The new City home shirt was launched this morning at the City Store – and 16-year-old Nicole McMullan from Stockport was the first Blue to buy one.

With queues forming before the store opened at 9am, Nicole was first in line to make a purchase before having the name of her favourite player – Gareth Barry – printed on the back.

Nicole had no idea she would create a little piece of history when she left home this morning – she just wanted to make sure she had the new shirt as soon as it became available.

“I got here at about ten past eight this morning,” she said. “I just wanted to get here early so it’s nice that I was the first one.

Nicole, a former City mascot, explained why she wanted the new shirt on launch day.

“I want to get maximum use out of it!” she laughed. “I’ll wear it all season and will start from today and will get Barry put on the back now. I love Gareth – he’s amazing and it’s not just because he’s so good looking!”

The new shirt is now available on-line or at the Stadium City Store or Arndale City Store.