John Stapleton is a British award-winning journalist and presenter. He has a long career covering some of the biggest stories of our time from The Falklands War,Hurricane Katrina,The Boxing Day Tsunami and The Iraq War. In 2004, John was made the Royal Television Society's News Presenter of the Year. John is of course also a lifelong City fan. Not In My Lifetime caught up with John to ask him a few questions.
Hi John! Thanks for talking to us. You have been a City supporter since you were a boy. How did it all start for you?
Yes Dad took me to my first game against Blackpool in the early 1950's. Stanley Matthews was playing.
So what's your all time Favourite City memory?
Got to be winning the Premiership on the last day of the season but beating Gillingham in Wembley play off is a close second.
Do you have a favourite all time City player?
In the old days Dave Ewing then later Mike Summerbee (he is a mate of mine now).
Mike Summerbee one of the true greats. Do you think any of the current squad will be remembered in the same way that players of Mikes era are? And who is your favourite current player?
Yes David Silva and Yaya though whether they will maintain a link with the club is questionable and that is a shame. Favourite current player would have to be the wizard -David Silva.
Do you still get to many games?
My son Nick and i are Superbia members. We go to virtually every game -home and away.
Great to hear John. Do you think money is ruining football. Ticket prices have been talked about a lot lately and also the re-arranging of fixtures for TV?
No, i don't think its ruining football but it's changed the game. I feel so sorry for clubs like Oldham. I think premier teams should subsidise them. TV scheduling games at 5 pm on Sunday and Monday night -nightmare for away fans but I am afraid ratings show it works. Ticket prices are ridiculous. £62 at Arsenal! Also the cost of food and drink. £13 for a pint, a glass of wine and a pie. I wouldn't pay that in West End!
How did you feel when Mancini's reign came to end? Do you think it was the right time for a change?
I felt sorry about Mancini. The fans loved him but I am told some players didn't and the club is more harmonious now. The team look happier too.
I agree. Seems to be a great team spirit about the place. Manuel Pellegrini.....Do you think he is the right man for the job?
I think Pellegrini is excellent. Love his attacking style of play and urbane manner. No fool this man.
On a personal note John you have had an amazing career. Did you ever have dreams of making it as a footballer?
Always dreamt of playing for City. Saw myself as a midfield dynamo but I was crap!
You have been involved in some of the truly great and also tragic stories of our time. What has been the highlight of your career?
Winning the Royal Television Society presenter of the year award in 2004 for the Iraq war coverage and the interviews with the then Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Finally....Who do you think will win the premier League title this year?
Man City of course.