Branch News
Branch - Latest News
The MCFC Horrific Triathlon Challenge is now up and running with the event itself being held on Sunday 30th October 2011 
The event involves a half-mile swim, a 7.7 mile cycle ride and a 5 mile run - off road, wet, muddy, dirty !!!!
It will be staged along the banks of the River Mersey from East Didsbury to Sale Water Park - and back.
We are raising funds for the Club's charities through CITC Giving
Hazel Grove Blues have entered 3 teams of 3 into the event and we require your support.
There is a new justgiving web page to start and promote sponsorship for our brave participants - there are 13 teams and 24 individuals - any sponsorship you can promote and raise for them will go to very worthy causes.
For donations - please pass the justgiving address to as many contacts as possible;
http://www.justgiving.com/citctriathlonchallenge
Don't forget to mention your fellow members of Hazel Grove Blues in your message when pledging....Thank you
Kindly sponsored by BRAMBLE DESIGNS
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PRESENTING AN 
EVENING WITH RODNEY MARSH
The branch are very pleased to announce that City legend and football genius RODNEY MARSH will be joining us at our meeting on Monday 21st March 2011. This special event will be held at Zuri Bar starting at 19:30. It is a ticket only event as to ensure we have control of numbers on the night! Members have until Sunday 27th February (Fulham at home) to guarantee their tickets. Non members are more than welcome to come along too. Tickets are priced at £3 each (free raffle ticket included for members). Tickets are selling fast so please do not miss out on what promises to be a great evening!!
For further information or to book your tickets please contact Gaz Stevenson, Roger Booth or Mike Bowden.
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At last Monday's meeting we had a presentation from one of our members Kelvin Mathiesen and his colleague Jonny about junior football coaching sessions based in Hazel Grove
They use qualified football coaches and have links with City and Hazel Grove United, this is grass roots football, open to players from 4 to 14 years. 
They are offering special discounts for Hazel Grove Blues members and the coaching takes place locally. This is a great offer for our juniors to receive top level coaching, please don't forget to book your place now
As a special introductory offer they are offering a FREE TRIAL SESSION on SUNDAY 6TH MARCH at Hazel Grove high School Astroturf area from 11.30 to 12.30. Any standard of player is accepted - they only need to enjoy playing the game. If your children enjoy football then take advantage of this local opportunity
Download flyer to receive your FREE trial session >> First4footy Voucher
To visit their website then please use the link from our Links page
>> http://www.hazelgroveblues.co.uk/page37.htm
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NEIL YOUNG
It is with sadness that we have learnt of the untimely passing away of Neil Young - a true City legend. Here one of our members pays a tribute to this former great
Oh happy days.
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Following the sad news that Neil had been diagnosed with cancer, the Supporters Club decided to try and support Neil and his family at that difficult time. The Supporters Club and the Club decided that the match against Leicester would be part of a tribute to Neil.
Neil was a wonderful player - one of my favourite players of all time - very 
graceful, gliding across the pitch with ease and with a terrific left foot - a fine sight indeed. He visited the branch several years ago - a real gent. The match at Leicester was dedicated as "Red and Black for Nelly", with every City fan who bought a ticket being given a token to exchange for a black and red scarf by making a donation to the Neil Young Appeal. To be part of that 'tribute' day was a pleasure.
There was a plan for all City fans to "do a Poznan" on 24 minutes - the time when Neil Young scored the winning goal in the 1969 Cup Final. The banner "There's only one Neil Young" was being unfurled ready for the moment, when up popped James Milner to equalise with a screaming left foot shot - how poignant indeed. Well, our end of the ground erupted and everybody turned round bouncing up and down "doing the Poznan". What a sight - it was a joy to behold and what a wonderful tribute.
Neil will be sadly missed but never never forgotten, especially by those who had the pleasure to watch him play this graceful game how it should be played. It is hard to compare him to any of the modern day players - truly a one-off. R.I.P Neil.
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For those wishing to donate directly to the Neil Young Appeal a PayPal account has now been set up. To donate this way visit the Supporters Club website www.mcfcsc.com and there is a PayPal button on the homepage
This year's Annual Supporters Club Dinner will be on 11th February and will be a Tribute to Neil Young. Tickets cost includes a voluntary donation to the Neil Young Appeal.
The branch sent a card with our message of support to Neil signed by members at the December 2010 meeting, along with many other supporters and branches and we know Neil was pleased to receive these cards and best wishes.
