City's Joyous Return Celebrated in New-Look Matchday Programme

Manchester City fans are back at the Etihad Stadium today, and the excitement is palpable. To capture this joyous return, the club has unveiled a revamped matchday programme for the opening home game of the 2024/25 season against Ipswich Town.

The cover, designed by renowned sports illustrator Dave Flanagan, depicts the thrill of fans ascending the Etihad turrets, their anticipation building as they head inside for the match. It features iconic symbols of City's history, including the legendary banana, the "Four-in-a-Row" banner, the new kits, and even Mario Balotelli's infamous chicken hat. A Brazilian flag adorns the artwork, a nod to Bahia, Manchester City's sister club who are guests at the game.

The programme's interior has also received a makeover, with a host of new features alongside the familiar favourites. Readers will find Pep Guardiola's manager's notes, the "In the City" news section, match reports, and Mike Summerbee's "Buzzer" column. New additions include "Cover Stars", which showcases memorable programme editions from the past, "Six Degrees of Separation", linking the City manager to his counterpart at Ipswich, and a tier list featuring five Ipswich legends.

Fans can also enjoy "Nightmare City XI", where Ipswich legend Matt Holland reveals his toughest Manchester City team, Alistair Mann's new "Mann of the Match" column, and a look back at Euro 2024 and the club's recent US tour.

The main interview features Mateo Kovacic, fresh from his impressive performance in the opening day victory over Chelsea. Dr Gary James offers insights into "One Moment in Time", and there's a dedicated section on the progress of the club's other teams – the EDS, Under-18s, and Women's.

Priced at £4, the programme is the perfect way to get into the matchday spirit. It's available for purchase at the ground, and supporters who are unable to attend the game can order it online. Fans can also subscribe to receive the programme for the entire season, with three bundle options available.

The revamped programme is a celebration of Manchester City's vibrant history, the return of fans to the Etihad, and the anticipation for the exciting season ahead. It is a must-have for any City fan looking to immerse themselves in the matchday experience.