Yesterday I posted the goalkeeper of my all-time best Manchester City FA Cup final winning team and so today it’s the time for another couple of names.
I was asked to select an all-time City eleven and had two rules – they had to actually play in a winning final (so, unused substitutes were not allowed) and they could not be a member of the current playing squad. I also tried to focus on the fact that this eleven would also be facing an all time Manchester United eleven. Therefore victories over United in key games were always in the back of my mind.
The next two players selected are:
Tony Book (1966-1974)
As FWA Player of the Year in 1969 Book captained City to FA Cup success and led the Blues through a glorious era when derby games tended to end in a City victory. Still revered, this humble legend was also a trophy winning manager and coached City to FA Youth Cup success over United in 1986.
Glyn Pardoe (1962-1976)
A versatile right footer who typically played on the left, City’s youngest ever debutant was exceptionally good in the air. A vital and dependable member of the 1968 League championship and the 1969 FA Cup winning teams, Pardoe’s instincts, passing ability and tackling expertise made him a cultured defender.
Both Book and Pardoe played in the 1969 FA Cup final. You can read all about that here:
More on the all-time Manchester City FA Cup winning eleven tomorrow. It was a tough selection and over the next few days I’ll post the rest of the starting eleven.
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