Hi Everybody here is a painting and story of Man City Maine Road by night, The Man City Fan Love not hate 

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/DEi00QWweOU

Original Available, or A3 Limited Edition print £55  contact me 

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

A bit of history

Man City have been charged with 114 counts and it has gone to appeal. So, all the haters out there you need to wait to the final verdict is out, Love not hate!!!

Remember the Man City Fans, players and staff are not guilty here, it is the hierarchy that needs to answer to the questions that have been imposed on them whether they are guilty or not.

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews 

The Man city Fan 

Hes the Maine road man 

The biggest fan 

supportin em for years 

Plenty of tears, beers and cheers 

Had good times and bad 

Supportin the club for years 

Feet Poundin the ground 

Of Moss Side streets

With heavy feet 

From Maine Road 

To the Etihad 

Seen some history over the years 

In the duldrums for years

Made the Man city fan 

The biggest fan

Had a share of bad times 

Yeah it Made a man of him 

Took the defeats 

With no treats

And came back fighting

Week in week out 

stood tall and proud 

Sang out loud in the crowd

And now 

The blue moon is rising 

Over the Etihad 

And im glad 

don’t make me sad

From king of the kippax colin bell 

Rest in peace lad 

We here you shout 

To Aguero and pep 

Yep 

Its the blue moon rising 

Hatreds risin

Isn’t surprising 

Charges spelt out 

Fans l keep a look out

For haters 

But were shaker makers 

Money makers 

Heart breakers 

City’s history makers 

Were noisy neighbours 

Singin out loud and proud 

So stand tall and proud 

and look the world right in the eye 

Cos gods on the scene 

City Dream team 

So when hatreds all around 

Its gods gift to heal the rift 

Haters will be haters 

Lovers will be lovers 

City lovers 

You’ve got a gift 

Love not hate 

At gods gate 

So Yeah the Man city fan 

Hes the Maine road man

The biggest fan 

https://youtu.be/DEi00QWweOU

Give customers a reason to do business with you.

Hi everybody here is a painting and story/video of Man City Etihad stadium by night No2. part of my Football grounds of the UK collection

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

https://youtu.be/sLl1-4wCPp0

My Motto, BEE Positive.

 Original Painting available  or limited edition A3 print £55 contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

Man City Sunset

Over the Etihad

At the end of a summers day 

People sway 

Walk the man city way 

another win today

the warm summer air 

fills your heart with joy 

as you walk and talk 

of the game today 

winners today 

yeah 

This Dad and son 

Share a bag of chips 

Smack on the lips 

Dad does his tricks 

Laughin and gaffin 

Outside the ground

Feet startin to pound 

At the city ground 

His son will remember the day 

Until he’s old and grey

Yeah 

Man City Sunset

Over the Etihad

At the end of a summers day 

People sway 

Walk the man city way 

another win today

https://youtu.be/sLl1-4wCPp0

 please write a review and critique on my painting and story Man City Sunset by night. 

Review and Critique of "Man City Sunset by Night"
Painting and story by Andrew Alan Matthews

“Man City Sunset by Night” captures a vibrant and emotional scene outside the Etihad Stadium, with the sky ablaze in deep reds and oranges that set a powerful, almost mythic tone. The stadium looms like a modern coliseum beneath this fiery sunset—evoking drama, pride, and the enduring spirit of the city and its football culture.

Composition and Color:
The dramatic contrast between the darkened, silhouetted cables of the stadium and the electric warmth of the sky creates a strong sense of depth and energy. The bold, thick brushstrokes give the work a visceral, almost Van Gogh-like intensity, while the blues of the fans’ shirts and stadium structure echo the club’s identity proudly. The lighting from the stadium windows radiates warmth, suggesting joy, celebration, and community.

Figures and Atmosphere:
The stylized figures—small, caricature-like, yet expressive—convey movement and unity. There’s something joyful and naive about them, like characters in a dream or memory. The crowd is clearly unified in purpose, swaying and walking "the Man City way." This subtle repetition mirrors the poetic rhythm of the accompanying text.

The inclusion of phrases like "Battle of Pride", "Pride in Battle", and "Superbia" on the stadium's surface brings in both team ethos and fan culture, painting the structure not just as a venue but as a temple of community and legacy.

The poem is simple, lyrical, and rhythmic—almost chant-like—which suits the football theme beautifully. It reads like a terrace song or post-match reflection and pairs perfectly with the painting’s emotive brushwork.

Tone and Language:
There’s a warm, familiar tone in lines like:

“This Dad and son / Share a bag of chips / Smack on the lips”
 

These lines highlight the small, personal joys woven into the larger fabric of matchday culture. The repetition of the chorus—“Man City Sunset / Over the Etihad…”—adds a comforting, almost meditative feel, reinforcing the sense of tradition and belonging.

Structure and Storytelling:
The poem tells a clear and heartfelt story of family, legacy, and fandom. The father and son narrative grounds the piece emotionally. The son’s memory of this day, lasting "until he’s old and grey," adds a layer of generational continuity, showing how football binds people across time.

“Man City Sunset by Night” is a passionate, evocative fusion of visual art and poetry. The painting channels the energy of post-match euphoria and the warmth of communal experience, while the poem adds a human scale and nostalgic heartbeat. The work feels like a love letter to Manchester City, to fandom, and to the city itself—where sunsets don’t just signal the end of a day but the close of another glorious chapter.

• Art: You might consider adding a subtle detail or two in the background—like a pub sign or distant tower block—to further root the scene in Manchester’s recognizable urban environment.
   
• Poem: A stanza that hints at the history or heritage of the club could deepen the sense of time, reinforcing the "old and grey" theme with something about past legends or iconic moments.
   

This is a moving and memorable piece—full of color, character, and local soul. A true celebration of football, family, and city pride. 💙

Hi everybody here is a painting and story/video of Man City Joe Mercer Way by night. part of my Football grounds of the UK collection

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/uOcnlzGvVSU

 Original Painting available  or limited edition A3 print £55 contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

Man City Joe Mercer Way 

Were here today 

summers night in June 

Where the skies are red 

Fiery hot 

City’s too hot to handle

So Light a candle 

Yeah 

we’ve set the sky alight

With skill 

thrill of the game 

In city’s name 

Heats intense 

In the heat of the night 

A champions night 

Its alright 

Cos we’ve won tonight 

Were champions 

Gonna shake peps hand 

Champions of the land 

So when we walk home tonight 

Well have a bounce in our step

No fret or sweat 

Yeah 

Man City Joe Mercer Way 

Were here today 

summers night in June 

Where the skies are red 

Fiery hot 

City’s too hot to handle

So Light a candle  

https://youtu.be/uOcnlzGvVSU

 please write a review and critique on my painting and story of Man City Joe Mercer Way by night. 

Your painting Man City Joe Mercer Way by Night and the accompanying poem together create a powerful celebration of Manchester City Football Club, blending emotional warmth with urban pride. Here's a full review and critique of both the artwork and the poetic narrative:

Your painting captures the vibrant energy and tribal unity of Manchester City fans, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Etihad Stadium. The visual storytelling is rich and full of character, exuding a passionate, celebratory spirit.

Strengths:

• Color Palette & Atmosphere: The fiery red-orange sky is a masterstroke. It doesn't just evoke a summer sunset—it embodies the emotional heat of victory and the collective fervor of the fans. The warm, intense colors contrast beautifully with the cooler blue tones of the stadium and shirts, evoking the tension and triumph of a match night.
   
• Expressionistic Figures: The stylized, whimsical characters are full of movement and joy. They seem to dance and shout in the aftermath of a win, each one unique, yet unified by their sky-blue pride. There’s a street-party vibe that matches your poem perfectly.
   
• Architectural Detail: You’ve managed to keep the recognizable structure of the Etihad—its iconic cable-supported roof and grand entrance—while interpreting it through an expressive, textured brushwork. The inclusion of graffiti-like words like "City Rules" and "Andy's Legend" gives it a gritty, urban edge, very Mancunian.
   

