He’ll keep the Blues flag flying high...

CUP final appearance . . . Cpl Christopher Lewis

Wembley wave for City fanatic

IT’S every fan’s dream to step on to Wembley’s hallowed turf for the FA Cup final — especially when your team has made it to English football’s domestic showpiece.

And that’s exactly what Manchester City fanatic Christopher Lewis will do tomorrow when his beloved Blues bid to end 35 years of hurt by bringing home their first silverware since 1976.

Corporal Lewis has been chosen to help carry a huge City flag on to the pitch prior to kick-off against Stoke.

The 37-year-old former Royton and Crompton School pupil is based at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

His proud mum Doreen Lewis, from Shaw, said: “If you cut Christopher he would bleed blue. I can’t tell you how excited he is. He is so thrilled.”

Cpl Lewis, who is a recruiting NCO (non-commissioned officer), is among the military personnel chosen to take part in the ceremony shortly before the match gets under way.

He comes from a family of Blues supporters and his father, Don, and 32-year-old brother, Matthew, will be at the game.

His mum, who will watch at home, added: “As far as I know, they were selected by their officers to take part. I don’t know if his officer knew he was a City supporter or just nominated him because he wanted him to do something on the day.

“He would have been thankful had it been anyone’s flag, but because it’s City, it means everything to him.”

It is just as well that Cpl Lewis also has a ticket for the final as the military personnel do not get to stay in the ground.

“They put on a buffet for them in a room with a large screen near Wembley,” explained Mrs Lewis

“Fortunately, Christopher has already got a ticket.”


Booze ban on trains

FOOTBALL fans have been warned not to take alcohol on to trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Euston tomorrow.

Thousands are expecting to use trains to get to Wembley for between Manchester City and Stoke at Wembley.

British Transport Police will be monitoring the trains to ensure the safe travel of both sets of supporters hoping to reach London before kick-off.

Alcohol will not be allowed on board any train between Euston and Manchester Piccadilly between 5.25am and 12.15pm and from 6pm.

Chief Superintendent Dave Wildbore, of BTP, said: “We appreciate the vast majority are always well behaved — but we are warning anyone who steps out of line while travelling on the rail network will be dealt with by our officers.

“Not only are they risking a court appearance, they also risk missing out on seeing the match.”