Category Archives: Free

Bluemoon Podcast, Tony Book and More

I was invited on to the Bluemoon Podcast along with Andy MacNab by David Mooney to talk about City’s recent games, upcoming matches etc. plus we also spent some time talking about Tony Book and what he meant to City. We also managed to give mention to Bobby Kennedy, another member of that 1967-68 title winning squad, who also died this last week. You can listen to the podcast via this link:

https://pod.fo/e/29eb98

Erling Haaland 10 Year Contract!

I’ve received this wonderful news about Erling Haaland…

  • Erling Haaland has signed a 10-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium
    until 2034
  • The Norwegian striker has enjoyed a remarkable two-and-a-half seasons since joining
    the Club in 2022, scoring 111 goals in just 125 games
  • The 24-year-old played a critical role in the Club’s Treble-winning season and in securing an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title Manchester City is delighted to announce that Erling Haaland has signed a new 10-year contract with the Club.
  • The Norwegian international has signed until the summer of 2034, extending his previous contract by seven years and committing the next decade of his career to the Club.

One of the finest strikers operating in the global game, the 24-year-old has enjoyed an extraordinary two-and-a-half seasons since moving to the Etihad Stadium.


During his maiden campaign, Haaland proved one of the key catalysts in City’s historic Treble triumph, as Pep Guardiola’s side secured the Premier League, FA Cup and a first UEFA Champions League.


The 24-year-old received widespread recognition for his role that season, receiving the prestigious PFA, Football Writers’ Association and Premier League Player of the Year awards, amongst others.
His 52 goals in all competitions were more than any other striker in Europe that season and the greatest-ever tally by a Premier League player. He also broke the long-standing Premier League record for the most goals scored in a single season [36].


A second successive Premier League Golden Boot followed in 2023/24 as City became the first English men’s team to ever win four consecutive top-flight titles. Despite being sidelined by injury for almost two months, Haaland scored 38 goals in 45 appearances.

The Nordic striker has continued his goal-scoring exploits during the 2024/25 season with a further 21 goals to date contributing to a total of 111 goals in 125 games.


Haaland said: “I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great Club.


“Manchester City is a special Club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.“I also want to thank Pep, his coaching staff, my teammates and everyone at the Club as they have all helped me so much in the past couple of years. They have made this such a special place to be and now I am City no matter what.


“Now I want to keep developing, keep working to get better and look to do my best to try and help us achieve more success going forward.”


Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Everyone at the Club is absolutely delighted that Erling has signed his new contract. The fact he is signed for so long demonstrates our commitment to him as a player, and his love of this club.


“He has made an incredible impact already in his time here and his amazing numbers and records speak for themselves.


“But in addition to his outstanding natural talent and ability, Erling’s dedication, professionalism, humility and desire to keep getting better sum up what we all strive to achieve at Manchester City.


“He is one of the finest strikers in world football, but Erling is still very young and will only continue to improve working under Pep and his coaching team. If he works hard, which I know he will, he will create an incredible legacy at this football club.


“Now he can focus on his game and continuing to play a huge part in helping us try to achieve even more success.”

Manchester Corinthians Book Reviews

I’m delighted to say that a few reviews and features on the Manchester Corinthians book are starting to appear. Today’s Tameside Reporter has this piece (see page 39):

https://www.notreallyheremedia.com/news/tameside-reporter/

Also, thanks to Tom Urwin who has posted a review on the Amazon page here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manchester-Corinthians-Authorised-History-James/dp/1916885217/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=AP0CBG832SBI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yEYl6LQvVu2iEy2RG1m2NA.repTMUuXskmEuKB2EJEzDMxzfhyjkpdeESrz-kyB0o0&dib_tag=se&keywords=manchester+corinthians+the+authorised+history&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1735638025&sprefix=manchester+corint%2Caps%2C264&sr=8-1

The book is similar in style to Manchester City Women: An Oral History, published five years ago. However, this book is hardback.

The purchase price is £25. All orders made directly via this website will be signed by author Gary James.

Those with a delivery address in the UK can order here (outside UK please contact for additional postage costs):

UK ONLY – Manchester Corinthians: The Authorised History

The story of a pioneering women’s club as told to Gary James by those who were there. This is UK only at £25 (incl UK postage and packaging). Outside UK contact for additional postage costs.

