Category Archives: Players

Glyn Pardoe and the 1970 League Cup Final

On this day (March 7) in 1970 Manchester City defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in the League Cup final. City’s goalscorers were both grandfathers of modern day player Tommy Doyle (currently on loan to Birmingham from Wolves). They were Glyn Pardoe and Mike Doyle. Sadly both men have since passed away. As you can see below I interviewed Glyn a few times over the years, including one of my first ever interviews back in the early 1990s (it was for my biography of Joe Mercer and Glyn was a wonderful, welcoming man).

Janice Monk (former City Store), Glyn Pardoe and Steve Mackenzie at the launch of Manchester The City Years

This photo is of Glyn with Janice Monk and Steve Mackenzie at one of my book launches. Back in January 2004 I interview Glyn for my then regular Manchester City match programme series In Search of the Blues. Here is that interview as it was written up for the programme:

Glyn Pardoe holds the record for the youngest player to make his debut with the Blues.  At the age of 15 years and 314 days he played in City’s 11th April 1962 meeting with Birmingham City.  He went on to play throughout City’s glorious late sixties period and made a total of 374 (plus 2 as substitute) appearances.

Gary James, author of Farewell To Maine Road, caught up with Glyn to discuss his playing career and his present day activities.

Let’s start with your role today, I’m sure many of our readers will have heard you on local radio this season.  Can you explain your role?

I work with Ian Cheeseman, Jimmy Wagg and the others at GMR to provide my views on what’s happening on the pitch.  Part of that is actually sat next to Ian summarising, and part of it is after the match when I am one of the guys talking to callers and generally talking about City.  It’s a great role and I love chatting to fans.  Ian and Jimmy are nice lads as well, and the great thing for me is that I enjoy it.  I love listening to supporters giving their views and I like to stress that the game is still all about opinions.  It doesn’t matter what else changes, football is a great game to talk about.

How did it all come about?

You have to go back to the eighties when I was still working for the Club.  Back then Ian Cheeseman was doing the Club videos of each game, while I was working with the Reserves and the Youth teams.  I was asked to give my opinions of each first team game for the Club videos, and so I’d work with the Reserves in the morning, then head off up to the old commentary gantry at Maine Road for the first team.  

Eventually that stopped of course, but then a few months ago I got a call from Ian.  Totally out of the blue really… I didn’t ever consider I could do the same thing on radio.  Ian asked if I could help for one game, so I did, then afterwards they kept asking me back.  

Did you find it difficult?

At first it was hard, although I don’t think any of that came across.  Unlike the old days of working on the video, I was not too familiar with every one of the first team squad, so it took some time to work out the characteristics of each player.  I also have a day job of course – it’s security reception work – so that had to be taken in to consideration.  Nevertheless, it has been a great experience and I do enjoy doing it.

Going back to your early career, making your debut at such an early age must have been a shock?

Well you’d think so, and I’m sure it was, but I did actually get to find out a few days before, so that helped.  If I’d have found out on the morning I don’t know how I’d have coped.  I don’t think I ever thought about my age.  I’m sure others did, but to me it was just a great opportunity.

Your debut came against Birmingham in 1962.  Do you remember much about the game?

Not really, except we lost 4-1 at home and I was up against a tough centre-half called Trevor Smith.  I wore the number nine shirt for that game – I later played in almost every position!  I don’t think I did a great deal, but I know I kept my place for the next 3 games.

These were not particularly good days as far as fans were concerned, but how did it feel to be a player during those first few years of your career?

The great side of the 1950s had disintegrated really.  We still had a few of the players in the side like Trautmann and Hayes, but the rest of the side was mainly youngsters finding their feet.  It was difficult because there was a general air of despondency.  We’d go to places like Blackburn and expect to win.  We’d take the lead, but end up losing 4-1 (1st May 1963) and I think that said it all.  We didn’t know how to win matches.  At the time I knew nothing else really, but when you do start to find success you suddenly realise how bleak the atmosphere inside the Club had been just a couple of seasons earlier.

Because you made your debut at such an early age did you think ‘this is it, I’ve made it’?

Not a chance!  They’d never have allowed me to think like that anyway.  I remember playing on the Saturday, and then walking up to the ground on the Monday and having to knock to be allowed in.  As far as everybody was concerned I was a Reserve – or even a youth player I suppose – not a first teamer.  You never actually ‘made it’ until you were a first team regular and even then you could never be complacent.  Even when we were winning all the trophies there was a very real fear that your contract would not be renewed.  I remember worrying each summer, thinking that I’d be forced to move on.  

