Just ask 55-year-old Darren Holden. The passionate City fan who lives in Fresno, California, has been closely following the club since our Maine Road days.
Darren, the son of former Bolton Wanderers, Preston North End and England winger Doug Holden, used to travel to Manchester to visit his uncles when he was younger and that’s when his love for City began.
“My uncles all lived in Manchester, where my father had grown up through the Manchester YMCA youth program,” he admitted.
“As we grew up, we’d travel north to stay during the holiday season. The best part of these stays was the walk around the corner from my uncle’s house to Maine Road on match day to watch City play.
“This is where my passion was born for City blue,” he revealed.
“The pre-game meals at my uncle’s house, the walk to the stadium, pre-game sausage rolls, the sounds of the stadium sound system rocking the neighborhoods with announcements and team songs.”
Darren, who now flies the City flag proudly in the USA, admitted that he’s finding it difficult without any City matches due to the outbreak of COVID-19 across the world.
When quizzed about how he’s coping, the Cityzen was quick to display his emotions.
“Coping isn’t a tough enough word, surviving is more like it,” Darren added.
“I’ve been scanning old broadcasts and old games. Our Fresno Cityzens chat group where we see player updates and rumours also keeps us connected and has provided some entertainment during this challenging time.”
Darren, who lives more than 5,000 miles away from the Etihad Stadium, also revealed that he has planned to visit Manchester soon, but first hopes that the current situation subsides swiftly.
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“We are headed back to England this year to celebrate my dad’s 90th birthday and of course, a trip to the Etihad is on the agenda,” Darren added.
“But first is that all our prayers are for frontline workers and those affected in sickness, that COVID-19 dissipates quickly. These are our heroes today.
“Secondly, that our favorite players can get back to their jobs, along with the rest of the world, and that we can, once again, appreciate what we briefly lost, and so much enjoy, the beautiful game.”
To find out more about Fresno Cityzens or your local supporters club, visit: supportersclubs.mancity.com.
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