Steve Daley, MCFC Player of the Month

Over the years much has been said about Steve Daley and his time at Manchester City with many myths developing. While his price tag had a direct impact on his performances it is unfair to suggest that he achieved nothing (which is often said these days!) during his time at City. This image actually shows something positive and is a nice reminder that late in 1979 he was viewed so positively that he was acclaimed as City’s player of the month for November. Presumably his match winner v Bolton that month played its part.

Obviously, things like this are subjective but I do believe the wider narrative of him as a ‘failed’ player developed simply because the media focus on how expensive he was was overwhelming. As fans we were told that he HAD to deliver game after game because of his price (think about how that narrative is used today and consider what happens when a player doesn’t perform as the highest level expected of him; how many times are we told ‘Haaland hasn’t had a touch yet!’ because it’s a story that some want to tell?). Steve Daley was for many, many years City’s record transfer. It wasn’t Daley’s fault his transfer was so expensive but it was something that was always hurled at him if he had a poor game. I interviewed him a few years back and we discussed his transfer, City fans and the ridiculous spending City did. It was great to interview Steve and I enjoyed it immensely, helping fill in some gaps.

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