In those days the Club had total control and as a player you were simply glad to be there.  We’ve gone to the other extreme now, but for me I don’t think I ever felt I’d made it.  Even when we were the most successful side in the Country.

How do you feel the mid-sixties transformation of the Club’s fortunes came about?

Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison came in.  That’s it really.  I remember when the Club was at its lowest and we had no hope, ambition, or direction and as a player you really worried about where we were heading and who the new guy might be.  I was still only about 18 and had no idea how it would all pan out of course.  Then Joe arrived, followed by Malcolm, and everything started to improve.  Training improved considerably and so you started to realise how football could be improved and enjoyed.

What were your first impressions of Mercer & Allison?

Joe was a very respectable figure.  We knew what he’d achieved as a player and he had a great approach.  He was quiet but very supportive.  A real calming influence.  Lovely.  

My first impression of Malcolm – remember I was still only a lad – was that he was very loud.  He liked to shout a lot!  Naturally, I got used to that, but at first it was a bit of a shock.  Malcolm was a terrific coach and we all learnt so much from him.  He was fantastic once you got to know him, and together they both turned us into a great side.

In the 1965-6 promotion season I only missed the opening game, so it was their arrival which made me a regular first teamer.  I’d had good runs before that of course, but once they arrived I hardly missed a match, and enjoyed the successes.

The 1970 League Cup Final saw you score the winning goal 12 minutes into extra-time – presumably a great moment?

Fantastic!  It’s always a great feeling when you score, but when you score in a cup final it’s tremendous.  A truly great memory.

Not too long after that you suffered with a serious leg injury sustained in the Manchester derby.  Did you realise how bad it was at the time?

I knew very little at the time.  It was the December 1970 game at Old Trafford and there was a collision between me and George Best.  Apparently I broke my leg and an artery was trapped, but I have no memory of what followed.  I’ve been told that I was within twenty minutes of losing my leg.  They had decided that removing my leg would save my life, but fortunately the operation they eventually did meant that my leg was saved as well.  I was in a daze for at least four or five hours and really have no idea of the worry my family and friends went through.  

You were only 24 when the injury occurred, and it was a long struggle back to fitness after that wasn’t it?

I missed the rest of that season, all the next, and didn’t play again in the first team until November 1972.  Even then my appearances were limited.  I managed 32 League appearances during 1973-4 and played in the League Cup Final with Wolves, but my career was really over.  

Even now I still haven’t got full movement back, but I do feel fortunate that I am still alive and I still have my leg.

Personally, considering your age at the time I feel the blow you suffered was equal if not greater than the tragedy suffered by Paul Lake and by Colin Bell.  Presumably you regard it as your worst moment?

I don’t like thinking about worst moments.  Football was all about enjoyment to me.  I feel very lucky to have been in such a successful side, and to play during a great period.  Not many people are given the opportunity in the first place, so it all has to be great.

Which players were you closest with during your career?

Alan Oakes is my cousin of course, so I’d been playing with him since I was very young.  The two of us, plus Mike Doyle and Colin Bell were known as the Big Four because we were always together.  We played golf a lot and so were always seen together, but the whole of the playing staff was close in those days.  We had a great team spirit.

After your playing days finished you continued to work with the Club.  Did you enjoy that period?

I worked with the youth sides, and winning the Youth Cup against United in 1986 was a great moment.  The lads had so much enthusiasm – Paul Moulden, Paul Lake, Steve Redmond, Andy Hinchcliffe, Ian Brightwell and the others.  That gave me great satisfaction but people forget that we came close to winning it again three years later.  Watford beat us in the final, but that side contained players like Neil Lennon, Ged Taggart and Ashley Ward.  To think that so many of the players from those two sides went on to play international football or make a name for themselves at other clubs makes you appreciate the quality we had at the time.  Those kids had ability, and it brought me and the others a lot of satisfaction.

Finally, how did the fans treat you during your time at the Club?

Always great.  They were very supportive – even when we were struggling at the start of my career.  They gave me fantastic treatment throughout my career, and I still enjoy meeting and talking with them today. 

Here’s film of that 1970 final:

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80 Years Ago Today: Colin Bell Was Born

Eighty years ago today (26 February 1946) Colin Bell was born. The above photo comes from Peter Barnes’ collection and was taken at Champneys where City were staying prior to the League Cup final in 1976. It was, of course, Colin’s 30th birthday. My thoughts and best wishes are with Colin’s family today.

