I’ve been a Manchester City fan for over 50 years, starting in the great days of the 60’s under Malcolm Allison and Joe Mercer with the Holy Trinity of Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee and Francis Lee, and continuing under one of my all time favourite Managers, Joe Royle. During this time the Cityzens have been my greatest Lovemark, and youngest son Dan and I are now season ticket holders at The Etihad.

A lot has changed; Sheikh Mansour, Abu Dhabi, a wonderful ground, a marvellous Academy, the world’s best coach, the most beautiful attacking game in the world and Premier League trophies. All good. But one thing hasn’t changed. Manchester City is still at heart a local club. For local Manchester people. When we play at home Virgin Rail, the M6, and the Airport are not full of traffic – we are not a global phenomenon like our noisy neighbours.

So it is with some trepidation that I have been watching the latest Etihad initiative – The Tunnel Club. The only one in the UK. For between £7,500 and £15,000 you can buy a season ticket in a heated seat, complete with five course meal, a full time sommelier, a pre-match tactical briefing from the coaching staff using the same videos shared with the players, roped off pitch-side access and a view of the players in the tunnel coming out pre-match through one-way glass.

The future is here. Marketed to corporates as “A premium networking space for you and your clients.” Wow.

But is it City?

Tunnel Club seats have been half empty so far – in a season where we’re top of the Premier League, unbeaten, top of our Champions League group, unbeaten. The Tunnel Club feels like a breakthrough initiative, it’s progress, and I’m sure others will follow.

But is it City?

KR