Manager Peter Reid (pictured) opened his Manchester City programme notes for the Wimbledon game on this day (30 November) in 1991 with a realistic view of City’s season to date: “We are nearly halfway through the season and I think it’s fair to say we’ve given it a right good go so far. The League table doesn’t lie and we are in the last 16 in the Rumbelows League Cup. You can’t argue with that. But you won’t hear any talk of championships or winning trophies from anyone at Maine Road.”
The previous game had seen the Blues draw 2-2 at Luton and consolidate their position in the table. City were actually third, 6 points behind leaders Leeds United, but the Luton game had started badly with the Blues giving away a sloppy goal. The gritty nature of Reid’s side shone through and a header from captain Curle and a strike from Quinn ensured the point. Sadly, late on Steve Redmond was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Unfortunately the Wimbledon game ended goalless at Maine Road and City started to lose their way a little in the title race, but at least they were still in with a shout.
Result
30 Nov 1991 Wimbledon (H) 0-0, Attendance 22,429
if you’d like to know more on the 1991-92 season when the Blues finished 5th for the second season running, have a read of this 2,100 word article on that season:
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This series of articles and features will run throughout March with indepth articles some days and smaller ‘on this day’ style posts on others. There will be flashbacks to great games, players and more. Every day in March will offer something to enjoy.
Subscribers will get access to everything, while some on this day material will be free for all to view.
If you want to know more on this incredible decade for Manchester City Football Club then why not subscribe and read it all? If you’d like to know more about subscribing then see:
On this day (29 November) in 1995 Manchester City manager Alan Ball won the manager of the month award. These were the days when our initial suspicion about his management approach was looking out of place. His team were starting to get some decent results and then… well, it was soon back to the mess that was Alan Ball’s time as manager of Manchester City. If you’d like to read about that season (and let’s face it, it’s always good to remember days that were awful to appreciate how things are today) then see below.
Alan Ball in August 1996
This article is almost 5,500 words long. It’s available to subscribers, so why not subscribe and relive this extraordinary season? As with all these 1990s subscriber features it contains material from interviews I’ve performed with key figures from that time.
Here’s the 5500 word article on that season:
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If you want to know more on the 1990s for Manchester City Football Club then why not subscribe and read it all? If you’d like to know more about subscribing then see:
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On this day (28 November) in 1964 one of Scotland’s greatest internationals of all time died. He was the former Partick, Manchester City, Oldham and Scotland half back Jimmy McMullan (seen leading out City in this photo). Here’s a MCFC profile of him I wrote a while back which, hopefully, explains a little as to why he should be remembered.
JAMES MCMULLAN (1926-33)
Half Back, 5ft 7in, 11st. 0lbs, b. Denny, 26 March 1895, d. Sheffield, 28 November 1964
Signed from Partick Thistle, 10 February 1926 (£4,700)
Transferred: Oldham Athletic, 15 May 1933
Career: Denny Hibernian, Third Lanark, Partick Thistle, Maidstone United player-manager, Partick Thistle, City, Oldham Athletic player-manager
One of Scotland’s greatest internationals of all time, left back Jimmy McMullan was already a significant star when the Blues signed him in 1926 for £4,700. Clearly his arrival was a major talking point, especially as this was during City’s managerless period when vice-chairman Albert Alexander took on the management of the players. Alexander must have possessed a great footballing brain and must have been a terrific negotiator as McMullan readily joined the Blues.
Within two months of his arrival McMullan was playing at Wembley in the FA Cup final. City lost that game and were also relegated on the last day of the season creating a new, if unwanted, record.
In 1927-8 he made 38 appearances and scored four goals as City won the Second Division title, and that same year McMullan captained Scotland to their most famous victory – a 5-1 defeat of England at Wembley. It was a highly embarrassing day for England, but a great one for the City man. He remained in the City side throughout the twenties and early thirties, and in 1933 he returned to Wembley again with the Club. Sadly, his second final also ended in defeat, and the following May he moved to Oldham as player-manager. He later had spells in charge at Aston Villa (their first official manager), Notts County, and Sheffield Wednesday. He was Wednesday’s manager in 1938-9 when his side drew 1-1 with City at Maine Road. Both sides were chasing promotion, and the single point was not enough for either side. Wednesday missed promotion by a point to arch rivals Sheffield United. In 1942, during the wartime seasons, McMullan’s contract was not renewed.