£25.00

You can find out more on the book here:

Manchester Corinthians

Colin Bell Tribute

Four years ago today (5 January 2021) the great Colin Bell MBE died. I did an interview for the Blue Moon Podcast the day after Colin passed away. It was an emotional morning of course. The guys at the podcast have made the entire interview free to listen to here:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/gary-james-pays-45924408

There are plenty of articles about Colin on my website. Follow the link below to see those tagged ‘Colin Bell’:

https://gjfootballarchive.com/tag/colin-bell/

Les McDowall

Now that Pep Guardiola has managed his 500th Manchester City game (yes, I know he’s been ill and missed games but he’s still the manager when they occurred) here’s a brief look at the only manager ahead of his record at the club, Les McDowall (note: Les missed some games on scouting missions, so similar to Pep’s missed games?). Enjoy!

Les McDowall

June 1950 – May 1963

Previously:  Impressive wing-half for City during 40s.

Took Over From: Jock Thomson, who left in February 1950 as City headed towards relegation, but it is believed Wilf Wild with Fred Tilson filled the void between managers.

Inherited: Bert Trautmann, Roy Clarke, Joe Fagan & Johnny Hart.

Players Brought In Included: City’s talented forward Don Revie & inspirational captain Roy Paul.  Also Alex Harley & Peter Dobing.

Best Buy: For his role in the Revie Plan and long term commitment to the City cause – Ken Barnes.

Youngsters He Gave Debuts To: Joe Hayes, Dave Wagstaffe, John Benson, Neil Young, Alan Oakes & Glyn Pardoe.

First Game: Preston North End 2 City 4 (City scorers George Smith 2, Roy Clarke and Dennis Westcott), 19 August 1950, attendance 36,294.

High Points: Winning promotion during his first season; FA Cup finalists in 1955 & FA Cup winners in 1956 (and finishing fourth that season).

Coaches: Thirties stars Fred Tilson & Laurie Barnett.

Tactics: Became noted for tactical innovations such as the Revie Plan (although people assume this to be Revie’s idea the name came from the fact he was the key player; it had previously operated in the Reserves with Johnny Williamson in the role).  The Plan revolutionised City’s play and led to the mid-fifties success.   

Last Game: West Ham United 6 City 1 (City scorer Alan Oakes), 18 May 1963, attendance 16,602.

Season By Season Record:

League

1950-51 P 42            W 19   D 14    L 9      GF 89 GA 61 Pts 52             

1951-52 P 42            W 13   D 13    L 16    GF 58 GA 61 Pts 39             

1952-53 P 42            W 14   D 7      L 21   GF 72 GA 87 Pts 35             

1953-54 P 42            W 14   D 9      L 19    GF 62 GA 77 Pts 37             

1954-55 P 42            W 18   D 10    L 14    GF 76 GA 69 Pts 46             

1955-56 P 42            W 18   D 10    L 14    GF 82 GA 69 Pts 46             

1956-57 P 42            W 13   D 9      L 20    GF 78 GA 88 Pts 35             

1957-58 P 42            W 22   D 5      L 15    GF 104 GA 100 Pts 49       

1958-59 P 42            W 11   D 9      L 22    GF 64 GA 95 Pts 31            

1959-60 P 42            W 17   D 3      L 22    GF 78 GA 84 Pts 37            

1960-61 P 42            W 13   D 11    L 18    GF 79 GA 90 Pts 37            

1961-62 P 42            W 17   D 7      L 18    GF 78 GA 81 Pts 41            

1962-63 P 42            W 10   D 11    L 21    GF 58 GA 102 Pts 31

 2 points for a win

FA Cup

1950-51 P 1  W 0     D 0      L 1      GF 0   GA 2   Reached 3rd round

1951-52 P 2  W 0     D 1      L 1      GF 3   GA 6   Reached 3rd round

1952-53 P 3  W 1     D 1      L 1      GF 9   GA 6   Reached 4th round

1953-54 P 2  W 1     D 0      L 1      GF 5   GA 3   Reached 4th round

1954-55 P 6  W 5     D 0      L 1      GF 10 GA 4   Reached final

1955-56 P 7  W 6     D 1      L 0      GF 11 GA 4   FA Cup winners

1956-57 P 2  W 0     D 1      L 1      GF 5   GA 6   Reached 3rd round

1957-58 P 1  W 0     D 0      L 1      GF 1   GA 5   Reached 3rd round

1958-59 P 2  W 0     D 1      L 1      GF 3   GA 4   Reached 3rd round

1959-60 P 1  W 0     D 0      L 1      GF 1   GA 5   Reached 3rd round

1960-61 P 4  W 1     D 2      L 1      GF 4   GA 4   Reached 4th round

1961-62 P 2  W 1     D 0      L 1      GF 1   GA 2   Reached 4th round

1962-63 P 3  W 2     D 0      L 1      GF 3   GA 2   Reached 5th round

League Cup

1960-61 P 2  W 1     D 0      L 1      GF 3   GA 2   Reached 3rd round

1961-62 P 1  W 0     D 0      L 1      GF 2   GA 4   Reached 2nd round

1962-63 P 6  W 3     D 2      L 1      GF 10 GA 12 Reached 5th round

TOTAL (League & cup fixtures)

