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Okay, so I’ve been buzzing for the new Man City season, you know? Always want that blue kit, especially since Erling’s still banging them in. But stuff’s pricey! Official store had the home shirt for like eighty quid – nope, not happening. Decided I needed to hunt for decent cheap gear without looking like I grabbed it off a boot sale. Here’s how my day went down.
The Online Hopelessness
First, I figured maybe Amazon or those big sports sites had deals. Spent ages clicking around early morning. Most “sale” stuff was last season’s design crammed into awful colors. Found a training top that looked alright, but shipping costs bumped it right back up. Felt pretty rubbish wasting coffee time on it.
Hitting Up Town
Grabbed my coat after lunch and headed downtown. Checked Sports Direct first – always chaos in there, but sometimes gems. Shelves were packed with United nonsense… seriously? Found one official Man City tee buried in a stack near the back, small discount, but felt flimsy compared to last year’s. Not quite it.
Wandered down Market Street past all the tourist traps. Saw plenty of souvenir stalls selling those weird half-and-half scarves. You know the ones? Disgrace for a proper fan. Avoided those like dodgy kebabs.
Score! The Market Find
Almost gave up, remembered that indoor market near Piccadilly Gardens. Duck inside, smells like frying onions and old paper. Found a stall tucked in the corner piled high with all sorts. Bloke running it was chatting footie with another customer.
- Proper decent home kit replica tops – no badge embroidery though, it’s screen printed.
- Simple logo beanies in sky blue or navy.
- Hoodies with last year’s Cup final logo patch on the sleeve.
- Thick scarves, proper blue not that tourist rubbish.
Grabbed a hoodie and scarf quick. Hoodie felt surprisingly thick, scarf wasn’t itchy cheap wool. Total cost? Twenty quid for both. Bloke even gave it me wrapped up tight “so the missus don’t see the spend”. Bonus!
Why Bother Hunting?
Look, supporting City ain’t about flashing cash. It’s the atmosphere, the shared groans over missed passes. But you still want gear that doesn’t dissolve after one wash or look daft on the tram. That market stuff’s holding up surprisingly well – no flaking print or dodgy seams yet. Reckon I’ll stick with places like that from now on. Save the pennies for actual match tickets. Anyway, off to watch the replay now!