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C.C.C.C - City Christmas Curry Club
The branch are planning to go for a curry after our home game with Aston Villa on Tuesday 28th December. The buses will leave Mary D's at the usual time of 6pm and will go straight to the restaurant after the Bird. If you are interested then please contact a committee member for more details.
Junior Section Christmas Party
The Junior Section Christmas Party is here again and is on Sunday 12th December. The venue again is the Zuri Bar (opposite the Rising Sun).
The fun starts at 11:30am through to 2pm(ish) with special guests both Moonchester and Moonbeam joining in the fun and our special own Blue Santa! A treat not to be missed.
Free for junior members and only £2.50 for non-members.
If you haven't already given us the names/numbers of children coming, then you can contact Mike at mail@hazelgroveblues.co.uk or Roger at roger@hazelgroveblues.co.uk or contact any other any Committee member (Craig, Gavin, Sheryl, Barbara or Gaz).
We just need to know how many children you will be bringing with you so we can make sure Santa is prepared.
Any help on the day would be appreciated
See you there.
Two of the players took time out to spend an evening at the first player attended Supporters Club meeting of the 10/11 season.
Adam Johnson and Greg Cunningham spent the evening with our branch at Zuri Bar in Hazel Grove. After a signing session they took questions from the audience of nearly 100 people from the Hazel Grove branch of the MCFC Supporters Club. Throughout the season players will be regularly visiting supporters clubs both within Greater Manchester, and further afield.
May we say a big thank you for all that attended and we were so pleased to see a lot of junior members enjoying the evening.
Click Here for full Gallery >> http://www.hazelgroveblues.co.uk/page65.htm
Player Visit Monday 27th September 2010
Player of the year 2010
It is now time for you to be considering our Player of the year for the current season. In addition, you can also vote for the young player of the year.
I will send out the voting forms on a seperate message so please look out for it. All voting papers must be handed in at the next meeting which is at 8pm on Monday 19th April. (NO LATER)
Here is the list of eligible 'young' players to help you choose;
David Ball, Ahmad Benali, Dedryck Boyata, Felipe Caicedo, Chris Chantler, Adam Clayton, Greg Cunningham, Omar Elabdellaoui, John Guidetti, Jeremy Helan, Abdi Ibrahim, Tobias Johanson, Scott Kay, Robbie Mak, Donal McDermott, Ryan McGivern, Ben Mee, Karl Moore, Alex Nimely, James Paris, James Poole, Jack Redshaw, Kieran Trippier, Andrew Tutte, Javan Vidal, Reece Wabara, Vladimir Weiss and James Wood.
Click here to download the form >>
http://www.hazelgroveblues.co.uk/MCFCPlayer.pdf
Well ALOHA!
Our congratulations go out to the new Mr & Mrs. Alan & Jean Johnson who recently got married on September 25th in Hawaii. They are pictured here at their hotel the Mona Surfrider in Waikiki, Ohahu. Alan is sporting his branch polo shirt and flying the flag for City!
Branch Meeting - Monday 16th November
GARY JAMES' first City book was published in April 1989 and since that time he has developed a reputation as Manchester's leading football historian. He has been researching and writing about all aspects of Manchester football for over twenty years and has written several landmark publications and a variety of articles on Manchester.
Gary cares passionately about the history of Manchester City. In 2003 he set up the Club's award winning museum and the following year inaugurated the Manchester City Hall Of Fame, paying due recognition to the Club's biggest stars
JUNIOR CHRISTMAS PARTY 2009
Our junior christmas party has now been arranged on Sunday 13th December. The venue again is Zuri Bar (opposite the rising sun) http://www.zuribar.com/
The fun starts at 11:30am through to 3pm(ish) with special guest Moonchester himself
and our special own Blue Santa !
Our MC for the day will be Budgie who will be spinning his 'wheels of steel'
Please inform a comittee member if you are attending and how many children you will be bringing with you.
Blue Tuesday - GMR 95.10FM
Last Tuesday evening two branch members were invited dowm to the BBC studios in Manchester to present on the 'Blue Tuesday' radio show hosted by Ian Cheeseman and Paul Lake.
The show lasted for an hour and is always very entertaining even more so this week due to Roger and John's involvement.
Here are a few pictures of the them both in the studio and the show is still available on the BBC i-player until Monday 12th October if you missed it.
