Victory parade: 100,000 Manchester City fans cram into city centre to give team heroes' welcome

By Sean-Paul Doran & Ben Burrows

An estimated 100,000 Manchester City fans were left dreaming of the Blue Moon rising as the sun shone on the club’s victory parade tonight.

Fans old and young packed the streets of Manchester to catch a glimpse of the Premier League trophy following yesterday’s epic conclusion to the 2011/12 title race.

As cries of “City ‘til I die” rang out, some fans ended a 44-year wait since witnessing their last league success.

Captain Vincent Kompany told the fans in a packed Albert Square: “We want to say thank you to you guys. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Life-long City fan, Albert McQuillan, 72, Fallowfield was reminded of the last time they pipped their neighbours Manchester United to the title in 1968, and says he had a feeling a repeat was on the cards.

“With the talent at the club I always thought we could do it, especially as United have become a spent force.

“Even in the last ten minutes yesterday, even at 2-1 down, I still thought it was possible.”

PARADE: Manchester City fans greet their heroes in the city centre

Others were less confident, and for a time yesterday it seemed like the trophy would keep residence in the bulging Old Trafford trophy cabinet.

Richard Lloyd, 43, Withington, was one of the 48,000 nervous city fans in the Etihad yesterday who witnessed the incredible two-goal swing in the final three minutes of stoppage time.

“I didn’t believe it was possible, to be honest.

“When Mackie scored I was gutted, but in a way I never expected anything less.”

Few can deny the influence of Yaya Toure, and fellow countryman Nfu Negueta, 27, is in no doubt how much of a part his hero played in the monumental title win.

“It’s not possible without Yaya, for certain.

“He is my hero and a lot of my friends at home are now Blues.”

Maria Shane, 47, Kent, brought her two small children to the historic parade and admits that although she’s not a football fan, she was delighted to be part of the occasion.

“My family are all blues so I had no choice what to watch yesterday.

“My son’s favourite player is Aguero and now all he wants for his birthday is a City shirt with him on the back.”

As the crowds dispersed and the foghorns disappeared home, even the most pessimistic City fan will be dreaming of a repeat next year.

For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.