Families Representative

Voting is now closed. 

Daniel Bowdler

I’ve been a season ticket holder since the mid-90s, regularly travelling home and away, both domestically and in Europe, giving me a thorough understanding of the Club and its supporters. I attend all home games with my dad and sister, as well occasional Women’s team and youth team games at the Academy Stadium. Last season, I began on a new stage as a football fan, when I started taking my children to their first games. I noticed quickly how my matchday experience changed, and my priorities now lie with easily getting to and from the stadium, pre-match entertainment and merchandise. I believe that being a supporter with a young family, I would be an asset to the City Matters network, as I am approaching the experience with a fresh outlook. I can use my well-rounded experience as a supporter to appreciate the positives and negatives for match going families, as well as understanding how this impacts other supporter demographics. Attending games with other members of my family also allows me first-hand access to their thoughts and experiences. We all watch football differently and I strongly believe there is room to accommodate all types of supporters at the Etihad.

 

Claire Howarth

I have supported Manchester City since the ‘70’s. I was an active member of Junior Blues appearing in several pantomimes over the years. Having held a season ticket since the early ‘80’s travelling home and away over the years, I have seen the team and the Club grow from strength to strength. As my life has evolved, marrying and having children I still watch City. As a family, myself, my husband and our two children hold season tickets for both the men – sitting in the Family Stand for the men’s games, and with the women we have hospitality tickets. We travel to both home and away games for both the men and women whenever we can. My family and I are all active members of a Supporters Club – Heroes of Waterloo where I have recently been appointed to sit on the committee managing the social media posts on both Instagram and Twitter.  My children are active members of Junior Cityzens and have participating in numerous events including the Big Sleepover at the Academy. Due to my number of years of watching the Blues with my family I feel I could be the family’s representative, having experienced first-hand joy and elation alongside frustrations as a parent and a fan.

 

Alan Murphy

I am 66 years old and represent three generations – father, son/daughter and grandchildren. I have attended many matches over the years and am now a Seasoncard holder. I bring a vast range of experience that could complement those already in place.  By providing my skills and knowledge to the mix I feel I could add to the reflective thinking that will strive to offer improvements for (in my view) the most deserving supporters. The challenge of attending  home and away fixtures will hopefully ensure that the majority of people are thought of whilst we grapple with the prospect of trying to widen the circle and scope of those who choose to join whilst continuing to cater for those whose legacy the development of the Club forms the foundations. I bring an open and inclusive approach that is in tune with the rhythm depth and dedication to the Club, along with approximately placed humour, underpinned by a drive to get the very best outcome.

 

Joanna Sutcliffe

I would like to represent City fans as a mum. I have been watching City since 1989, having followed in my mums footsteps, who was a fan since the mid-50s so technically my first game was in her belly in 1976 when we won the League Cup (I dine out on that story!). I have seen some horrible days as a blue, relegation after relegation, yet still I wore my colours with pride! I was at the Gillingham game, QPR, Stoke - even on the hill at Blackburn - and seen many more top games since I was able to get my  own Seasoncard in 2003, after being on the waiting list for many years. My mum and I joined my brother in the Etihad, and now sit in the Family Stand. Sadly, I’ve lost my mum, but my dad took her Seasoncard over. My husband and 13-year-old son both have Seasoncards. My 11-year-old daughter will come to the matches when she can. The Club is already streets ahead of others and I’d like to help us go that little bit further for our family of blues and my long family history of being blues!