THE Bradford City fanzine, the City Gent is the longest running football fanzine in existence.
It was launched at the end of October, 1984 by John Dewhirst, Brian Fox, and Jon Burgess.
In his book A History of Bradford City in Objects, John Dewhirst includes a section on fanzines, and uses the Wikipedia definition of a fanzine: “A non-professional and unofficial publication produced by fans of a particular cultural phenomenon for the pleasure of others who share their interest.”
In the 1980s I began to subscribe to the City Gent, and then submitted articles.
Last month, on November 14, the present editor, Mike Harrison, attended the annual Football Supporters Association Awards Ceremony in London because the City Gent had been shortlisted for Fanzine of the Year.
The fanzine category was just one of 16 awards. The clubs nominated were: Brighton and Hove Albion; Charlton Athletic; Bradford City; Nottingham Forest; Manchester United; Watford. Charlton Athletic’s ‘My Only Desire’ was voted number 1, but just to be nominated is success in itself. It was stated at the ceremony that the nominations carry some of the best independent writing to be found and were worthy contenders.
From its onset, the City Gent aimed to provide news and comments about Bradford City AFC when the founders believed the existing club programme was an embarrassment. They believed that they could do better, and they wanted the new publication to provide a positive impression about the club.
By the end of the 1984/85 season it was selling 1,800 copies, when production techniques were more primitive.
It went on to become a much acclaimed fanzine which influenced the setting up of other fanzines throughout the footballing world. Today a number of football clubs have their own.
The early editions of the City Gent were simply produced in black and white, but today it is a quality, professional publication printed in colour, and containing many photographs, cartoons and serious debate, mixed with humour.
The first editors were Brian Fox and John Dewhirst (1984-1986). They were followed by: John Dewhirst (1986-1988); Mick Dickinson (1988-1993); John Watmough (1993-1997); Dave Pendleton (1997-2000); Richard Halfpenny (2002-2004) and Mike Harrison (2004 to date).
Generally, the publication has fostered good relations with the club. Supporters have keenly contributed opinions and articles. It has featured sad events such as the Bradford City fire in 1985, and financial problems which nearly caused the club to fold, but also jubilant times such as reaching the League Cup Final in 2013, and promotion to the Premier League in 1999.
In-depth articles about players and managers (past and present), issues affecting the club, and the history of Bradford City have enlightened readers. It influenced the setting up of the club’s museum, which sadly closed down when the One in a Million school was established on the site. Displays continued in the main stand.
The fanzine has also encouraged exhibitions (for example at the Bradford Industrial Museum), talks and spin-off publications such as Dave Pendleton’s books Glorious 1911 and Paraders: 125 Years History at Valley Parade, and Paul Firth’s book on Bobby Campbell.
It inspired an annual visit by City supporters to the First World War battlefields in France and Belgium to remember the nine City and two Avenue players who died there.
The City Gent has lasted so long because of the enthusiasm and professionalism of its various editors, and the high standard of articles submitted by its contributors. It is even read by supporters of other clubs.
The club no longer issues a match day programme so it could be said the City Gent fills that void, and continues to present a positive image of the club and its supporters.
It’s no wonder it has been nominated for national awards over the years, and was voted the best fanzine in 2015.
Editor ‘Tall Mike’ Harrison is to be seen, home and away, holding aloft, a handful of City Gents for sale. He is a reminder that its success is based on a group of hard-working volunteers.
Some fanzines, such as Arsenal’s ‘The Gooner’, and Manchester United’s ‘ United We Stand’, are manned by fulltime staff.
Long may the City Gent continue in the future as an invaluable, dearly loved publication for the thousands of City fans.
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