Sadly Colin, recognised by most Manchester City fans as the greatest ever player for the club, passed away in January 2021.

I’ve interviewed Colin and written a lot about him over the years. A few posts are available (free to read) here for anyone who wants to learn more about Colin or remember some of his incredible achievements:

Colin Bell Interview/Tribute

1977-78 Colin Bell’s Contribution To The Central League Title

Colin Bell 1946-2021

https://gjfootballarchive.com/?author=0

On This Day in 1977: Colin Bell’s Emotional Return

City 4 Newcastle United 0

Division One

26th December 1977

City Team: Corrigan, Clements, Donachie, Booth, Watson, Power (Bell), Barnes, Owen, Kidd, Hartford, Tueart

Attendance: 45,811

This match has entered Manchester folklore as one of those games you just had to experience to fully appreciate.  All of those present that night from players, to fans, club officials to newspaper reporters, talk of this afternoon as one of football’s most emotional nights.

The story of Colin Bell and his injury had become one of football’s most discussed issues.  The teatime BBC television news show Nationwide had profiled Colin’s tragic story and as a result the player received thousands of good luck messages from neutrals and ordinary non-footballing members of the public.  They had been touched by his long, hard training schedules; his lonely runs through the streets of Moss Side and Rusholme; and by his absolute determination to return to full fitness.  To them Colin’s story was incredible, to City and England supporters it was a deeply disappointing and tragic story.  

Colin’s gruelling training regime ensured he forced his way into manager Tony Book’s thinking by December 1977, and on Boxing Day he was named as substitute for the visit of Newcastle.  Anticipation was high as supporters believed this would be the day they would see their hero return to action.  

Chairman Peter Swales rated Colin highly and shortly before his death in 1996 the former Chairman explained:  “The supporters loved him.  You can never kid supporters.  They know great players.  It’s no good a manager saying, ‘this is the best player we’ve ever had’.  The supporters will know after a few weeks whether he really is the best.  Bell was the best.  No question.”

On the night itself Tony Book had planned to send Colin on as substitute for the final twenty minutes, but an injury to Paul Power meant the manager had to take decisive action.  The supporters didn’t realise, but as the players were making their way into the dressing room for the interval, it was decided that Colin would play the second half.  During the interval fans started to speculate as to when they would see their hero, with the majority believing he would come on for the final flourish, but then as the players came back out on to the pitch it was clear that Paul Power was missing and that Colin was coming on.  

The stadium erupted and the fans on the Kippax terracing began to chant his name.  It was a truly marvellous sight and the tremendous feeling of anticipation and excitement had never been felt midway through a match for any player before.  It was the most amazing individual moment witnessed at the old ground.  Dennis Tueart, a player on that day, remembers:  “He came on at half time, and it was like World War Three.  I’ve never known a noise like it in all my life!  The crowd gave him a standing ovation and he hadn’t even touched the ball.  I’ve never seen a guy work as hard to get back.  The hours and hours he put in.  The pain he went through…  it was a phenomenal amount of work and he definitely deserved that ovation.”

For the player himself the day remained one of the most significant memories of his life when I interviewed him in 2005.  “As I came down the tunnel I could hear a whisper go right round the ground.  I knew that reception was for me alone.  I was never an emotional player but that afternoon I got a big lump in my throat.  I’ve been lucky to win cups and medals and play internationals, but of all my great football memories, that is the one that sticks in my mind.”

“The City crowd and I had this mutual respect really, and that standing ovation from over 40,000 people brought a lump to my throat for the only time in my career.”

The substitution totally transformed the atmosphere and the result.  The game had been goalless, but the Blues tore into Newcastle as if they were playing in the most important game of all time.  Dennis Tueart played superbly and scored a hat-trick, with Brian Kidd also scoring, to make it a convincing 4-0 win for the Blues.  At one point Colin had a header which just sneaked over the bar, but the fairytale goal on his return did not arrive.

When I interviewed him years later a modest Colin felt he didn’t contribute a great deal:  “I don’t think I touched the ball.  It was ten men versus eleven, but the atmosphere got to our team and we ran away with it.”

