On this day (30 September 1985) forty years ago Manchester City manager Billy McNeill highlighted the need for his club to spend if they hoped to stay in the top flight. The Blues had been promoted in May and McNeill felt the squad needed strengthening. City did survive in 1985-86 (in fact they reached a Wembley final) but McNeill’s concerns were valid. The following couple of seasons would see City rely on talented young players coming through the ranks, alongside some seasoned professionals, but many felt the club needed to spend to survive. Unfortunately they were relegated in 1987, by which time McNeill had left, frustrated by City’s lack of investment in the first team.
The 1980s was a truly important decade in the history of Manchester City Football Club and you can find out more on this season by reading the following 2,500 word feature on 1985-86 (available to subscribers). Enjoy!
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Tomorrow’s feature is on the 1986-87 season. If you missed the earlier features then start here:
The 1980s: 1980-1981 Gow, Hutchison & McDonald
Gary James' Football Archive 