Click Here to listen >> http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00410tf
Paul - Emily - Roger - John
Our Next Branch Meeting - Monday 21st September
Mr Ian Cheeseman is now cofirmed as our special guest at our next meeting. Please make every effort to attend on the night to give him a 
great Hazel Grove welcome.
Ian has a new book out and is also hosting the 'Blue Tuesday' radio program on BBC radio Manchester.
MASTERS FOOTBALL 2009
This year we have managed to secure some free tickets for this years North West Masters Football Tournament at the MEN Arena with a later than normal 8pm start time. As usual we shall be making a full evening of this as we head to Manchester for some food and drinks and frivolaties before the tournament which City won last year. So please let Mike, Gaz or Gavlar know if you are interested in coming as soon as possible please. That way If more people are coming than we have free tickets then hopefully we will be able to negotiate reduced tickets for the remainder needed and all costs shared equally with every one so no one pays more for their ticket. Kids prices are cheaper so it may work out better to purchase those as they are if you are interested in bringing your kids along.
It will take place on Saturday 25th July, Doors open at 6pm.
More information can be found by clicking here;
http://www.mastersfootball.com/masterscup2009_northwest.htm
Kinky is rumoured to be playing for the Blues on the day.
SUPPORTERS CLUB 5-A-Side COMPETITION 2009
The branch have now entered a team into the CSC/OSC 5-a-side competition at Platt Lane on Saturday 13th June. Team members are now in full training with sessions on Torkington park every week. Anyone interested in becoming involved then please contact Gavin via email blueboy@mancity.net
Branch AGM Meeting - Monday 15th June
Our June AGM branch meeting will see our very own President in attendance. Paul has kindly confirmed that he will be at the Bird in Hand on Monday the 15th June.
Please Please make sure you attend and give your support to both Paul and the branch, this will not just be a Q&A session as Paul will be discussing a couple of forthcoming functions, one being a joint celebration with Poynton for the 20th anniversary of the 5-1 win over you know who.
Paul is heavily involved in the planning of this and at least four other City players from that game should be in attendance.
This function will also be part of our own 10 year branch anniversary, so your efforts to be there will be appreciated.
Player of the Year Awards
The date for this years Player of the Year Awards will be Wednesday 20th May 2009. If you wish to attend then please email Craig ASAP to be sure to get a ticket. Each ticket will be £1 and all the monies will go to a nominated charity.
Craig Email >> craig@hazelgroveblues.co.uk
Please see below to make sure your vote counts
Voting Paper - Player & Young Player of the Year Awards
Please make sure you make your vote count, click on te file below, fill it in and then either email it to mail@hazelgroveblues.co.uk or alternativley, hand it in at the Bird in Hand. We will also will collect them on the day of the Blackburn game.If you are unsure who is eligible for 'young player' and you missed the list that Roger read out last night, then i will post them here shortly.
Download Here >> Player Of The Year - Voting Paper
Clarification for Young Player
A 'young player' is a player under 21 years of age on the 1st August at the start of the current season" i.e. born on or after 1st August 1997 for 2008/09
Dates of birth can be found in the Programme or on the City web site.
According to the list the following first team squad players qualify (in surname alphabetical order):-
Felipe Caceido
Kelvin Etuhu
Ched Evans
Michael Johnson
Shaleum Logan
Micah Richards
Daniel Sturridge
Junior Christmas Party Photo's Now available to View
As you all know, the Junior Christmas party was held on Sunday at a new venue, Zuri bar in Hazel Grove. I would just like to take this opportunity in thanking everyone for turning up, the children all enjoyed themselves. Also, a big thank you to all the helpers on the day, it doesn't work unless people join in and help out.
In addition, a big thank you to Danni and her team at the bar for their hospitality, and i am sure it isn't often that they get to see a 7ft blue character from the moon on their dance floor!
To see the photos from the party, then please click here >> http://www.hazelgroveblues.co.uk/page49.htm
Next Branch Meeting - Date Change
Our next branch meeting will now be on Tuesday 16th December at 8pm. The reason for the change of date is because Joe Corrigan has agreed to attend on the night.
Joe will be bringing a copies of his new book, titled 'BIG JOE' which will be available to purchase and be signed on the night. The book will make an ideal christmas pesent for any football supporter.
Please make sure you all attend and give Joe a warm welcome.
CONRATULATIONS !