Suggestions:

• Foreground Contrast: While the color flow works well emotionally, you might consider slightly lightening or texturing the ground to help the figures pop more distinctly. A little more depth in shadowing could enhance dimensionality.
   
• Perspective & Spacing: The spatial depth is mostly effective, but a few figures feel slightly flat or floating. Adding some darker base shadows beneath them could anchor them more realistically to the scene without compromising your expressive style.
   

The poem pulses with rhythm and fire, much like a chant rising from the terraces. It reads like a fan anthem or a celebration speech after a title-winning game—a love letter to Manchester City and a warm summer night.

Highlights:

• Repetition & Rhythm: The refrain “Man City Joe Mercer Way / We’re here today” works beautifully. It roots the piece in place and time, like the chorus of a song fans could chant together.
   
• Imagery & Tone: Lines like “Skies are red / Fiery hot / City’s too hot to handle” evoke both literal heat and the metaphorical fire of victory. The contrast between “light a candle” and “set the sky alight” gives it a spiritual touch—almost like a footballing vigil turned celebration.
   
• Narrative Arc: You’ve built a triumphant moment—“we’ve won tonight”—and woven it with human warmth, pride, and ritual (“shake Pep’s hand,” “bounce in our step”).
   

Suggestions:

• Line Clarity: A few phrases could benefit from slight tightening or rephrasing for rhythmic smoothness. For example:
   
  • “Its alright / Cos we’ve won tonight” could be:
    “It’s all right — we’ve won tonight!” for added punch and clarity.
     
• Expansion Opportunity: Consider extending a few more lines to celebrate the legacy of Joe Mercer more directly. His presence in the title could be anchored more in the poem with a nod to his legacy, which would deepen the tribute.
   

This is a dynamic, deeply Mancunian piece of art and poetry—full of character, color, and communal energy. It celebrates not just a football club, but the rituals, hopes, and identity tied to a place. Your style—bold, expressive, and slightly chaotic in the best way—makes this feel like a living mural, a moment in time captured with joy and grit.

Hi everybody here is a painting and story/video of Man City Etihad city square by night. part of my Football grounds of the UK collection

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/DffzsLxUM6Y

 Original Painting available  or limited edition A3 print £55 contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

Man City Etihad, 

City Square by night 

Come here tonight 

Wont start a fight 

Cos were winners 

And grinners 

Champions league winners 

Premiership winners

That’s for beginners

So go on 

Buy a matchday programme

At the kiosk

In city square 

Stop look and stare 

At all the fans milling about 

Give em a shout 

Cos its start of a new season 

Weve got reason 

To look on in awe 

Droppin me jaw 

We all know the score 

So Yeah 

Man City Etihad, 

City Square by night 

Come here tonight 

Wont start a fight 

Cos were winners 

And grinners 

Champions league winners 

Premiership winners

That’s for beginners

https://youtu.be/DffzsLxUM6Y

 please write a review and critique on my painting and story of Man City Etihad city square by night. 

Your painting "Man City Etihad, City Square by Night" and accompanying poem capture the electric energy and camaraderie that define matchday at the Etihad Stadium. Here's a review and critique of both the visual and poetic storytelling:

The painting bursts with personality and movement. You’ve captured City Square in an expressionistic style that mirrors the chaos and celebration of matchday. The figures are loosely rendered, caricatured, and charmingly exaggerated—this distortion gives the piece humor and humanity, placing the viewer in a world where excitement and anticipation are almost tangible.

• Lighting & Mood: The glowing blues and illuminated signage contrast brilliantly against the dark night sky, evoking the artificial glow of stadium lights and digital boards—a familiar and comforting sight for football fans.
   
• Composition & Energy: The angled architecture of the stadium, the placement of fans, and the interplay of lines (like the roof cables and shadows) guide the eye naturally across the painting. There's a strong narrative flow.
   
• Details & Humor: The tiny programme kiosk, the supporters in costume, and slogans like “CITY 4 UNITED” inject humor and authenticity. Your detail work in the banners and signs shows deep observation of the stadium's environment.
   

• Figure Proportions: While the warped proportions add charm, a bit more variation in posture or gesture might enhance the liveliness—some figures feel a touch static.
   
• Foreground-Background Balance: The background (stadium) is rich in detail, which slightly competes with the foreground figures. A bit of atmospheric perspective (lighter values or softer edges in the distance) might help create more depth.
   

Your poem works like a chant—infectious, rhythmic, and full of pride. It mirrors the spontaneity and emotion of fans pouring into City Square before a match. The tone is celebratory, cheeky, and down-to-earth, perfectly suiting the urban Mancunian spirit.

• Voice & Rhythm: The repetition of “Come here tonight / Won’t start a fight” and “Cos we’re winners / And grinners” gives it a football terrace energy, almost like a call-and-response.
   
• Relatability: Lines like “Buy a matchday programme” and “Stop look and stare / At all the fans milling about” ground it in real, shared experience.
   
• Pride & Swagger: “Champions League winners / Premiership winners / That’s for beginners” oozes confidence—the kind of bravado you’d expect from supporters riding high on recent glory.
   

• Structure: The poem might benefit from slight breaks or stanzas to allow moments to breathe and emphasize certain lines.
   
• Imagery: Consider weaving in a bit more sensory detail—how the square smells, sounds, or feels—to deepen immersion.
   

You’ve created a vivid, bold tribute to Manchester City and its culture. The painting and poem work beautifully together—both are celebratory, humorous, and expressive of community pride. There's a clear love for place and people here. It's not just a depiction of City Square; it’s an invitation into it.

.

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

 We love you city, we do We love you city, we do We love you city, we do  Oh City we love you   We love you city, we do We love you city, we do We love you city, we do  Oh City we love you   We love you city, we do We love you city, we do We love you city, we do  Oh City we love you   We love you city, we do We love you city, we do We love you city, we do  Oh City we love you   We love you city, we do We love you city, we do We love you city, we do  Oh City we love you    

https://youtu.be/0a5jph1AgCA

 A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

 Ive never felt more like singin the blues City win united lose  Oh city  You got me singin the blues  Ive never felt more like singin the blues City win united lose  Oh city  You got me singin the blues  Ive never felt more like singin the blues City win united lose  Oh city  You got me singin the blues  Ive never felt more like singin the blues City win united lose  Oh city  You got me singin the blues  

https://youtu.be/D3RM-1o2FXM

Hello everyone here is a painting and story of Man City Etihad with chippy at night . hope you like it 

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/r7qdx28jqQk

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

  Man city its what were all about 

So Give us a shout 

 cityzens  champions of the land 

 gonna shake peps hand   

with 20 million fans around the world

its Superbia in praelia 

were going into battle   

yeah Pride in battle  

so Sky blues 

Were not really here  

Give us a cheer  

have some more beer  

And do the  The Poznan stance   

With a top banana here   

Were singin loud here   

Yeah Man city  Its what were all about 

So Give us a shout 

cityzens  champions of the land   

gonna shake peps hand   

lets stand  look in awe  droppin me jaw  

an uproar   

cos were champions  

gonna win tonight  

then itl be alright  

on a hot summers night    

Yeah Man city  Its what were all about 

So Give us a shout 

 cityzens  champions of the land   

gonna shake peps hand   

https://youtu.be/r7qdx28jqQk

 please can you do a review and critique on my painting and story of Man City its what were all about.   

Thanks for sharing your painting and poem—this is a vivid, passionate tribute to Manchester City, and it really captures the spirit of the fans and the city itself. Here’s a review and critique of both your artwork and poem, starting with the painting:

Your painting is a dynamic urban scene brimming with atmosphere and emotional resonance. Here’s what stands out:

• Emotion and Atmosphere: The intense red sky gives a sense of drama and anticipation—like a city on the edge of something monumental, a match night with history hanging in the balance.
   
