Category Archives: Managers

Pep Leaving Quotes

These are wonderful comments released by City today:

 Pep Guardiola said: 

“When I arrived, my first interview was with Noel Gallagher. I walked out thinking, ‘Okay… Noel is here? This will be fun.’ 

“And what a time we have had together. Don’t ask me the reasons I’m leaving. There is no reason, but deep inside, I know it’s my time. Nothing is eternal, if it was, I would be here. Eternal will be the feeling, the people, the memories, the love I have for my Manchester City. 

“This is a city built from work. From graft. You see it in the colour of the bricks. From people who clocked in early, stayed late. The factories. The Pankhursts. The unions. The music. Simply the Industrial Revolution and how this changed the world. And I think I grew to understand that, and my teams did too. 

“We worked. We suffered. We fought. And we did things our own way. Our way. 

“Hard work comes in many forms. Trips to Bournemouth, when we lost the Premier League, and you were there. Trips to Istanbul, when you were there, too. 

“Remember, the Manchester Arena attack, when this city showed the world what strength actually looks like? Not anger. Not fear. Just love. Community. Togetherness. A city united. 

“Remember, losing my mum during COVID and feeling this club carry me through it. The fans, the staff, the people of Manchester, you gave me strength when I needed it most. Cris, my kids, my whole family, you were there as always. Khaldoon, you were there too. 

“Players don’t forget – every single instant, moment, me, my staff, this club, everything. What we have done, we have done it for all of you. And you have been just exceptional. You don’t know it yet, but you are leaving a legacy. 

“So as my time comes to an end, be happy. Oasis are back again. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me. 

“Thank you for pushing me. 

“Thank you for loving me. 

“Tony Walsh said in his unforgettable poem this is the place. I’m sorry, Tony: this is my place. 

“Noel…I was right. 

“It has been so f****** fun. 

“Love you all.” 

Manchester City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: 

“Over the last ten years honesty and trust have formed the bedrock on which we have navigated every situation together with Pep – always understanding that we could find the right answer together. Today the right answer is for Pep to finish his journey as the Manager of Manchester City. 

“There have been points along the way when he could have stopped, and it would have been enough. Somehow, Pep always found new energy and pushed on, finding different and innovative ways to continue winning and delivering success. 

“As a result, the Club has a decade of memories and success to be forever grateful for, and much more than that, an evolution that cannot be undone. 

“The unique approach that he brings to his coaching has allowed him to constantly challenge the accepted truths of our game. It is the reason that in the last ten years he has not only made Manchester City better – he has also made football better.” 

Manchester City Chief Executive Officer, Ferran Soriano added: 

“We have been privileged to work alongside Pep Guardiola for ten years. We have witnessed his greatness and dedication, but also enjoyed his companionship, his friendship and humanity. What a privilege it has been for so many of us at Manchester City! 

“Pep’s legacy is extraordinary and its true impact will be better assessed by Manchester City historians of the future. He contributed decisively to our journey to global excellence and his high standards will be a reference for our players and managers of the future. 

“If there is something more difficult than winning, it is winning again. It requires incredible persistence, resilience and the humility to start again every year, with the same energy, again and again. This is what Pep did. 

“Nobody would have believed, ten years ago, that we could win 20 trophies in this decade, playing entertaining football of such high quality. It was unthinkable… and yet it was done. 

“As we celebrate the past, we are also very happy to know that Pep will stay with the group and we will be able to use his knowledge and experience in so many of our other clubs to help managers and players. 

“We will forever be grateful to Pep and cherish so many unforgettable memories. He is a City legend… forever.” 

Pep Guardiola to Step Down as Manchester City Manager

A press release from Manchester City regarding Pep Guardiola:  Manchester City can confirm that Pep Guardiola will step down from his role as Manager this summer. 

The Catalan, who joined City in 2016, will depart as City’s most successful manager after an amazing decade of success at the Etihad Stadium, winning 20 trophies. 

Despite his departure as Manager of Manchester City, Pep will continue his relationship with City Football Group, by taking up a role as a Global Ambassador. The role will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations. 

In just his second season at the Club, Pep delivered a historic Premier League triumph, guiding his side to the title with a record-breaking 100-point haul – which remains an all-time competition record. The campaign proved one of the greatest and most dominant in Premier League history as his team set multiple records, including most goals scored (106), most wins (32), most away points (50), the biggest goal difference (+79) and the largest winning margin (19 points). 

Another exceptional campaign followed in 2018/19 as Pep’s side became the first team in the history of English football to win all four domestic trophies in a single season, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Community Shield. 

The 2022/23 season is considered as the one of the greatest in football history as Pep’s team secured a historic Treble – becoming only the second English side to achieve that feat. After winning a third consecutive Premier League title, City defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium before overcoming Inter Milan at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul a week later to claim their first-ever UEFA Champions League crown. 

Victory in the UEFA Super Cup Final followed in August of that year, defeating Sevilla in a penalty shootout in Athens. City were then crowned world champions in Jeddah, defeating Fluminense in the FIFA Club World Cup Final. In doing so, City became the first English club in history to hold all five trophies in a calendar year. 

The 2023/24 season brought yet more history under Pep’s leadership, as he guided City to a fourth Premier League title in a row, becoming the first club in history of English football to win four top-flight titles in succession. 

And during the 2025/26 season, the Club have secured a Cup double, with the team winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Pep will now step down after managing 593 games for City, which will mean he boasts the highest number of games in charge of any manager in our history. 

Pep’s achievements have seen him named Premier League Manager of the Season on five occasions and he has claimed the League Managers Association’s Manager of the Year award three times – more recognition of his sustained excellence at the very highest levels of the game. 

