MCI Presents: City Circle 002, Fan-Focused Interview Series - Stephen Tudor

What a time to be a City fan. 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 might already know. Today, we are back with the second installment of ‘City Circle’, our fan-focused interview series and we have someone very special joining us. While our debut interview featured a match-going City fan since 1970,  we’re proud to welcome sports journalist Stephen Tudor to share his journey supporting City as a fan and professional for episode two. For those looking to pursue sports journalism, this one is for you. Dive in below: 

• Hello Stephen! 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?

My grandad was a lifelong Blue and because of him my older brother became a fan. My dad however was a Red so for a few years when I was little I would be taken to Old Trafford one week, then Maine Road the next. I’d want both teams to win so my dad and brother would be happy and we would have an enjoyable day out in Manchester (I live in Wales). As soon as I was old enough to be allowed into the Kippax though everything changed and I was hooked. I was 12 or 13 and couldn’t see a thing but the smells and noise and swearing was really exciting. At United there seemed to be an expectation they would win. At City, they’d win 3-2 then lose 4-1 and that felt more real to me. Like life was. 

• As a journalist, what are some of the most exciting or memorable moments you’ve covered while reporting on Manchester City, and how have these experiences shaped your perspective on the club?

The 2011/12 will likely never be topped. I was interning for the Sabotage Times and had my own website called the Daisy Cutter and though I still wasn’t getting paid for my work I was starting to get noticed. I was covering City that season, while a now well-known United journalist was covering the other lot, and after years of suffering from depression I just seemed to channel everything into that year, writing furiously and constantly. In hindsight, I probably invested too much emotion into that season so obviously the climax was unbelievable.

• Manchester City’s success has also brought increased scrutiny in many different forms, with the PL charges the most recent of them. How do you think the club and its players handle the pressure of being under constant media attention?

I honestly don’t think the club or players care one jot about the media attention. They reside in a bubble and that’s how it should be. The Premier League charges are a different matter altogether of course. 

• 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?

I’ve given up debating about City with rival fans online because they are too entrenched in their prejudice to be swayed. All the evidence is there concerning our proud history so if they want to contradict facts, that’s their problem. It’s not a misconception as such, but I find the attendance bashing so beyond boring now. If someone wants to knock City for having fewer glory-hunters and a more localised, long-standing fan-base that says more about them, than us. I will never not find it funny that United refer to us in a Mancunian accent and think that’s an insult!

• Manchester City has a reputation for playing attractive, possession-based football. How do you think this style of play has influenced the Premier League and English football as a whole?

Pep Guardiola has fundamentally changed English football for the better and that is true right across the spectrum. Randomly flick on BT Sport and watch a National League game and teams invariably now play out from the back and treasure possession. City have become the blueprint yet we only need recall the mockery Pep was subjected to when he insisted his keeper played as a last defender and stated that tackling wasn’t practised in training. Innovators are always mocked at first, then copied.  

• Looking ahead, are there any young or lesser-known players in Manchester City’s squad who you believe could have a breakout season or make a significant impact in the near future?

I had such high hopes for Cole Palmer and still believe he has a big future in the game. Maybe though, that won’t be at the Etihad. Rico Lewis is an obvious shout while looking further down the line it will be interesting to see if Joel Ndada makes it. He’s got all the talent in the world. I consistently hear really good things about Oscar Bobb and Carlos Borges. Nico O’Reilly too has every chance. 

• The club has a strong scouting network. Are there any potential transfer targets you believe would fit well with Manchester City’s style of play or address specific areas of improvement?

Alexis Mac Allister looks like he’d be an excellent fit but Brighton always demand top dollar, don’t they. One of the great ironies about City is we’re castigated for big spending but – unlike others, namely United – we refuse to cross what we perceive to be an acceptable line. Gabri Veiga appears to be on his way and let’s hope so. 

Personally, I would love us to go for Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. Every time I see him he impresses and it would be a novelty to have a specialist, top-class left-back in the squad. 

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

There simply wouldn’t be any success without our owner and the money that has been invested and the model that has been put in place. In terms of infrastructure, community work, and decisions made, City are without doubt one of the best-run clubs in the world. As for Pep, he is without doubt the greatest coach of the modern era and a bona fide genius. A friend of his informed me recently that Pep read and really liked an article I wrote about how the media negatively portray City. That was a career highlight for sure.  

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

Write passionately and truthfully about your football club but try not to make influential enemies along the way. That was the mistake I made, taking on and falling out online with some big-hitters who persistently snided on City. I love the career I have carved out for myself, and I love who I work for, but as regards to writing positively about City I would have had much more impact being inside the tent. 

• 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?

More of the same, please. Just more of the same.

Written by: Sheikh

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