THIS is the site of a much-loved former Premier League ground.
Over 35,000 people were packing the stands before it closed its doors for the last time in 2003.
And its record attendance was a massive 84,569, back in 1934.
It saw two titles lifted on its hallowed turf, though that pales in comparison to the six crowns the team have won in their new stadium.
But it saw more European success than the team’s new home as it hosted their successful 1969-70 Cup Winners’ Cup campaign.
To date, this is the team’s only European trophy. Although that may change very soon.
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All good things had to come to an end, however, and in 2003 they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton as a crowd of 34,957 watched the last ever match at a venue that had seen so much.
A year later, it was demolished to make way for 474 new homes.
That decision was made after a number of club legends said they would rather the stadium be pulled down and the site put to use, than it be left to rot.
But there are still some reminders of the stadium’s heyday.
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The main road through the new development is called Blue Moon Way while Trautmann Close is adjacent to it.
And a plaque marks the exact place where the centre spot used to be.
If you haven’t worked it out yet, the stadium is Maine Road – the former home of Premier League champions Manchester City, who now play across town at the Etihad Stadium.
Much of Maine Road’s memorabilia is now away from the public eye however, in the bedrooms and gardens of thousands of loyal fans.
After the stadium was closed down, an auction was held in which supporters bought items such as seats and signage, raising funds for a new urban village on the site of the former stadium.
At the time, the move from Maine Road to the City of Manchester Stadium was seen as an act of football vandalism by many.
However, after seeing moments such as Aguero’s last minute goal to win the league in 2012 and Pep Guardiola’s team earning 100 points in 2018, the ground now known as the Etihad has grown on supporters.
And had tradition not made way for modernity in 2003, it is questionable whether the takeover that resulted in luring the likes of Guardiola, Aguero and De Bruyne to the blue corner of Manchester would have happened at all.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
