The 4-0 win against Crystal Palace was a special day for one lifelong City supporter Frank Bowyer celebrated his 100th birthday in style at the Etihad.
Frank, who turned 100 on 13 January, was invited by the Club to watch the game from a box and was part of a special presentation at half time.
City Square’s Hugh Ferris was on the mic as Frank was given a cake and a card from the Club to celebrate the occasion, as well as a signed ‘Bowyer 100’ shirt that was handed to him by Tony Book.
When he asked how he felt about the occasion, an emotional Frank said: “Overwhelming. If I don’t shut up, I’ll be in tears!
“Everybody has been so kind and helpful because of parts wearing out and it’s difficult now. Everybody has gone out of their way to help me.”
In his mid-sixties, Frank worked for the City ticket and coach travel offices where he remained until he was 82 and was affectionately known as one of the ‘old codgers’.
After the Compulsory Purchase Order of his home on Maine Road – somewhere he had lived for a large numbers of years – in Moss Side, Frank and wife Alice helped lots of older neighbours move to new homes, but being staunch City supporters, Alice was determined they would not move anywhere that wasn’t within walking distance of their beloved Maine Road.
He lists his best City memory as the 1956 FA Cup final, best remembered for the heroics of City goalkeeper Bert Trautmann, who played on despite breaking his neck in a collision with a Birmingham player.
Joe Hayes, Bobby Johnstone and Jack Dyson grabbed the goals as City beat Birmingham 3-1 to secure a third FA Cup trophy, and first since the 1933/34 season.
Everyone at the Club would like to congratulate Frank on the milestone and hope he enjoyed his birthday celebrations!
