I know you’re not really supposed to write in the first person, but there’s a good reason for it here.



I know some of the lads involved in the Manchester City fans’ food bank, and it’s probably right to declare that at the very start. I met Alex a few years ago and we mix in the same circles. I’ve known John for about three years, and although we no longer see each other at the Morrissey and Smiths disco on Back Piccadilly on the first Friday of every month, we stay in touch.



This is about them.



It is about Niko, Jill, Farhana and the others who stand in the cold outside the Etihad Stadium before matches. It’s about Shaun, who designs the logos, and David, who spreads the word.



It’s about the people who are now bringing tins of food with them to matches. If I crop up again from time to time it is only to impress upon you that these guys are not experts, they’re not working for the clubs or the...