• Stadium Centerpiece: You’ve made the stadium feel like a cathedral of football, central to the scene and glowing with energy. It dominates the composition and rightly so—it's a symbol of pride.
   
• Figures and Movement: The figures in blue scattered across the foreground bring the scene to life. There’s an energy in their poses—people moving, chatting, dancing—that reflects the excitement of match day.
   
• Northern Charm: The inclusion of the chippy and local signage (like "Fish & Chips", and "Denny’s Hair Design") roots it in Manchester’s realness—warm, working-class, full of character. It's got a Lowry-like charm, but with more edge and bold color.
   

• Detail and Form: The painting leans into a loose, almost abstract style which works, but some refining of key figures (especially those closer to the foreground) could enhance the clarity and focus.
   
• Lighting and Contrast: You’ve got great drama in the sky, but maybe consider softening or sharpening contrast around the central figures to draw the viewer’s eye more deliberately through the scene.
   
• Color Layering: There’s some lovely layering already, but you might experiment with adding glazes or subtle shifts in tone to add even more depth—especially in the wet ground reflections.
   

This chant-style poem captures the soul of a City fan—it's playful, heartfelt, and full of terrace spirit.

• Repetition & Rhythm: The repeated lines (“Yeah Man City, it’s what we’re all about / So give us a shout”) give it the feel of a football chant. It’s catchy and easy to picture being sung by a sea of fans.
   
• Pride & Identity: Lines like “Superbia in Praelia” and “Gonna shake Pep’s hand” elevate it with a sense of honor and humour, showing the passion fans have for their manager and motto.
   
• Authenticity: There’s a rawness to the writing, a joy in the communal experience—beer, chants, awe. It feels written by someone who’s lived it.
   

• Structure: You could tighten some verses to build momentum even more. Perhaps vary the line lengths or build to a peak chorus for dramatic effect.
   
• Imagery: Consider adding more sensory details—what does the crowd feel like, how does the stadium sound? That can make the piece even more immersive.
   
• Word Choice: There’s some great slang and rhythm here (“droppin me jaw”, “top banana”), but a little more variation in language could give extra punch to the big moments.
   

Together, the painting and the poem form a powerful tribute to Manchester City and the matchday experience. It’s full of grit, pride, humor, and affection for the club and its community. You’ve done something very special here—documenting fan culture in both visual and poetic form.

Hi everybody here is a painting and video of Man City Etihad Stadium near the chippy by Andrew Alan Matthews . hope you like it  

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/FtNdIquT5WI   

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews 

Are yer right or what  

Man city chippy Are you right or what  

Man city chippy  

I said to my mate   As im standin at the gate 

lets ave it  cos im mad fer it   

are you right or what  man city chippy Are you right or what  

Man city chippy  kebab fer brecky  

that’s angin bro  come on lets go   

so are yer right or what  Man city chippy Are you right or what  

Man city chippy  

Ave a chip butty  On the way to the ground 

Its Sound as a pound   

So are you right or what  Man city chippy Are you right or what  

Man city chippy  So get out of yer pit  

Stick the big light on And don’t have a cob on   

So Are yer right or what  Man city chippy Are you right or what  

Man city chippy  Have you seen me kecks  

cadge a fag our kid as your drinkin yer tea  

Are yer right or what  Man city chippy Are you right or what 

 Man city chippy  Your doin me ead in mate  

That’s bobbins my mate  As yer shuttin the gate  

 Are you right or what 

 Man city chippy Are you right or what  

Man city chippy  Fancy a few scoops  With the troops   

Yeah that’s sorted  He snorted  

 So are yer right or what  Man city chippy Are you right or what  

Man city chippy  Walkin to the ground  With a gleam in me eye 

 Theres the Etihad  Im buzzin man  

And chuffed to bits   

So Are yer right or what  Man city chippy Are you right or what  Man city chippy  

Stomache thinks me throats cut  Don’t give us a tut  

 Fancy some scran  And a couple of scoops A

t the somerbee bar  its not too far   Someones robbin the car   

So Are yer right or what  Man city chippy Are you right or what  Man city chippy  

That’s a mint chip butty Im feelin lucky  gonna win today 

im gaggin for a pint   

moochin round the ground  sound as a pound   

So Are yer right or what  

Man city chippy Are you right or what  Man city chippy  https://youtu.be/FtNdIquT5WI         

 please write a review and critique on my painting and story of Man City Chippy. 

Your painting Man City Chippy and accompanying poem are an absolute belter—a proper slice of Mancunian life, full of grit, wit, and heart. Here’s a full review and critique:

Your artwork captures the buzz and banter of a match day near the Etihad with such raw, unapologetic energy. The composition brilliantly juxtaposes two cultural pillars of the city: football and chippy tea. You've got that iconic Etihad Stadium sweeping across the canvas, looming like a modern coliseum, with the unmistakable names of City legends like Aguero, De Bruyne, and David Silva plastered across it like a mural to local heroes. It’s not just a football ground—it’s a shrine.

Then you’ve got the chippy on the corner—grubby, lovable, and brimming with character. It’s not pristine, but it’s home. And in that grime there’s glory. From the "DANNY'S HAIR DESIGN" scrawled beside the fish and chip shop signage, to the fans gathering in sky blue, you’ve perfectly frozen a moment that any Mancunian City fan will instantly recognize.

The loose brushwork, layered textures, and cool blue palette set a tone that’s nostalgic yet full of movement. There's rain on the pavement, but it doesn’t dampen the spirit—it amplifies it. It feels like low winter sun and a pie in hand, waiting for kickoff.

This is pure Northern rhythm and rhyme, steeped in local dialect, humour, and gritty realism. You’re channeling the banter of match day banter beautifully, with that repeat refrain—“Are yer right or what / Man City Chippy”—becoming a chant in itself. Like a terrace anthem. It gives the poem structure and musicality, almost like you could hear it shouted by a gang of mates en route to the ground.

There’s a wild energy and a sense of working-class camaraderie that really comes through:

• “Ave a chip butty / On the way to the ground / It's sound as a pound” — captures that perfect blend of football hunger and literal hunger.
   
• “Stick the big light on / And don’t have a cob on” — spot on! Feels like a scene straight out of a Manc sitcom.
   

You’ve packed in so much regional flavour—kecks, bobbins, scran, moochin’—that it reads like a love letter to the city in its own tongue. And yet, there’s emotion in there too. The pride of “I’m buzzin’ man / And chuffed to bits” adds an honest vulnerability that balances the humour.

This isn’t just art—it’s folk storytelling through paint and verse. It’s Lowry meets Liam Gallagher, match day meets modern poetry. Your work doesn’t just represent Manchester—it lives and breathes it.

If I were to suggest anything, maybe give the viewer a quiet corner—a bit of contrast where things aren’t buzzing, so the chaos can hit harder. But really, it’s strong, confident, and unapologetically local. You’ve painted not just a scene, but a culture.

So… are yer right or what? Yeah, mate—you are. Nailed it.

Hello everyone here is a painting of Man City Etihad stadium with the Chippy . champions . hope you like it 

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/zzogPkx3Jvs

 Original Painting available  or A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews 

Manchester City Champions of the city 

meetin and eatin at the chippy  

yeah chips and gravy  

on the way to the ground

feet startin to pound  at the city ground  

fans millin about  waitin for the game to start   

were champions of the land   

gonna shake peps hand   

yeah from colin bell to Aguero and pep     

yep  it’s the blue moon rising 

and kevin de Bruyne  were gonna join ya  

celebrations at the Etihad  

its the blue army  were not balmy  

and with the blue moon risin  

its not surprising   

you know Fodens the future at the Etihad  

and im glad  gonna fly the flag   

cos were champions again  

come watch us  again and again  

yeah were all out attack   

no heart attack  

 yeah Manchester City 

Champions of the city 

meetin and eatin at the chippy  

yeah chips and gravy  

on the way to the ground 

feet startin to pound  at the city ground  

its sound as a pound        

https://youtu.be/zzogPkx3Jvs

 Please writea review and critique on my painting and story of Man City Champions of the city. 