Away from the accolades, Pep’s legacy extends far beyond Manchester City, with his influence and tactical philosophy leaving a profound and lasting imprint across the English football pyramid, recognised and admired throughout the game. 

The Catalan has also become an adopted Mancunian across his ten years at the Club, certified by his awarding of an honorary degree by the University of Manchester at a ceremony in the historic Whitworth Hall, recognising his extraordinary contribution to the city of Manchester. 

Frank Clark Becomes City Boss

On this day (30 December) in 1996 Frank Clark became the Manchester City manager. These were odd days for the Blues. There’s more on Frank Clark elsewhere on the site, such as:

Manchester City Season – 1996-97

Death of Walter Chew

On this day (31 August) in 1948 the death was announced of Walter Chew, a man associated with the first known season of St Mark’s (though there are serious doubts on whether the 16 year old played in the earliest known game based on his own comments). St Mark’s is vital in the development of Manchester City. Chew was a key figure in the club’s formative years but there are some myths out there about him and that time. His obituary above is from August 1948 which says he was 84 at the time of his death. You can find out more about Chew and the latest research below:

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Malcolm Allison joins Manchester City

On July 20 in 1965 Malcolm Allison was formally interviewed by the Manchester City board to be manager Joe Mercer’s assistant. Mercer had wanted to bring Allison in since he took the job earlier in the month. Here is a feature I did on Allison back in January 2005.

I first interviewed Malcolm in 1991, and, using material from several conversations with him, and in 2005 I took the opportunity of a MCFC v Crystal Palace game to remind everyone of his significance. Today, for subscribers, I’m posting it here.

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The New Badge & Pep’s Arrival

On this day (3 July) in 2016 the new Manchester City badge was officially launched at the Cityzens Weekend. It was also the formal official welcome for new manager Pep Guardiola. There was a surreal moment for me when I was asked to go on stage to be interviewed about the new badge.

I had been consulted by the club on the history of all of City’s badges, emblems and similar for about a year or so, and had performed a series of talks to fans throughout the consultation period.

https://gjfootballarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/img_2377.mov

This was the most detailed badge consultation had ever performed with fans at any club – sadly too many clubs impose a badge without listening to fans. Doing the talks as part of the consultation helped bring out the stories of each emblem and why it was significant – or not! Understanding why, for example, the red rose was introduced in 1972 following the takeover of the club by Joe Smith & Co. or how the 3 emblazoned lines had always been a part of City’s badge (apart from 1972 and the Swales years that followed) helped some determine what elements mattered most to them.

You can find out more about City’s badge history here:

Manchester’s Emblems

In 2016 I was the warm up act for Pep so it’s a wonder anybody listened. It was a great, positive day for the club and for all of us there. The years since Pep’s arrival have been truly outstanding. We all had hope on this day in 2016 but who’d have thought it would have been as great as it has been?

Pep Guardiola – LMA Manager of the Year award

On this day (24 May) in 2021 Pep Guardiola won the League Managers Association Manager of the Year Award. Here’s the origins. press release from Manchester City issued that day…

Pep Guardiola wins LMA Manager of the Year award
• Pep Guardiola has been named LMA Manager of the Year for the second time in four seasons
• Guardiola’s team has already completed a League and Cup double and now have their sights set on Saturday’s Champions League final
• The Catalan manager acknowledged the importance of sharing his award with the players and staff who have guided City to success this season
Pep Guardiola has been named Manager of the Year by the League Manager’s Association.


Adapting to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Guardiola guided Manchester City to a third Premier League title in four seasons and a fourth consecutive League Cup.


On Saturday, Guardiola and his players will compete in a first Champions League final in the Club’s history.


Voted for by fellow managers, it is the second time the City boss has been awarded the prize, having previously done so in recognition of the 2017/18 Centurions season.


Pep Guardiola: “I am delighted to win this award for the second time, but an award like this is only possible if a manager is surrounded by top professionals.


“My players have been fantastic – their dedication and professionalism never waver, even in a season that has been the most challenging we have ever faced.


“And my staff are also deserving of the highest praise. I am so lucky to have a team of people who give everything they have every single day to make sure Manchester City are the best we can be.


“This award is dedicated to and shared with them.”


Director of Football Txiki Begiristain added: “Pep deserves this award, absolutely. To win the Premier League and Carabao Cup, as well as reach the final Champions League final, in the most trying season we’ve ever seen, says everything about his quality as a manager.


“He has shown an outstanding ability to constantly innovate. With the challenges presented by COVID-19, he’s had to adapt to a new way of working. He’s done it brilliantly and our results say everything you need to know.

An Interview About Joe Mercer

I was interviewed on this day (17 February) in 2021 about the great Joe Mercer for the ‘esk podcast’ – an Everton podcast. I talk about meeting Joe; about writing his biography; about Joe’s time at Everton, Arsenal, Manchester City and so on. I also tell the story of Norah Mercer insisting that Bobby Charlton phones me to apologize (it was somewhat of a shock at the time)! We also discussed Everton and City in preparation for their game that night (17th February 2021). No matter who you support it’s well worth listening to.

The podcast can be accessed here:

https://play.acast.com/s/1c7cca11-92ad-58f8-b31b-49145958bc80/602d41a1c5f50f5b203f5312

While you’re here why not see what else has been posted on City and Everton: https://gjfootballarchive.com/tag/everton/

You can access other esk podcasts here: https://shows.acast.com/the-esk-podcasts

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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.

Ron Saunders Arrives

Today (24 November) in 1973 new Manchester City chairman Peter Swales appointed Ron Saunders as the club’s new manager. He didn’t last the season! You can read about both the appointment and the sacking in this 1,700 word article on the 1973-74 season – a season which included a Wembley final, multiple managerial changes and a controversial Manchester Derby at Old Trafford! You can read this below. Enjoy!

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