Mavis Goddard: affectionately known as ‘Grandma’ and ‘the Poznan Gran’, and fondly remembered to this day.
A lifelong City fan born in Hulme, Mavis rose to stardom, earning a place in City folklore, in February 2011 when West Bromwich Albion visited the Etihad Stadium.
The match action proved most enjoyable – Carlos Tevez bagging a hat-trick to down the Baggies – but the game is best remembered for Mavis’ time in the limelight.
Throughout the game, the (in fact, great)-grandma was captured on the big screen, reacting to the on-pitch antics and celebrating Tevez’s terrific treble.
Each time she appeared on screen, the crowd cheered and applauded – the sight warming the hearts of everyone in the stadium; so much so, the fans called for more shots of the avid Blue!
Chants of “Grandma, give us a wave,” “We love you Grandma, we do!” and “Grandma, do the Poznan!” echoed around the ground and Mavis cheerfully obliged – much to the fans’ delight.
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After the game, she was approached by her fellow supporters for selfies and snaps and quickly became a social media hit in the days before ‘going viral’ was even a thing!
She was even treated to a few drinks in the evening!
In the days that followed, she became even more ingrained in Club folklore as CityTV tracked her down to ‘reveal her identity’ and hear her thoughts on a crazy but enjoyable few days – of which she said she loved every minute.
“I was buzzing – absolutely buzzing!” she reflected at the time. “It’s been quite hectic – I feel how the Queen feels, waving to everybody!
“They all came running down, kissing me – and I’m not a kissing person! When I was coming out of the ground, everybody was running over saying: ‘Yeah, it is Grandma!’
“They asked if they could take my photo and share it. I said yes - although I had soaking wet hair which was stuck to my head so I don’t know what the photos were like!
“People were asking: ‘Will you be my child’s grandma?’ and I said: ‘I’ll be anybody’s grandma!’
“The lad who sits next to me said: ‘Mavis, I’ve always fancied you as my grandma!’ and I said: ‘I can be if you want, Billy!’
“It’s been great. I’ve really enjoyed it.”
As for the Poznan, ‘Grandma’ admitted she couldn’t deny the fans their request!
“It takes me time to walk – never mind that!” she joked. “I never move my feet – I just went up and down and then they turned me around we did it backwards and frontwards.
“I did enjoy it.”
The attention didn’t stop there… Mavis also received the award for ‘Best Supporting Role’ at Les ‘Chappy’ Chapman’s ‘Oscars’ End of Season ceremony - and a kiss on both cheeks from Roberto Mancini!
A true Blue through and through, who told CityTV: “Win or lose, I’m still there,” Mavis let her love for City shine through right to the end.
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She sadly passed away in December 2011, aged 76, having witnessed all of the Club’s ups and downs, highs and lows.
Upon her passing, Club Ambassador and playing legend Mike Summerbee paid tribute, having had the pleasure of meeting Mavis.
“There is no bigger honour bestowed upon any football club than to be supported by a fan,” he declared.
“To be invited to become part of their life and the lives of their children means more that trophies and titles.
“Mavis’s passion and commitment over the years to the club makes City what it is today. She will be dearly missed in the stands.”
And so she is.
We love you Grandma, we do.