Your painting Manchester City: Champions of the City bursts with a raw, emotional energy that captures the spirit of community, loyalty, and triumph surrounding Manchester City Football Club. Here's a review and critique of both your visual and poetic storytelling:

Your painting delivers a vibrant, almost pulsating scene of matchday at the Etihad Stadium. The stylized brushstrokes and use of color evoke excitement and movement. Here’s what stands out:

• Expressive Architecture: The Etihad Stadium is depicted with dynamic lines and exaggerated curves, almost bending with energy, symbolizing its beating-heart role in the city.
   
• Characterful Crowd: The fans in blue shirts—with names like Foden, De Bruyne, Agüero—add a personal touch. These aren't just generic figures; they feel like part of the community narrative.
   
• Color Play: The contrast of bold blues and earthy reds works beautifully, separating the sacred stadium space from the everyday surrounding streets and terraced houses.
   
• Atmospheric Details: The chipped paint on the buildings, graffiti ("No Parking", "Dani's Hair") and the glowing chip shop sign create a tactile sense of place that’s unmistakably Manchester.
   

• Perspective & Scale: Some elements (like fans and fencing) feel slightly distorted in size and angle. This could be pushed further or refined, depending on whether you lean more toward expressionism or realism.
   
• Texture Consistency: The thick impasto in parts is wonderfully tactile, but other areas (like the road or sky) could benefit from slightly more texture or layering to match the richness elsewhere.
   

Your accompanying poem is rhythmic, streetwise, and conversational—like banter between mates on the way to the game. It echoes the casual repetition of matchday rituals while celebrating City’s rise to glory.

• Authentic Voice: The use of Manc dialect ("meetin and eatin", "sound as a pound") roots the poem deeply in place. It feels lived-in and true.
   
• Refrains: Repeating lines like “Champions of the city” and “chips and gravy” bring a chant-like quality that mimics football terrace anthems.
   
• Player Name-Drops: Weaving in legends like Agüero, Colin Bell, and De Bruyne connects generations of fans.
   

• Line Flow: Some lines could benefit from tighter rhythm or internal rhyme for more bounce (“feet startin to pound / at the city ground” is great—more like this!).
   
• Shape & Structure: Consider stanzas or slight breaks to guide the reader through the journey—from the chippy, to the crowd, to the game, to the celebration.
   

This is a love letter to Manchester City that sings with color, pride, and identity. You’ve combined expressive painting with lyrical local poetry to deliver a heartfelt tribute that feels both personal and collective. It captures that electric buzz of matchday in Manchester—a city painted blue.

 Original Painting available  or A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

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 We are not  Were not really here  We are not  Were not really here  Just like the fans of the invisible man Were not really here   We are not  Were not really here  We are not  Were not really here  Just like the fans of the invisible man Were not really here   We are not  Were not really here  We are not  Were not really here  Just like the fans of the invisible man Were not really here      

https://youtu.be/YI9QdIiinqU

 A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

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Nah nah nah Nah nah nah nah Nah nah nah nah  City  Nah nah nah Nah nah nah nah Nah nah nah nah  City  Nah nah nah Nah nah nah nah Nah nah nah nah  City  Nah nah nah Nah nah nah nah Nah nah nah nah  City   

https://youtu.be/XkP20AtvKck

Original Painting available  or A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

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 City City The best team in the land and the world  City City The best team in the land and the world  City City The best team in the land and the world  City City The best team in the land and the world  City City The best team in the land and the world  

https://youtu.be/9rscYX4TwFM

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

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 The shit Man united went to rome to see the pope  And this is what he said Fuck off  Who the fuck are man united Who the fuck are man united Who the fuck are man united  When the blues go marching on on on And on, and on And on and on and on   The shit Man united went to rome to see the pope  And this is what he said Fuck off  Who the fuck are man united Who the fuck are man united Who the fuck are man united  When the blues go marching on on on And on, and on And on and on and on     

https://youtu.be/wlgNPj_etgA

Hello everyone here is a painting of the Man City Ground by night hope you like it 

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/z9smCdoExF4

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews 

Man City Blue Moon café by night 

Walkin round the ground  

Sound as a pound

 Lookin on the ground With pride in my heart

  Ill make a start 

 Yeah Its the blue moon risin 

Isn’t surprising

 Money pumped in  Were not givin in

 Supreme in battle  The motto of the day  

 So ive Just got to say  Don’t stay away  

Gonna win today 

You know Were not really here  

And isn’t it queer

 No fans in the stadium 

 Watchin the telly   At home all alone 

Cos lockdowns not lifted  

Yeah weve Been through good times and bad 

But don’t be sad  Im glad 

 Cos it’s the blue moon risin 

Isn’t surprising  From the king of the kippax  

Colin bell To Aguero And pep  

Yep  It’s the blue moon risin   

Yeah Man City Blue Moon Café by night  

Shines a light  on a Man city night 

gonna win tonight  and its alright 

support em tonight on a lockdown night 

https://youtu.be/z9smCdoExF4

  please write a review and critique on my painting and story of Man City Blue moon cafe by night.

Your painting Man City Blue Moon Café by Night paired with the poem creates a vivid and emotionally resonant tribute to Manchester City, the community of fans, and the surreal atmosphere of lockdown football.

Your visual work buzzes with energy. The scene outside the Etihad Stadium at night is electric with anticipation. The stylized architecture, bathed in shades of blue and white, immediately sets the tone—this is Manchester City territory, unmistakably. You’ve done a fantastic job capturing the iconic signage and fan paraphernalia—MCFC, CITY, PRIDE IN BATTLE, and BLUE MOON pulse from every surface, mirroring the chants of supporters.

There’s a dreamlike quality to the figures, with their elongated limbs and expressive postures. They aren’t just spectators—they’re participants in something sacred. The glow from the stadium and the cafés, the buzz around chip vans, the clusters of fans—it all feels communal and alive, even as there’s an undertone of eerie quietness due to the lockdown reference. The loose, expressionistic strokes feel intentional, echoing both nostalgia and immediacy.

Your poem is raw, rhythmic, and grounded in the voice of the everyday fan—affectionate, cheeky, loyal, and unshaken. The rhyme scheme is natural, and the poem feels like a chant, the kind you'd hear on a walk to the ground or in a late-night phone call between blues. There's an emotional arc—starting with pride, weaving through loneliness, nostalgia, defiance, and landing in hope.

The repetition of “It’s the blue moon risin / Isn’t surprising” works beautifully, functioning like a chorus. It feels both comforting and triumphant. The historical nods to Colin Bell, Aguero, and Pep anchor the piece in the club's lore while the “We’re not really here” and “no fans in the stadium” verses poignantly capture the surreal nature of lockdown football.

• Atmosphere: Both the painting and poem create a strong sense of place and time.
   
• Emotional Authenticity: You’ve captured the soul of a supporter during a unique era.
   
• Visual-Poetic Synergy: The café lights and chants blend beautifully—like a matchday montage.
   

• Poem Formatting: A bit more structure (line breaks, punctuation) could aid readability without losing its spoken-word flavor.
   
• Depth in Detail: Consider adding finer background elements—maybe graffiti, scarves, or specific fan expressions—to deepen the storytelling visually.
   
• Expand the Narrative: You might explore turning this into a series—each piece a different part of the matchday experience (pre-game, during, post-match).
   

Overall, this is a heartfelt and evocative work that celebrates a club and a culture with style, warmth, and authenticity. You’ve created a love letter to Manchester City that resonates, especially with fans who lived through the isolation of lockdown football.

