pep will stay until 2025…who knows after that.  I think the community thing will keep growing stronger.  City are world leaders in things they do for fans (city square, etc) that other clubs are scrambling to catch up with.

Written by: Sheikh

For anyone interested in participating in a City Circle interview series, please send an email to sheikh@mancityinternational.com.