He passed away at the age of 69 while still living in Sheffield in 1964.
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The winners of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards (NWFA) 2024 have been revealed. 500 esteemed guests from across the footballing world attended the star-studded event, hosted by broadcasters Eilidh Barbour and Dion Dublin, at The Point at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. Winners were crowned in a range of player categories, alongside accolades for clubs, communities, and unsung heroes.
Jan Lyons, Margaret Shepherd and Margaret Whitworth, Manchester Corinthians at the North West Football Awards 2024
After another phenomenal season, Manchester City once again took centre stage, with Phil Foden named Premier League Player of the Season and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw earning the Women’s Player of the Season title for the second consecutive year. Manchester City teammate Khiara Keating was recognised as the Women’s Rising Star. For the red side of Manchester, Kobbie Mainoo collected the Men’s Rising Star award, capping off a sensational campaign for the England international.
In a heartfelt tribute, Ian Rush MBE was honoured with The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award, while the Billy Seymour Impact Award was presented to Joe Thompson for his continued inspirational impact on the footballing world.
Burnley FC Women’s Kirstie Levell was named Women’s Player of the Season for The FA Women’s National League, while Liam Lindsay, of Preston North End Football Club took home the Championships Player of the Season further showcasing talent in the Northwest region.
The community-focused aspect of football was also celebrated, with Everton in the Community retaining the title of Premier League Community Club of the Season, and Foundation 92 being recognised as the Community Club of the Season for all other leagues.
A special moment of acknowledgement came with the presentation of the Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football to the legendary Manchester Corinthians, a club that has paved the way for generations of women in football.
You can find out more on the Corinthians across this website, but here’s their reaction to the award on the night:
Laura Wolfe, owner of the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards, said:“What an incredible night. The talent on show this year, both on and off the pitch, continues to highlight the Northwest as a powerhouse of football. Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and everyone who makes these awards so special – we have proved yet again that the power of the footballing community has the ability to bring the region together and we look forward to seeing clubs continue to make a positive difference.”
The awards not only celebrate footballing excellence but also honour the efforts of those working behind the scenes, with accolades such as the Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance, which went to Ian Liversedge, and the Unsung Hero Award, which was presented to Dr Danielle Prescott.
Armstrong Projects’ Chris Hamlett added: “The Northwest Football Awards are a unique opportunity to champion the exceptional work being done across all levels of football in our region. Congratulations to all the winners and everyone involved in making this evening such a success.”
Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards 2024 – Full Winners List:
Community Initiative of the Season – Premier League (in association with the PFA) – Burnley FC in the Community – Academy in the Community
Community Initiative of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) – Carlisle United Community Sports Trust – Komatsu Climate Heroes (HIGHLY COMMENDED)
– Morecambe FC Community Foundation – Veterans Project
Community Club of the Season – All other Leagues (in association with the PFA) – Foundation 92
Community Club of the Season – Premier League (in association with the PFA) – Everton in the Community
Women in Football Promoting Inclusion Award – Burnley FC in the Community – Interfaith Partnership with Building Bridges Burnley (HIGHLY COMMENDED)
– Cerebral Palsy United Football Club (Non-League Winner)
– Manchester United Foundation – Inclusive Reds (League Winner)
Best Club Marketing/Sponsorship or Engagement Campaign – Morecambe Football Club – #YourHomeFromHome Season Ticket Campaign
Business and Professional Services to Football – Foudys (HIGHLY COMMENDED)– Saffery
Fan Media, Channel or Podcast of the Season – The Redmen TV
Northwest Football Broadcaster of the Season – Giulia Bould – BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Sport
Northwest Football Journalist of the Season – David Ornstein – The Athletic
Unsung Hero Award – Dr Danielle Prescott
Rising Star – Kobbie Mainoo – Manchester United Football Club