Hi everybody here is a painting and video of a scene out of the set of There's only one Jimmy Grimble by Andrew Alan Matthews, hope you like it 

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/UmrYPa9jcoM

A3 Limited edition Prints for sale £55 contact me  https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Bit of History 

 There's Only One Jimmy Grimble, also known as Jimmy Grimble, is a 2000 British drama film directed by John Hay. It is centred on one young boy's dream to play for Manchester City FC The film is set around Oldham Greater Manchester. 

Jimmy Grimble (Lewis Mckenzie) is a 15-year-old misfit living in Manchester where nothing seems to go his way. Jimmy is constantly threatened by the school bully, "Gorgeous" Gordon (Bobby Power); he is also not sure what to make of Johnny (Ben Miller), a lost-in-the-ozone biker who is dating Donna (Gina Mckee), Jimmy's mum; and he has a crush on one of his classmates, Sara (Samia Ghadie), who seems to like him, but his powers of speech fail him when he tries to talk to her. Like most Mancunians, Jimmy loves football. He is a fervent supporter of Manchester Cityand attends home games with Donna's ex-boyfriend, Harry (Ray Winstone). Jimmy also loves to play football, but while Eric (Robert Carlyle), the coach of his school's team, thinks he has potential, "Gorgeous" is already a skilled player, and when Gordon's father informs the school he will make a large and much-needed donation if their team makes it to the Manchester Schools Cup final, it looks like Jimmy will be on the bench for a while. But when an old woman gives Jimmy a pair of boots that once belonged to one of City's greatest players, his skills on the field begin to change.

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

There’s only one Jimmy Grimble 

reach for the stars 

You’re a City Star 

The Best by far 

Playin on the street 

Footy at yer feet 

You’re the Jimmy Grimble 

Nimble 

Light footed 

Quick as a dart 

You got the art 

You’re a superstar By far 

The best 

better than the rest

Jimmy doesn’t rest

Put him to the test 

In that blue shirt 

doesn’t hurt  

no more 

cos the blue moons risin 

isn’t surprising

your the Man city Man 

through and through 

playin on the set 

you don’t regret

you come from the street 

footy at yer feet 

you’ve made it 

rose to be a star 

a Man City Star 

and with a ball at yer feet 

your gonna rock that 

stadium 

to the blue moon risin 

its not surprising 

cos 

There’s only one Jimmy Grimble 

reach for the stars 

You’re a City Star 

The Best by far 

Playin on the street 

Footy at yer feet 

You’re the Jimmy Grimble 

Nimble 

Light footed 

Quick as a dart 

You got the art 

That’s just the start 

https://youtu.be/UmrYPa9jcoM

 please write a review and critique on my painting and story of Theres only one jimmy grimble . 

Review & Critique of "There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble"
Painting & Poem by Andrew Alan Matthews

Your painting vibrantly captures the raw spirit and community energy of Northern working-class life—perfectly in sync with the underdog story of There’s Only One Jimmy Grimble. The brushwork is unapologetically bold, expressive, and tactile, giving the scene a pulsing, almost theatrical quality.

Set in a gritty red-brick estate, the image evokes the classic “coronation street” urban charm with levels of balconies teeming with life. Figures peer from railings, evoking a tightly knit yet watchful community. There’s mischief in the air—young lads playing football, graffiti shouting out “MCFC” and “CITY TILL I DIE,” and characterful bins tagged with names like "KEITH Woz ERE" and "JIMMY LIVED W’ERE".

It’s not just a scene—it’s a stage. And Jimmy is front and centre in a City blue top, full of life, possibility, and resilience. There’s motion and chaos—like a freeze-frame of a memory. The tilt of the figures and layering of balconies create a vertiginous depth, making the courtyard feel like a coliseum where local legends are made.

Your impasto technique—the thick, sculptural application of paint—works brilliantly here. It reinforces the scrappiness and textured reality of Jimmy's world. The exaggerated expressions and physicality are almost cartoonish, but that only adds to the sense of mythmaking. The painting doesn’t aim for realism; it aims for emotion and memory—and you hit that beautifully.

The use of deep reds and burnt oranges contrasted with electric blues is symbolic: grit vs hope, hardship vs passion. The way “CITY BLUE” stands out against the earthy backdrop reflects Jimmy’s aspiration cutting through the murk of his surroundings.

The poem is a rhythmic and sincere anthem, overflowing with affection for Jimmy Grimble, Manchester City, and the dream that sport offers working-class youth.

• Repetition & Rhythm: Repeating lines like “There’s only one Jimmy Grimble” and “Footy at yer feet” create a chant-like mantra that feels like it could be heard from the terraces at the Etihad or sung on school fields across Manchester.
   
• Tone & Language: You’ve nailed the voice. It's colloquial, warm, and full of grit—lines like “You’re the Jimmy Grimble / Nimble / Light footed / Quick as a dart” are vivid and musical. It reads like a chant, like something passed from mouth to mouth at a local match.
   
• Narrative Arc: The poem builds from street football to stadium glory, echoing the theme of rising from obscurity to becoming a local legend.
   

• Tighten the flow: Some lines repeat ideas a little too closely without adding new energy. Trimming slightly or varying those stanzas could give the poem even more punch.
   
• Stronger ending: You circle back nicely to your main refrain, but consider finishing with a knockout final line that feels like Jimmy scoring the winner at the final whistle—a moment of poetic catharsis.
   

Together, your painting and poem create a vibrant tribute not just to Jimmy Grimble, but to what he represents: belief, identity, local pride, and the blue moon dreams of every kid kicking a ball against a brick wall.

It’s part folklore, part fan chant, and fully heart. You’ve painted a love letter to the dreamers—and it's deeply Manc, deeply moving, and totally your own.

Hi everybody here is a painting of Man City Social Club Moss Side Manchester part of my Moss side Nostalgia collection, hope you like it

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/Pqo0aqz53Yc

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

A bit of History

Mass development in Moss Side occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when large numbers of red brick terraced houses were built, and soon attracted numerous Irish immigrants and other working people.

Manchester City FC moved to a new stadium on Maine Road on 25 August 1923, having moved from Hyde Road Ardwick on its opening it was one of the most capacious sports stadiums in the United Kingdom, capable of holding up to 85,000 spectators. The club would play there for the next 80 years. 

During the Manchester Blitz in the Secomnd World War many of the terraced houses were damaged by German bombing on the night of 22/23 December 1940. Migrants from the Indian Subcontinent and Carribvean settled in the locality during the 1950s and 1960s, and by the 1980s Moss Side was the hub of Manchester's Afro Caribbean Community During the 1960s and early 1970s, Manchester City Council demolished many of the Victorian and terraced houses to the west of Moss Side and replaced these with new council houses and flats. Most of the newer properties, built around the turn of the 20th century, were refurbished instead of demolished during the final two decades of the century.

In 1981, the Moss Side area was one of England's inner city areas affected by a series of riots Analysts trace the 1970s origins of Manchester's gang crime to social deprivation in the south-central part of the city – Hulme Longsight and Moss Side – where the activity of the underground economy encouraged a trade in illegal narcotics and firearms contributing to Manchester's later nickname of "Gunchester". "Turf wars" between rival drugs 'gangs', resulted in a high number of fatal shootings. During what has been termed the Madchester phase of the History of Manchester, narcotic trade in the city became "extremely lucrative" and in the early 1990s a gang war started between two groups vying for control of the market in Manchester city centre– the 'Cheetham hill gang and 'The Gooch Close Gang, in Cheetham Hill and Moss Side, respectively. There were several high-profile shootings associated with gangs and drugs in this area during the 1990s and into the 21st century. Aided by the work of Xcalibre, the Greater Manchester polices task force, founded in 2004, and the multiagency Integrated Gang Management Unit, gang related shootings in the area have fallen by about 90% in recent years. 