P591   W220  D127  L244   GF 1049        GA 1135

Trophies Won: FA Cup (1956) 

Other Competitive Fixtures: 1 Charity Shield game

They Said:  “Les McDowall was very much an old school manager – shirt & tie, office type.  You rarely saw him but when you did it was usually when he was unveiling one of his new tactical plans.  We had one where we played with 5 at the back and I had a number 7 shirt on.  He would probably have excelled in today’s game because he was absolutely driven with tactical formations.”  Defender Bobby Kennedy talking in 2005.

Followed By: George Poyser

After City: Became Oldham Athletic manager shortly after leaving City.  Died in August 1991 at the age of 78.

Happy New Year

I’ll say it now before we all get swamped with messages later: Happy New Year! It’s been a tough year for various reasons, including the poor health and then death of my dad, but there’s also been some positive news within my family too. There’s also been (finally!) the publication of Manchester Corinthians: The Authorised History – that was delayed but eventually made it this last week! I was particularly touched earlier this month by these comments from Corinthian Margaret Shepherd (and then the poem about Percy Ashley from Anne Grimes):

Anyway, happy new year to all my family & friends and anybody who reads my work. The support is appreciated.

Manchester City 2 Sheffield United 0

Here’s film from this day (30 December) in 2023 of the World Champions defeating Sheffield United 2-0 in their first home game following their return to England. City had won the FIFA Club World Cup earlier in the month. City’s goals came from Rodri and Alvarez.

https://www.mancity.com/citytv/mens/sheffield-united-premier-league-home-extended-highlights-63839535

Leeds Utd 1 Manchester City 3

At Elland Road Manchester City defeated Leeds 3-1 on this day (28 December) in 2022. Erling Haaland scored twice to establish a new record – the fastest man to twenty goals in the Premier League. Rodri score the other City goal and you can watch highlights here:

https://www.mancity.com/citytv/mens/leeds-united-manchester-city-extended-highlights-63807863

World Champions Beat Everton

On this day (27 December) in 2023 Manchester City and Everton met at Goodison Park in City’s first game back in England following the FIFA Club World Cup. The world champions defeated Merseyside’s Blues 3-1 with goals from Foden, Silva and Alvarez.

Highlights here:

https://www.mancity.com/citytv/mens/everton-v-manchester-city-extended-highlights-1-63839298

Stan Bowles’ Birth

On this day (24 December) in 1948 the great maverick Mancunian footballer Stan Bowles was born. Here’s a profile of him…

Bowles joined City as an amateur on 27 July 1965, becoming an apprentice on 1 October 1965 and then professional on 29 December 1966.

Then in 1967 things really began to happen and Bowles’ first game was as a substitute in a League Cup tie at home to Leicester City. He scored two goals in the second half and the following Saturday he made his League debut another memorable one. He scored two again!

Lots of stories have circulated over the years about his time at City. Like Mario Balotelli many years later some are truthful; others are exaggerations and some are completely make up.

The stories go that Bowles once missed a flight to Amsterdam where City were to play against Ajax, and that Bowles’ interest in the horses led to Joe Mercer saying: ‘If Stan could pass a betting shop like he can pass a ball, he’d be a world beater.’ Suspensions and other issues led to Stan refusing to sign a new contract and he asked to leave. That in itself led to him being suspended for 14 days on the advice of the Football League.

Inevitably Bowles moved on, first to Bury (July 1970) and then to Crewe (September 1970).

A spell at Carlisle followed and then in September 1972 a bid of £110,000 took him to Loftus Road where he won five England caps as a QPR player.

Seven years later Nottingham Forest’s Brian Clough bought him for £210,000 but sold him again less than a year later after further issues. Further spells were reported at Orient, Brentford, Hounslow and Epping.

In 2015 it was announced he was suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease, like his former boss Joe Mercer. Bowles died on 24 February 2024.

At City Bowles made a total of 20 first team appearances, scoring 4 goals, but he remains recognised as a hugely talented player.

There are articles on this site mentioning Bowles. Here’s a selection:

https://gjfootballarchive.com/tag/stan-bowles/

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