MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS  05/05/2009

Tony Keogh with City legends Gary Od Mike Summerbee.

Dean Kirby

May 05, 2009

A LIFE-LONG City fan who waited 90 years to see his favourite club has made a 7,000 mile round trip to the City of Manchester Stadium.

Tony Keogh went to watch the Blues when he traveled home from Toronto for the first time in 40 years.

The club helped him celebrate his 90th birthday by rolling out the blue carpet and treating him to the finest hospitality.

And the players also obliged by providing him with something to celebrate when they beat Blackburn 3-1.

Tony said: "I rarely get to see live football games, but I do watch the highlights on TV and read the match reports in newspapers.

"However it's no substitute for seeing the beautiful game played live and I was really looking forward to seeing some of the stars I've been hearing so much about, particularly Robinho."

Tony moved to Toronto in 1968 - the same year that City last won the league.

He had been a history teacher in Bolton, but had never visited Maine Road despite being an avid supporter all his life.

He has kept up to date with the Blues' games from his home 3,500 miles away.

City heard about his planned visit and treated him to a table at their Citizens' Suite.

Tony also got to meet City legends Gary Owen and Mike Summerbee.

He said: "It's been a really momentous occasion for me because I was visiting the City of Manchester Stadium for the first time.

"I couldn't think of a better way of celebrating my birthday than the ground of my beloved football team with my friends and family.

"The hospitality has been excellent. I only wish I could enjoy matchday with all the works more often."

David Chell, head of sales at the City of Manchester Stadium, said: "When we heard of Tony's birthday milestone we had to ensure it was celebrated in style. We hope our hospitality, renowned as being one of the best in the Premier League, provided the icing on the cake for his very special day."