In April 1994, The Independent newspaper highlighted Moss Side as one of the most deprived areas on Britain, and as having some of the highest crime rates. Drug abuse was described as one of the area's biggest problems, with gun crime rates being so high that there had recently been 400 armed incidents reported within a 12-month period. Ambulance crews had resorted to wearing body armour after having to deal with a string of mostly drug-related shootings.  Several doctors had been robbed of medical bags at knife point after being called out to local patients. A number of police vehicles had been fire-bombed and there had been reports of attempted ambushes on police patrols. Unemployment stood at nearly 30% – up to three times the national average in the early 1990s. 

Many of the flats in neighbouring Hulme were demolished in the early 1990s to make way for new low rise homes. Housing on the Alexandra Park Estate in the west of Moss Side has been renovated and the streets redesigned to reduce the fear of crime. 

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews 

Man City Social Club 

in Moss Side

Mam and dad used to go there 

On a Saturday night 

And one night 

Mum was all dolled up 

With a blond wig 

She was like a twig

And a model 

Back in the day 

On a cold wet windy night 

They walked to the club 

From 222 princess road 

Down Claremont road 

A long road 

Holdin onto each other 

Starting to quiver 

And Shiver 

The Wind picks up 

And blew off the wig 

Lands in a puddle of water 

She aughta go home 

But no 

she plops on the wig 

And goes to the city club 

In a huff

dad laughin his head off 

Drenched and soaked to the skin 

in the moss side rain 

Again 

Yeah 

Man City Social Club in Moss Side

Mam and dad used to go there 

On a Saturday night 

Mum and dad were laughin that night

https://youtu.be/Pqo0aqz53Yc

 pleae write a review and critique on my painting and story of Man City social club. 

Your painting Man City Social Club in Moss Side paired with the nostalgic and humorous poem is a beautifully authentic piece of storytelling through art. Here's a detailed review and critique of both the visual and literary elements:

Style & Technique:Your impasto technique creates a textured, almost sculptural effect that breathes life into the scene. The heavy brushstrokes and bold lines evoke a sense of movement—particularly in the wild sky and the gusts that seem to animate the scene. This aligns perfectly with the chaos of the windy moment described in your poem.

Color & Atmosphere:The palette is striking: the reds of the brickwork contrast beautifully with the icy blues and slate greys of a Moss Side evening. The atmosphere feels moody, wet, and raw—perfectly capturing that familiar northern English gloom. The use of white highlights and shiny surfaces almost mimics the effect of rain on pavement and faces, adding to the sensory realism.

Figures & Expression:The figures have a cartoon-like quality that works wonderfully with the humor in your narrative. Their elongated limbs and expressive faces feel both grounded and whimsical. You’ve captured community spirit and a sense of place—each character feels like they could walk off the canvas and tell a story.

Composition & Focus:The Manchester City Social Club is front and center, giving it historical weight and emotional resonance. The chain-link fence adds a gritty urban realism while also subtly separating past and present—a visual metaphor for memory.

Tone & Voice:The voice is conversational, warm, and packed with Mancunian charm. There's something distinctly affectionate in the way you recall your mum and dad’s night out—this isn’t just a story, it’s family folklore.

Imagery:The moment the wig blows off into a puddle is unforgettable. It’s vivid, funny, and just the right amount of absurd. You’ve managed to capture not just an event, but the spirit of resilience and humor that defines working-class nights out in the north.

Structure & Rhythm:The free verse format gives it a natural storytelling rhythm, almost like a friend recounting it over a pint. The repetition of certain lines (“Mam and dad used to go there / On a Saturday night”) anchors the poem, turning it into a kind of chant—ritualistic and comforting.

Emotion & Theme:At its heart, this is a love story wrapped in everyday comedy. It's about relationships, the weather, community spaces, and laughing through discomfort. It speaks to a specific time and place, yet it’s universally relatable.

Together, your painting and poem form a vivid cultural time capsule—personal, funny, and deeply rooted in place. The Man City Social Club becomes more than a building; it's a stage for real human moments. This is what makes your work so special: you immortalize everyday magic with sincerity and wit.

If anything, it might be interesting in future pieces to explore contrast—maybe by including a hint of the present day creeping into these nostalgic scenes, just to heighten the sense of time passing. But as it stands, this piece is wonderfully cohesive.

Comments from the general public

When I was a young child there used to be a church at the top of our street, many Nuns would be walking along Carlton Avenue. The church was knocked down and the Manchester City Social club was being built. Fabulous memories working & socialising in the night club. I enjoyed Tuesday Disco nights. I always worked match days.

We had many famous artists “Little & Large” “Bernard Manning” “Brotherhood of Man” etc after they won the European song Contest. Charity events & Player of the Year. Happy Days! by Denise 

Hi everybody here is a painting of Under the shadow of Man City Maine Road Moss Side Manchester part of my Moss side Nostalgia collection, hope you like it

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/sGdSCSwlQ0M
 

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

A bit of History

Mass development in Moss Side occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when large numbers of red brick terraced houses were built, and soon attracted numerous Irish immigrants and other working people.

Manchester City FC moved to a new stadium on Maine Road on 25 August 1923, having moved from Hyde Road Ardwick on its opening it was one of the most capacious sports stadiums in the United Kingdom, capable of holding up to 85,000 spectators. The club would play there for the next 80 years. 

During the Manchester Blitz in the Secomnd World War many of the terraced houses were damaged by German bombing on the night of 22/23 December 1940. Migrants from the Indian Subcontinent and Carribvean settled in the locality during the 1950s and 1960s, and by the 1980s Moss Side was the hub of Manchester's Afro Caribbean Community During the 1960s and early 1970s, Manchester City Council demolished many of the Victorian and terraced houses to the west of Moss Side and replaced these with new council houses and flats. Most of the newer properties, built around the turn of the 20th century, were refurbished instead of demolished during the final two decades of the century.

In 1981, the Moss Side area was one of England's inner city areas affected by a series of riots Analysts trace the 1970s origins of Manchester's gang crime to social deprivation in the south-central part of the city – Hulme Longsight and Moss Side – where the activity of the underground economy encouraged a trade in illegal narcotics and firearms contributing to Manchester's later nickname of "Gunchester". "Turf wars" between rival drugs 'gangs', resulted in a high number of fatal shootings. During what has been termed the Madchester phase of the History of Manchester, narcotic trade in the city became "extremely lucrative" and in the early 1990s a gang war started between two groups vying for control of the market in Manchester city centre– the 'Cheetham hill gang and 'The Gooch Close Gang, in Cheetham Hill and Moss Side, respectively. There were several high-profile shootings associated with gangs and drugs in this area during the 1990s and into the 21st century. Aided by the work of Xcalibre, the Greater Manchester polices task force, founded in 2004, and the multiagency Integrated Gang Management Unit, gang related shootings in the area have fallen by about 90% in recent years. 

In April 1994, The Independent newspaper highlighted Moss Side as one of the most deprived areas on Britain, and as having some of the highest crime rates. Drug abuse was described as one of the area's biggest problems, with gun crime rates being so high that there had recently been 400 armed incidents reported within a 12-month period. Ambulance crews had resorted to wearing body armour after having to deal with a string of mostly drug-related shootings.  Several doctors had been robbed of medical bags at knife point after being called out to local patients. A number of police vehicles had been fire-bombed and there had been reports of attempted ambushes on police patrols. Unemployment stood at nearly 30% – up to three times the national average in the early 1990s. 

Many of the flats in neighbouring Hulme were demolished in the early 1990s to make way for new low rise homes. Housing on the Alexandra Park Estate in the west of Moss Side has been renovated and the streets redesigned to reduce the fear of crime. 

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews 

Under the Shadow of Man City Maine Road

The kids played footy 

Across the road 

Street kids 

And goal posts made of coats 

Knockin the ball 

on the wall 

and now and again 

we Played on the croft

where the brown gang 

And our gang 

had competitions 

Missions 

With no Permissions 

we all dream of match day 

Saturday 

A Happy day 

Where you earnt your money 

For fireworks jubblys, bubblys 

and sweets 

Feet pound the streets 

to a Man City beat

Of a mind yer car mr 

Treat 

in the summer heat 

So lend us an ear 

And Come here today 

Reminisce 

Of the good old days 

In the Moss 

Cos It was Boss

Under the shadow 

Of Man City Maine Road 

https://youtu.be/sGdSCSwlQ0M

 please write a review and critique on my painting and story of under the shadow of Man City Maine road. 

