Manchester City super-fan, Craig 'Shez' Shennan, 52, was recognised by football fans all over the world
Craig 'Shez' Shennan, a postman from Wythenshawe, known as 'Mr Manchester City' has died
Craig 'Shez' Shennan, a postman from Wythenshawe, known as 'Mr Manchester City' has died
A lifelong Manchester City super-fan who hadn't missed a home game for over 20 years has died.
Craig Shennan, 52, from Wythenshawe, was an instantly recognisable face on the Etihad's terraces and was among Manchester City's most loyal supporters. He leaves behind his partner, Chermine, daughter Alisha, 18, and step-son, Jordan, 34.
Known to everyone as 'Shez', he worked as a postman for 32 years, alongside a host of other jobs, just to fund his travels across the globe supporting his beloved team. So recognisable amongst supporters, Shez was undeniably one of the most famous faces in the stadium on match days after the players and manager.
Following the news of Shez's passing from cancer, Jordan said representatives from the club had been in touch and had gone "above and beyond" in supporting the super-fan's family during their difficult time.
Despite his huge personality and jokey persona, Jordan spoke of Shez's caring side as a devoted family man.
"He's always treated me as his son," Jordan said. "He used to carry me over the turnstile at Maine Road."
Craig 'Shez' Shennan, a postman from Wythenshawe, known as 'Mr Manchester City' has died
Craig 'Shez' Shennan was a postman in Wythenshawe for 32 years
A season ticket holder from the early '80s, Jordan said his stepdad held some sort of record for never missing a home game for over 20 years. His record-breaking streak ended when Shez was forced to miss a game to have surgery for his cancer.
However, being extremely ill and aware he was dying, he managed to attend this year's FA Cup Final, where his beloved Blues were beaten one-nil by Crystal Palace.
Describing Shez's colourful and funny personality, Jordan said: "He was never camera shy, he absolutely loved the fame. He was massively known in Wythenshawe."
A postman for 32 years at Sharston Post Office, Shez also worked as a gardener, scrap metal collector, and takeaway delivery driver, all to earn enough money to follow City play around the world.
Shez with his daughter, Alisha, at the match
Shez with his daughter, Alisha, at the match
Jordan recalls an interview with Shez with former BBC Manchester City correspondent and now Manchester City blogger, Ian Cheeseman. When Ian asked Shez how he was able to afford his obsession following City to every game, he answered: "This is my life. I live it all fur and no knickers for Manchester City."
"He ate, slept, and dreamt, Manchester City," Jordan added.
But it wasn't just on the terraces that Shez was well known, he was also an active part of the Baguley and Brooklands OSC (supporters' branch for Manchester City FC).
Shez with Jordan when he was a boy
Shez with Jordan when he was a boy
Jordan said: "He did a great deal for the community - he was always for everybody and never for himself.
"He was amazing with children, as well."
Jordan recalled how he would take the kids from the supporters' club bowling, or to various football matches, to help keep them occupied and away from trouble.
He also ran a six-a-side football team in Stockport for six years called Baguley and Brooklands, until he decided to change their name to Bed and Breakfast.
And it was this sense of humour that Jordan says he will also be remembered for, adding: "The comical-ness, you're just not going to find that kind of character again.
Always the joker. Shez at a Manchester City away game at Midtjylland
Always the joker. Shez at a Manchester City away game at Midtjylland
"Some of the comments he would come out with would have you in stitches, crying with laughter."
But while many people will remember Shez as the larger-than-life character, Jordan says he also had the privilege of knowing Shez, the dad.
"He was an amazing father," Jordan said.
"He was an amazing father to me and Alisha. The absolute work ethic he drilled into me when I was younger.
"I'd have to go gardening with him; I'd have to deliver the post to help him. He took me and Alisha everywhere, we both had our turns.
"But the things he instilled in me - like what a father would give to a son - was unreal. The work ethic, the dedication, he was always there. It's what you would want from any father."
Jordan says the number of people, from all over the country, who came to visit Shez in his final days at the hospital was "unreal". He passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, June 1.
The online Blue Moon forum has been a place where people who knew him have taken to share their memories.
One particular story involving former Birmingham City managing director and aide to Alan Sugar on the hit BBC show The Apprentice, Karren Brady, was also shared online.
It read: "About 12 years ago at Fulham away, some of us were in The Bricklayers Arms in Putney. It just so happened that they had a beer festival on that day out at the back.
"We bumped into Shez in the beer garden. There were dozens of different ales for sale and right at the far end there was one called Rhubarb and Riches.
"After getting served, we wondered why there were TV cameras there. My mate then spotted something on one of the cameraman and it turns out that the people serving that particular beer were only off The Apprentice and this was their task.
"To be honest, their beer tasted absolutely rank and it seemed only us Blues that were stupid enough to drink it! Anyway, a short while later the side gate opened and another camera crew entered followed by Karren Brady.
"Shez being Shez then shouted: 'Hey Karren! Do you remember back in 1993 after you got the job at Birmingham City, I wrote to you and asked if you wanted to pop round my house for a brew?'
"It's difficult to describe the look on Brady's face but I think it was a mixture of disbelief and disdain. To this day, I don't actually know whether Shez did write to her or not, but knowing what he's like, he probably did."
While Shez's funeral details are yet to be finalised, an 11-a-side charity football match has been organised in memory of Shez at Firbank Park (Alderman Rogers Park on maps - M23 2YH), at 11am on Sunday, June 15.
The winners will lift the inaugural Shez Cup. On the second pitch, there will be a 10-team, six-a-side tournament consisting of five-minute matches and a 10-minute final.
There are still slots open for teams wishing to play. People can also come and ask to join existing teams.
Refreshments will also be available with burger and ice cream vans present. Organisers say they are hoping to get some ex-players for the 11-a-side.
After the matches, teams and spectators will head to the Black Boy Pub on Bowland Road for a raffle of items provided by Manchester City. There will also be entertainment for kids and food and drink available.
Everyone is welcome, but organisers ask for people attending to make a small donation on the day as all proceeds will go to Shez’s family. It's hoped that this event will become a yearly cup competition in his honour.
A Gofundme has also been set up to help with Shez's funeral costs, which has already topped £16k by the time of writing. You can donate here.