Women’s Rising Star – Khiara Keating – Manchester City Women’s Football Club
Player of the Season – National League – James Norwood – Oldham Athletic AFC
Player of the Season – League Two – Fraser Horsfall – Stockport County Football Club
Player of the Season – League One – Sam Tickle – Wigan Athletic Football Club
Player of the Season – Championship – Liam Lindsay – Preston North End Football Club
Player of the Season – Premier League – Phil Foden – Manchester City Football Club
Women’s Player of the Season – Barclays WSL & Barclays Women’s Championship – Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw – Manchester City Women’s Football Club
Women’s Player of the Season – The FA Women’s National League – Kirstie Levell – Burnley FC Women
Manager of the Season – Dave Challinor – Stockport County Football Club
Women’s Manager of the Season – Matt Beard – Liverpool Football Club Women
Billy Seymour Impact Award – Joe Thompson
Fabrice Muamba Award for Outstanding Service to Football Medicine & Performance (in association with the FMPA) – Ian Liversedge
The Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award – Ian Rush MBE
Special Recognition Award for Services to Women’s Football – Manchester Corinthians
About the Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards:
The Armstrong Projects Northwest Football Awards is an annual event that recognises and celebrates footballing excellence in the Northwest region. From grassroots to elite level, the awards highlight the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals, clubs, and communities within the footballing community.
Happy 60th birthday to former Everton, Manchester City & Oldham player Neil Pointon. Back in 2005 when both he and I were much younger, I interviewed Neil at his home Here for subscribers is that interview as it appeared when published in April 2005:
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On this day (November 28) in 1936 Manchester City’s game with Brentford was abandoned due to fog. The two were rivals for the League title and the rearrangement of that game did ultimately have a bearing on the title. More on this for subscribers below…
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Today (27 November) is the anniversary of the women’s team’s first game. It was payed at Boundary Park and saw Oldham Athletic Ladies face Manchester City Ladies. I was there as my girlfriend, now wife, was playing. She scored two goals in the club’s 4-1 victory. Subscribers can read a 2,200 word long read on this historic first game. Enjoy!
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I’ve been told that the governing Georgian Dream Party in Georgia has nominated the former Manchester City player Mikheil Kavelashvili to be its candidate for the country’s presidency. Already former City player George Weah has been president of Liberia – maybe being at Maine Road made everyone political?
Interesting times. As far as I’m aware neither Keir Starmer nor Donald Trump ever played at Maine Road!
Kavelashvili made his debut v Manchester United (h) 6 April 1996 (scored one) and made a total of 29 appearance (most as sub), scoring three goals.
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On this day (27 November) in 1976 a goalless game at Birmingham caused Manchester City to drop to fifth place but, with only two defeats coming in the side’s opening 15 games (and conceding only one goal in 6 games), there was still a great deal of optimism about the place. In fact consistency was perhaps the side’s greatest strength.
On the pitch there had been few changes with Corrigan (1), Donachie (3), Doyle (4), Watson (5), Royle (9), Hartford (10), and Tueart (11) being everpresents at this stage in the season in every competition – League, UEFA Cup, and League Cup.
Off the pitch, the mid 70s was a difficult one for supporter behaviour nationally. Although the Blues took the lead with their great work with young fans and supporters clubs, nationally hooliganism was strong. The 1975-76 season had seen British Rail cancel all soccer specials following a number of high profile acts of hooliganism, although City’s supporters’ club took a lead in keeping fans on the move during 1976-77 as they managed to keep rail specials for members of the City travel club going. In fact they continued to run rail specials until the 1990s.
Supporter behaviour was a major issue and there was the first call, by the Daily Mail, to introduce ID cards for fans. The previous season the supporters of Manchester United and Chelsea had rioted in an attempt to get games in which they were losing abandoned and so City’s great work with the Junior Blues and Supporters’ Club was trying to buck the trend. Throughout the 1976-77 season the Blues devoted a two page feature (out of 24) each programme to a different supporters branch.
