A glimpse back through the M.E.N. archives shows our fascination with the railways goes back more than 100 years.

These days, jet planes are the preferred mode of transport for star footballers.

But back in 1909 it was rail travel – followed by horse and carriage.

When Manchester United returned victorious after a 1-0 victory over Bristol City at Wembley, the winning side came home on a train which arrived at Great Central Station on April 25, 1909.

They were greeted by thousands of cheering fans before taking a horse and carriage ride through Manchester to show off the cup. And as cars and buses began to fill the region’s roads – the city’s stations fell out of favour.

Great Central ceased being a station in 1969 although it remains an important landmark in the city as Manchester Central, one of Europe’s top conference venues.

The backdrop of Piccadilly Station is a staple in most of our daily lives - but more than 50 years ago Manchester’s main rail terminal looked a little different than it does today.

In contrast to the bright, light and airy building of today, Piccadilly looks grey and bleak in several pictures taken on the platforms in the early 1970’s.

Booths to send and receive telegrams can also be seen in one shot from 1975, though they have probably now been replaced by coffee shops and Wi-Fi cafes.

As well as millions of passengers, the station has had also hit its fair share of special and high-profile visitors.

In 1961 legendary America entertainer Sammy Davis Jnr stopped-off during a stay in the city and was snapped performing one of his trademark dance moves on the steps outside.

A few years later – during the 1966 World Cup – Portugal star Eusebio was mobbed by football fans and autograph hunters as he sat and waited for the train.

Meanwhile, Victoria Station had a special visitor in the form of the world record-setting steam engine the Flying Scotsman, which was waved off by dozens of enthusiasts as it made it’s way to retirement in Liverpool in 1973.

Some pictures courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives, Manchester City Council. Browse over 80,000 historical photographs of Manchester and buy high quality prints online at http://images.manchester.gov.uk