Lech Poznan thank Noel Gallagher for their iconic celebration’s resurgence | OneFootball

The long-awaited return of Oasis dominated the music scene this summer.

Fans across the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and Mexico have been able to enjoy the tour so far, but it’s not just the iconic tracks from two of City’s famous sons that’s seen a revival in the past few months.

The connection between City and Lech Poznan is well documented, but it once again received global attention this summer when Oasis, and particularly Noel Gallagher, encouraged fans to ‘do the Poznan’ at their gigs, from Cardiff to California.

It’s had an immediate effect, with City fans breaking into the famous celebration this weekend during our 3-0 win over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.

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And in recognition of its renaissance, Lech Poznan have sent a heartfelt letter to Noel Gallagher thanking him for bringing ‘the Poznan’ back to prominence this summer.

“We are truly proud that such a great club as Manchester City helped to spread the name of our city and team in such a remarkable way,” the letter reads.

“We’ve seen the recordings from your concerts where you encourage Oasis fans to join in and do ‘the Poznan’ – and we have to say, it really makes a huge impression.”

The letter also contained a personalised Lech Poznan shirt for Gallagher with 12 on the back – traditionally a number reserved by the club for their fans.

A brief history of the Poznan

Although the 2010/11 season would of course, pan out to be fondly remembered for the Club’s domestic success, one European night under the lights will live long in the memory; more for the events that unfolded off the pitch than on it.

Polish Champions Lech Poznan visited the Etihad Stadium in Matchday Three of our Europa League adventure in October 2010. With the long-awaited return of continental action and a positive opening to our campaign, anticipation was high for the midweek clash from both sets of fans – we welcomed 6,000 staunch away supporters for what proved to be a significant night in our success.

Admired for their unwavering, loud and resolute backing, the travelling faithful revelled in their supporting role, creating a wall of noise from the South Stand and a sea of royal blue. Then, quite unexpectedly they unleashed their signature move: turning their backs on the game, linking arms and bouncing!

It was some sight – row upon row of waving chains: and a true show of solidarity that only football fans can portray. The City fans absolutely loved it and so, from that night on, decided to adopt it for ourselves.

In recognition of its roots, the act was dutifully named ‘The Poznan’ – and it would become an integral part of the fans’ matchday routine: during the team announcements, on kick-off and most notably, after a goal.

WATCH: The Story of the Poznan

The players loved it just as much as the fans. Our much-loved midfield enforcer Nigel De Jong declared at the time: “I think our supporters took it over! It’s great to see everybody in the whole stadium standing up and jumping. It’s a nice thing to see!”

It became the norm – everywhere the City fans went, the Poznan made an appearance – much to the delight of opposition fans, who also joined in the fun across the country.

As the Blue Army bounced around the United Kingdom and beyond (City were eventually eliminated from the Europa League at the hands of Dynamo Kyiv at the Round of 16 stage), Roberto Mancini’s men leapt to a strong finish to what would prove to be an unforgettable season.

After negotiating tricky replays against Leicester and Notts County, City reached Wembley for the first time since the Division Two Play-Off Final in 1999, having defeated Aston Villa and then Reading in the FA Cup – a trophy we had not lifted since 1968/69.

There, we would face cross-town rivals Manchester United for a place in the Final: a scenario scriptwriters would envisage in the most uplifting of fairytale football stories. The Poznan made its Wembley debut to stunning effect – before and after Yaya Toure’s sensational match-winning strike.

Duly, the dance would make a Wembley encore in the Final, when City locked horns with Stoke. Once again, Yaya Toure proved to be the choreographer, netting the only goal of the game to guide City to glory once more – and on this occasion, the Poznan would make its way onto the pitch!

In celebration, the players gathered in front of the jubilant City fans to perform their own Poznan – demonstrating the spirit and togetherness of the whole Club during one of the most exciting periods in our recent history.

Joyfully, it continued throughout the summer (City legends Mike Summerbee, Francis Lee, Glyn Pardoe and Tony Book hilariously kicked it off at the FA Cup’s homecoming event at the Etihad Stadium) and into the ensuing seasons.

Sadly, as with all new crazes, it would lose its novelty and faded out as the years rolled by. Now, though, it’s enjoyed a mini revival thanks to Oasis’ influence this summer.