Sadly, there were still instances of trouble at City games and the Birmingham match was no exception. Young supporter Ian Hodgkinson (aged 16) was particularly upset at the situation at St. Andrew’s: “The City fans in the Tilton Road End were attacked by Birmingham supporters. This caused the City fans to run to the entrance. The Birmingham police then informed us that it was safe to return, but when we got back, the police vanished and once more we were attacked. Two of my mates had their scarves stolen and were punched many times.”
Ian’s comments were typical of many that were sent to City and the local media, but sadly despite the strength of City’s relationship with supporters at this time, there was little being done elsewhere in football, other than caging fans in (something the Blues tried to avoid at Maine Road).
Results
27 Nov 1976 Birmingham City (A) 0-0, Attendance 29,722
Subscribers can read a 2,100 word article on the entire 1976-77 season below – a season which saw City come close to League success. You can read this below. Enjoy!
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If you enjoy all the free material on my website and would like to support my research and keep this website going (but don’t want to subscribe) then why not make a one-time donation (or buy me a coffee). All support for my research is valued and welcome. It allows me to keep some free material available for all. Thanks.
Today (27 November 2024) is former Sunderland, Manchester City, New York Cosmos and England forward Dennis Tueart’s 75th birthday. You can watch a video interview I did with Dennis last year elsewhere on this site, or enjoy the following MCFC profile of him I wrote a while back.
Forward, 5ft 8in, 11st. 4lbs, b. Newcastle-on-Tyne, 27 November 1949
Signed from Sunderland, 11 March 1974 (£275,000)
Transferred: New York Cosmos, 13 February 1978 (£250,000)
Signed from New York Cosmos, 31 January 1980 (£150,000)
Transferred: Stoke City, 9 July 1983 (free)
Career: Manor Park Technical Grammar School, Welbeck Juniors, Sunderland, City, New York Cosmos, City, Stoke City, Burnley, Derry City.
Debut v Manchester United, 13 March 1974
Debut v Norwich City, 1 March 1980
Appearances: League: 216+8 apps. 86 gls; FA Cup: 13+2 apps. 3 gls; League Cup: 27, 18 gls; UEFA Cup: 3 aps, 0 gls; AS Cup: 3 apps, 0 gls; TC Cup: 2 apps, 2 gls; T Cup: 3 apps, 2 gls; Total: 267+10 apps, 111 gls
Remembered often for his spectacular overhead goal at Wembley in the 1976 League Cup final, Dennis Tueart was always a hero with City fans. Earlier in his career he was a popular member of Sunderland’s 1973 FA Cup winning side, alongside Dave Watson, and he joined City in March 1974.
Often described by supporters as an entertaining, exciting, determined player, Tueart constantly delivered during a period when City challenged for the title in addition to the League Cup success, however in 1977-78 he became a little disenchanted and decided to move to the States to play for the New York Cosmos. He became the first ‘current’ England international to transfer to the USA, and played alongside players such as Beckenbauer.
He remained in America for a couple of seasons before re-joining City in 1980. He netted five goals during 11 games that season but a wrist injury during a 2-1 defeat at Stoke the following September caused Tueart to miss significant games against Manchester United, Liverpool, and Leeds. During that period the Blues struggled and the management team of Allison & Book were dismissed. New manager John Bond transformed the club, but Tueart was not given much opportunity to impress. Then, in the 1981 FA Cup final replay Tueart was brought on as substitute for Bobby McDonald. This brief appearance led to him appearing in 15 of the opening 18 matches of 1981-2, scoring 9 goals in the process. It was a great period for him personally, but he damaged his Achilles tendon against his former team Sunderland in December and missed the rest of the season.
In 1982-3 he made 36 appearances but relegation on the final day led to Tueart being transferred to Stoke. After his playing career finished Tueart concentrated on his sports promotions company and became a director at City in the mid 1990s, contributing significantly to first the period of resurrection (1998 to 2003) and then stability at the new stadium.
Gary James' Football Archive 