To branch member, Shaun Moffat on his recently awarded MSC for computer game programming at Middlesbrough University.
Here is a picture of Shaun in his new kit.
BRANCH FLAG
Our NEW branch flag finally made its debut at our recent away fixture at Hull City. Here is a couple of pictures with it proudly on display.
A massive thankyou and applause for Billy - AKA Bird Flu, and Lynn who kindly put in numerous hours to produce the flag, thank you both again from all at Hazel Grove Blues! http://www.brambledesigns.com/
JUNIOR CHRISTMAS PARTY
Our junior christmas party has now been arranged on Sunday 07th December. The venue is Zuri Bar (opposite the rising sun) http://www.zuribar.com/
The fun starts at 11am through to 2pm(ish) with special guest Moonchester himself
and our special own Blue Santa !
MASTERS FOOTBALL
For the last two years some branch members have gone to watch the Masters Football competition at the MEN Arena. I have been to watch it and it really is a fun day out and well worth attending.
Gavin has access to a 10% discount off advertised ticket costs and is arranging the visit for any branch members that want to go along and support the Blues.
It will take place on Saturday 26th July, Doors open at 6pm.
Tickets are £14 adult, £10 children (less discount of 10%)
More information can be found by clicking here;
http://www.mastersfootball.com/northwestmasters_2008.htm
Ali Benarbia is rumoured to be playing for the Blues on the day.
END OF SEASON CANAL CRUISE
The branch arranged a trip along the
In total 26 members turned up for what was a great day out. We arrived in Whaley Bridge nice and early, where we soon found out it was their local carnival that day. We took refuge in what is normally the Navigation inn, however for one day only it was the Bedrock Bar!
The trip lasted 2.5hrs and we were served lunch half way round. We would like to thank Alan and his merry crew for their kind hospitality on the day.
Here are a few photos of the day, more to follow on the gallery page......
SUPPORTERS CLUB 5-A-Side COMPETITION 2008
On Saturday 14th July the branch entered two teams into the CSC/OSC 5-a-side competition in July, although neither team won, all branch members that took part enjoyed the day. At the end of the competition, won by Rotherham branch, Neil Young was the special guest to hand out the winners and runners up medals. Better look next year boys.....
SPECIAL VISITOR FROM HOLLAND
Last Saturday's final game of the season against Fulham, allowed the branch to play host to a special visitor who is in Manchester on work experience from Amsterdam. Frank Koningen, travelled with us to witness our last bizzare home game, Frank had already been across to Goodison park during his stay, however he was really looking forward to visiting COMS.
There are some photo's on the gallery page of the day, and below is a meesage from Fank who kindly emailed us on Sunday.
Craig,
First of all. Thank you very much for this day. It was not only the match but everything was great. From the pub to the stadium and back in the pub. A day that I won't forget. 
First something about me.
I'm Frank 20 years old. I live in Hoofddorp. That's 5 miles from Amsterdam. My football club that I support is Ajax. My course is Finance. In our education we have some training periods. Some people can do some experience in a foreign country. I was placed by Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport. I have a training period of 8 weeks. I stay by a host family in Hazel Grove.
Saturday 26th.
11.15 started the day in the pub where I meet Nigel. Craig had bring me to the other pub. Were I came in the "citizens people". What a nice people. I came alone and comeback with a lot new friends. Great! Then the reason why I came. The match between Manchester City and Fulham. What a beautifull stadiam! Almost the Amsterdam Arena! The match was good only the result was a little bit disapointed. Back at the pub we took some pints before I went to the restaurant with 2 families. It was a a very nice day and will thank all of you!
Thank you very much! Frank.
CHARITY WALK
St Annes Hospice are currently organising a Manchester Midnight Walk at the moment, which will take place at the City of Manchester Stadium and I wondered whether any branch members would like to take part.
The Midnight Walk will be one of their biggest fundraising events of the year and takes place on Friday 23rd May at midnight, leaving from the City of Manchester Stadium on a 10km route around the city centre and finishing again back at the stadium. We are very excited for a great event and are hoping a few celebs will join us too.
I've attached a flyer giving more information and our website address is http://www.manchestermidnightwalk.org.uk/
please email Craig at craig@hazelgroveblues.co.uk and maybe we can put in a group application.
BRANCH MEETINGS
Our next meeting will be on;
Monday 19th May
commencing at 8pm
Junior Section Children's Party
Click the link to view the Album
