5 of the most famous trophies in world football are heading to the Isle of Wight this week, courtesy of the Wight Blues – the Island branch of the Official Manchester City Supporters’ Club. With City holding the World Club Championship, UEFA Champions League, European Super Cup, The Premier League and FA Cup at present, City’s events team have organised a World Trophy Tour, so that as many members of the club’s Supporters Club branches worldwide can see the Trophies up close. Since August last year, the tour has seen the trophies visit OSC branches in China, Korea, India, Greece, Norway, Australia, The UAE, Belgium, the USA and most recently Brazil. And before heading to Buenos Aires in Argentina in February, they will visit the Isle of Wight on January 25th. The iconic silverware will be on display at Ryde Town Club on Star Street in Ryde, at a once-in-a-lifetime event. 
“It is fantastic that City have allowed this amazing collection of trophies to come to the Isle of Wight and we are sure people will be keen to see them up close. “Branch members will be able to have their photographs taken with the trophies, and we are hopeful that there will be the opportunity for as many non-members and football fans alike to have a photograph with the trophies too but as we only have them for a limited time we can’t guarantee this. “The earlier anyone can get to the event, the more chance there will be to have a photograph.
“The rules regarding the visit are strictly controlled; naturally, no one is allowed to touch the trophies, and City themselves have supplied a number of security guards to control access to the event.
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“In spite of the short time the trophies will be on the Island, we are keen for as many people as possible to see them in what must be a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity. With the added bonus that where possible, any photographs are free. “In the evening, we have also arranged for ex City captain Andy Morrison to talk about his colourful career playing for Plymouth, Blackburn Rovers and City, amongst others. “Andy is a player who stalwart fans will remember from when City were in the 3rd tier of English football, when he achieved cult status with supporters, captaining the side in the thrilling Playoff final win against Gillingham in 1999. “Andy, a regular visitor to the Island, is a fan ambassador at City on matchdays, commentating on many games for City+, as well as being coach to the Sri Lankan national team.”
John said although the cost of organising the event was high, the supporters’ club has tried to keep the entrance fee as low as possible, with any surplus funds directed toward charity, supporting the IW Prostate Cancer Support Group, City’s own charity ‘City in the Community’, empowering young people in Manchester through football, with an emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing, and the Wessex Cancer Trust. The trophies will be on display from 16:00 until 20:00. Entry to the event is via a souvenir wristband and is just £10 per person, payable on the door, with accompanied U18s free before 18:00. Anyone coming to the event is welcome to stay or if you leave, keep your wristband on and come back later to hear Andy’s talk, starting around 20:15.