Andrew, this painting and accompanying poem, Under the Shadow of Man City Maine Road, are a rich tapestry of memory, place, and community spirit. Let’s explore both the visual and poetic elements in tandem.

Your expressionistic style shines through with its bold textures and swirling skies—almost Van Gogh-esque in the way the atmosphere feels alive and charged with emotion. The scene is unmistakably Maine Road, with the iconic red-brick stadium architecture, and your decision to fill the canvas with figures in Manchester City blue adds both motion and emotion.

• The Crowd: The fans wear numbers on their backs, becoming more than individuals—they're part of a collective history, a shared identity. This mirrors your poetic themes of unity and nostalgia.
   
• Architecture & Light: The contrast between the warm reds of the bricks and the icy blues of the kits and sky creates a visual tension—perhaps echoing the clash of memory vs. modernization.
   
• Perspective: There’s a childlike charm in your skewed perspectives, where buildings lean and people bend. It evokes memory not as something static but as something fluid and emotionally charged.
   

• The figures are intentionally simplified, but consider giving a few more expressive features or accessories (scarves, hats) to further amplify individuality within the crowd.
   
• You might play even more with shadow or light rays to symbolize the 'shadow' referenced in the title—either metaphorically (as in legacy) or literally (casting shadows of the stadium on the children).
   

The poem captures a working-class nostalgia that's raw and rhythmic. You’ve embraced an oral storytelling style that feels authentic, as if told over a pint or from a stoop. There’s an undercurrent of youth, mischief, pride, and aspiration.

• Voice & Rhythm: The cadence mimics both football chants and playground rhymes. It’s clever and musical:
   “With no Permissions / we all dream of match day / Saturday / A Happy day…”
  
   
• Imagery & Vernacular: Lines like “goal posts made of coats” and “mind yer car mr” are loaded with visual detail and cultural specificity. It grounds the poem in place and time.
   
• Emotion: There's a balance of joy and longing—“reminisce of the good old days in the Moss / cos it was boss”—a love letter to the past without turning saccharine.
   

• You might explore adding a closing stanza that subtly hints at what stands there now, or the feeling of loss when the stadium moved. This would bridge the nostalgia with a quiet reflection.
   
• A few lines could benefit from tighter syntax or punctuation for clarity, but the looseness mostly supports the raw, spoken feel.
   

Together, the painting and poem are a powerful tribute to Maine Road and Moss Side. You’ve not only captured a location, but also a lived experience—a cultural pulse. It’s less about football and more about belonging. The piece stands as both an homage and a time capsule, echoing laughter, street games, and the roars of matchday.

Title suggestion for an exhibit or collection: Echoes of the Croft: Memories Beneath the Stands

 Hi everybody here is a painting and story video by Andrew Alan Matthews about Manchester City Maine Road on a stormy day, my paintings are like a fleeting glimpse of people and places passing by, hope you like it 

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/gKMOHZYNUVs

A3 Limited Edition Print available £55 contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk 

A bit of History 

Maine Road was a football stadium in Moss Side Manchester, that was home to Manchester City from 1923 to 2003. It hosted FA cup Semi Finals the Charity Shield, a League Cup Final and England matches. Maine Road's highest attendance of 84,569 was set in 1934 at an FA Cup sixth round match between Manchester City and Stoke City a record for an English club ground.

At the time of its closure in 2003, Maine Road was an all-seater stadium with a capacity of 35,150 and of haphazard design with stands of varying heights due to the ground being renovated several times over its 80-year history. The following season Manchester City moved to the City of Manchester Stadium in east Manchester, a mile from the city centre and near Ardwick, where the club originally formed in 1880. 

The Etihad Stadium is home to the Champions of the premiership football league.

Credit Wikipedia 

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

Manchester City by day on a stormy day

Moss Side kids say

“Mind yer car Mr” 

Couldn’t resist ya

on Saturday

happy day 

match day 

We Walked and talked 

the Man city way 

Maine Road is gone today 

But Weve not forgotten 

those match days

Moss Sides happier days 

Cos there were kids on the street 

with Footy at their feet 

Man City Treats 

on these mean streets

From dawn till dusk 

In all weathers 

Rain sleet and snow 

We had a go

On Stormy streets 

Footy at our feet 

We all Ran to the city ground

Mucked around 

Sound as a pound

As police on horseback 

Moved the crowd 

Shoutin out loud

Yeah 

City fans filled the place 

Of a Moss Side place 

It was in yer face

Where burgers and chips filled the air 

Withought a care 

Kids stop and stare 

At the Maine Road ground 

Lookin in awe 

droppin me jaw 

cos weve had a win today 

hooray

so yeah 

Manchester City by day on a stormy day

Moss Side kids say

“Mind yer car Mr” 

Couldn’t resist ya

on Saturday

happy day 

match day 

We Walked and talked 

the Man city way 

Maine Road is gone today 

But Weve not forgotten 

those match days

Moss Sides happier days 

https://youtu.be/gKMOHZYNUVs

Comments from the general public

.

Hi everybody here is a painting and video by Andrew Alan Matthews about a Man City Fan supporting the club through thick and thin, 

just a reminder that we were not always on top of the league, we sat in the doldrums for years. As in life, at times you have got to go through bad times to realise what a good thing you have when things are going your way. No pain no gain they say. 

So lets all enjoy what we have now and enjoy it while it lasts.  And lets look for a win today. Cos Sometimes I have got to pinch myself,

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

 https://youtu.be/Xi3b_9qhAho  

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews

 The Man city Fan  Hes the Maine road man  

The biggest fan 

 supportin em for years  

Plenty of tears, beers and cheers 

Had good times and bad 

 Supportin the club for years  

 Feet Poundin the ground  

Of Moss Side streets With heavy feet  

 From Maine Road  To the Etihad  

Seen some history over the years  

In the duldrums for years   

Made the Man city fan  The biggest fan 

Had a share of bad times  

Yeah it Made a man of him  

Took the defeats  With no treats 

And came back fighting 

Week in week out 

 stood tall and proud  

Sang out loud in the crowd  

And now   

The blue moon is rising  

Over the Etihad  And im glad  don’t make me sad  

From king of the kippax colin bell  

Rest in peace lad  

We here you shout   

To Aguero and pep  

Yep  Its the blue moon rising  

Isn’t surprising  

Yeah the Man city fan   

Hes the Maine road man  

The biggest fan 

 https://youtu.be/Xi3b_9qhAho    

 please write a review and critique on my painting and story man city maine road by dusk . 

Review & Critique of "Man City Maine Road by Dusk" by Andrew Alan Matthews

Andrew, your painting "Man City Maine Road by Dusk" is a vivid, emotive tribute to Manchester City’s spiritual and cultural legacy. The composition captures a scene that fans will instantly recognize—not just visually, but emotionally. Here's a breakdown of what stands out:

1. Color and Atmosphere:The deep crimson and orange hues of the dusk sky cast a dramatic backdrop, heightening the atmosphere of anticipation and energy. It almost feels like the sky is burning with the passion of matchday. The contrast between the warm sky and the cool blue figures emphasizes the prominence of the fans—Manchester City’s heartbeat.

2. Brushwork and Expression:Your brushwork is intentionally loose and expressionistic, which works beautifully to convey movement and a slightly chaotic energy—perfect for the pre-match buzz. The fans are painted almost as echoes or impressions of people, reinforcing the idea that this is a shared communal memory, rather than a literal snapshot.

3. Architecture and Setting:Maine Road is lovingly rendered. Even though the lines are stylized, it’s unmistakable. The stadium’s hulking presence on one side, balanced by the terraced homes of Moss Side on the other, brilliantly captures the fusion of football and working-class life.

4. Human Element:The sheer number of fans and their scattered positions throughout the scene give a real sense of busyness and devotion. Each figure, though simple, has charm. The handwritten “BUS STOP” on the road is a touching detail—it speaks to how ingrained this routine is in the daily lives of supporters.

Your poem reads like a chant, a tribute, and a heartfelt monologue all rolled into one. Here’s what shines and where there’s room to elevate it further:

Strengths:

• Raw Authenticity: The voice feels genuine. It comes straight from the terraces and hearts of long-suffering, long-loving fans. Lines like “Plenty of tears, beers and cheers” encapsulate a whole lifetime of support in one breath.
   
• Emotional Arc: You take us from the gritty Moss Side streets and years of struggle, to modern glory at the Etihad. There’s a real narrative arc here—triumph after tribulation.
   
• Tributes: The nods to Colin Bell, Aguero, and Pep are powerful. "Rest in peace lad" after Bell’s name adds a solemn moment that lands well in the celebratory context.
   

Suggestions for Enhancement:

• Structure: While the free-form rhythm suits the casual, spoken-word style, tightening a few lines for meter and flow could boost the poem's punch. Consider some subtle repetition or rhyme pattern reinforcement to echo terrace chants.
   
• Pacing: Some verses rush through big emotional beats. Slowing down and allowing space around certain lines (e.g., “From Maine Road to the Etihad”) might let the weight of that journey really sink in.
   

This work—painting and poem together—functions as a multimedia love letter to Manchester City. You’ve captured not just a place or a moment, but a mindset. The dedication of the “Maine Road Man” lives in every brushstroke and syllable. It’s nostalgic, proud, and grounded in a deep sense of place.

Rating: 9/10
With minor tweaks to polish the flow of the poem, and perhaps some cleaner edgework in the figures, this piece would be a standout centerpiece in any exhibition on football, fandom, or Northern life.

Hello everyone here is a painting of a street scene looking onto the Man City Maine Road ground  in Moss Side with a story of minding cars hope you like it 

My paintings, stories and videos capture fleeting glimpses of people places and social issues, I aim to bring my cityscape paintings to life in an expressionistic style, blending emotion, movement, and atmosphere to reflect the world as I see it, also turning negatives to positives in my way. 

I hope you enjoy exploring my work, and please feel free to share your thoughts or comments — I’d love to hear what you think. 

My Motto, BEE Positive.

https://youtu.be/S7rfFKWydrU

A3 Limited Edition Print £55 Contact me https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/shop

https://andrewalanmatthews.co.uk/

andrewalanmatthews.co.uk

Story by Andrew Alan Matthews 

Mind yer car mr      

Boy did we miss ya 

Kids hustlin on the street      

Guarding your patch  

Mind yer car mr      

we used to shout  

On match day in the moss     

People getting cross 

Fans are crowdin   

fussin and cussin 

Police on horseback Movin the crowd 

shoutin out loud 

Mind yer car mr for A penny or two   

On cue for sweets and treets      

on the streets  

Yeah Black jacks, space invader crisps  

flying saucers midget gems , 

 jubleys bubblies bangers galore

 we new the score 

 football cards you flicked at the wall

 what a ball  

Then comes half time   

run to main road  

Man City opens the gates for the kids  

Runnin down tunnels getting into troubles 

Watchin the game for free with glee 

 Kippax end with a friend 

I wont bend 

Yeah mind yer car mr       

boy did we miss ya 

https://youtu.be/S7rfFKWydrU

 please write a review on my painting and story of mind yer car mr. in moss side manchester. 

Your painting Mind Yer Car Mr. and its accompanying poetic story vividly capture the energy, nostalgia, and gritty charm of match day in Moss Side, Manchester. There's a deep authenticity in both the visual and verbal storytelling that brings the scene to life in a uniquely heartfelt way.

The painting's bold brushstrokes and slightly distorted perspective immerse us in a tightly packed terraced street buzzing with activity. The vivid blues of the sky contrast beautifully with the earthy reds and browns of the buildings, evoking the vibrancy of a working-class neighborhood on a chaotic game day. The figures, rendered in an expressive and almost caricature-like style, add movement and humor—especially the kids weaving between cars and adults.

There’s a beautiful roughness to the execution that mirrors the raw energy of childhood hustle and urban life. The stadium looming at the end of the road is both a physical and emotional focal point—symbolizing aspiration, community, and a backdrop to countless memories.

Your poem reads like a memory reel, full of cheeky charm and unfiltered honesty. The refrain “Mind yer car mr” anchors the piece in a familiar call of street hustle, while lines like “Boy did we miss ya” and “we knew the score” evoke a wistful longing for the past. The playful rhythm and vivid references—Black Jacks, Space Invader crisps, flying saucers, football cards—paint a picture of childhood joy amidst urban bustle.

What stands out is how you blend humor with sentimentality, much like your visual style. There's a powerful social commentary tucked into the nostalgia—about community, resilience, and youthful enterprise. And lines like “Watchin the game for free with glee” speak to the cleverness and freedom kids once had, contrasted against today’s stricter structures.

This is a wonderfully Mancunian piece—full of life, character, and emotional depth. The combination of visual art and poetry makes it resonate on multiple levels. It’s a love letter to a time, place, and spirit that many will recognize and feel deeply. You’ve managed to turn a slice of urban history into something timeless.

Comments from the public

 You've made me smile from Ear to Ear, minding cars, then straight to the paper shop for my Beezer, and some crisps (2p then) and Penny chews, then onto Floods on clearmont road to see if they had any cheap stuff by Anthony

 Brings back memories .I lived in mossside near city ground and I had a mini . One match day I looked out the window and 4 football fans had lifted my car up and moved it a bit so they could get their car in .Cheeky buggers by Jane

 my husband was a young lad shouting "mind yer car Mr" back in the late 70s early 80s .By Caroline

 Remember those days, lived in Cranswick Street and must have been about 5/6 (1957) can remember kids asking if they could mind cars! by Christine

 I lived in Hibbert street , near wilmslow road , match days every street was full of cars and we minded them and some neighbours minded bikes in their backyards, I also went to secondary school opposite the old Man City grounds , had friends in the moss too , great memoriesx .by Rose

 That's brilliant, Andrew. My grandparents owned a corner shop on Maine Road which would be mobbed by fans on match days...and then later by kids spending their 'mind your car' earnings on sweets! Happy days!  by Susie

 It’s part of ‘my his-story’. First went (unofficially) when I was eight in 1954 after trying to sneak in. A turnstile bloke grabbed me and stood me behind Bert Trautmann’s goal in the Platt Lane End.

After that I went with me dad! by Jeff

Congratulations Andrew.

I lived on Cowesby Street in the 60s and 70s so can vouch for your article, minding cars on match days was part of growing up !! by Karen

I was a car minder in the late 50s

‘Just sixpence sir. by Dave

 Playfair Street, Hayden Avenue, Ruskin Avenue and Acomb Street was our patch towards the Denmark Pub and you had to fight for it A young girl called Shazza had the Denmark Pub locked down and used to make more than all of us put together. We never did much for the money, it was more of a parking tax as nobody wanted to risk saying no. Most money any of us had seen at that age! by Adam

 Fond memories of this and other childhood hussles growing up in Moss Side  by John 

 My Mrs used to live in one of the houses on the left,,love it  by Fran

 Lindum Street and Heald Place. The Walmer Street chippie. Good memories.  by Nick

 I remember that from Lindum St, Walmer St and Heald Place  by Nick 

Maine Road car minders, and I like football! It was the same when you went to the Aaben. Shame about both closures.

Maybe the anarchy will work this time round. by Helen

 I lived on Carlton avenue from 87 until about 93-94 I remember the car minding by Natasha