26th December 2021, 9:47 am 0 boosts 0 favorites

https://gjfootballarchive.com/2020/12/28/in-search-of-the-blues-colin-bell-mbe-interviewed-in-january-2005/

The First Time: Manchester City V Real Madrid

Almost 46 years since their first ever meeting Manchester City and Real Madrid meet tomorrow (10 December 2025) in the Champions League. I doubt anyone in the media covering the game will mention the first meeting but if there is anyone interested it took place on 19 December in 1979. Back in 1979 the game was considered a prestigious friendly, or at least that’s what it was supposed to be, but it turned out to be a controversial game with implications for the Blues for some time. Here for subscribers is an 1800 word article with images of that game and the controversy surrounding it.

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IN SEARCH OF THE BLUES – Neil Pointon (interviewed in April 2005)

On July 11 in 1990 Howard Kendall signed Neil Pointon for Manchester City from Everton. He went on to make a total of 86 appearances over a two year spell with the Blues.  Here’s an interview I did with Neil in April 2005. I met him at his home to talk about his career and life, including that Manchester derby and his tackle on Ryan Giggs.

This interview is available to subscribers to this website below. If you are interested in subscribing: It costs £20 per year (works out about £1.67 a month) or you can pay a month at a time (£3 per month) and still access everything for as long as you are a member.

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Kevin’s Last Home Game

If all goes to plan today (20 May 2025) will see Kevin De Bruyne play his last competitive home game for Manchester City. KDB has been a wonderful player for City and my feature in tonight’s match programme highlights this. I try to consider the thorny question of ‘greatest player of all time’.

It’s an impossible question to answer but I’d really appreciate your views. Where does Kevin fit in City’s list of greatest all-time players? Better than Bell, Doherty, David Silva, Aguero etc? What’s you view?

The 1980s: David Johnson

After a glittering career with Preston, Everton and Liverpool, striker David Johnson joined Manchester City on this day (21 March) in 1984.  Johnson scored on his City debut – an 83rd minute equaliser v Cardiff in a game the Blues went on to win 2-1 (Image is of that goal). Unfortunately, despite a reputation as a lethal striker – and hard evidence of achievement – Johnson’s time at Maine Road was not particularly successful.  After one goal in four (plus two as substitute) games Johnson moved to play soccer in North America in May 1984.   

Johnson died in November 2022 and the following piece was written by Samuel Meade and published in the Mirror:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/grame-souness-david-johnson-tribute-28569782

You can read an article on the entire 1983-84 season if you subscribe (see below):

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Haaland Five v Luton

On this day (27 February) in 2024 Erling Haaland scored five against Luton Town in the FA Cup. On a night when memories of Denis Law scoring six in the FA Cup against Luton (and then getting them all wiped from the records as the game was abandoned) it was a wonderful performance, coming in Manchester City’s 6-2 victory.

When asked about the goals afterwards City manager Pep Guardiola discussed both Haaland’s scoring and the influence of Kevin De Bruyne too: ‘Erling is on fire and Kevin… the connection was perfect… Kevin needs players like Erling and Erling needs players like Kevin. Erling needs a guy with the vision, the quality, the generosity. Kevin is the less selfish player in front of goal. Kevin needs the movement from Erling. We know how aggressive they are.’

By this time De Bruyne had made nine assists in his previous five FA Cup games for De Bruyne. Surprisingly, one more than he managed in his first 23 appearances for City in the competition but he’d been waiting for a player like Haaland to come along for some time. De Bruyne was making similar moves and passes but the end product had not been there consistently prior to Haaland’s arrival.

Talking of De Bruyne, Haaland commented: ‘Kevin De Bruyne is massive. He is doing what he is best at. It’s a pleasure playing with him. We know what we both want from each other. It clicks well. He is a smart player and I like to play with him.’

Haaland became the 3rd Manchester City player to score 5 in a men’s FA Cup (and it still stands) game. Earlier players who achieved this feat are Frank Roberts & Bobby Marshall. Here’s Roberts’ game (there’s film of that match in 1926 via the link):

Managerless City in 15 Goal Thriller

Of course Haaland had scored five before:

https://gjfootballarchive.com/?p=8883

For Haaland there were a few records/points to note:

  • He became the first player to score five or more in the FA Cup (1st round onwards) since Duane Darby scored 6 for Hull v Whitby in 1996-97.
  • He was the first to score five or more for a top-flight club in the FA Cup since George Best scored 6 for United v Northampton in 1970.
  • This was the second time Haaland has scored five goals in a game in his senior career, previously doing so for City against RB Leipzig in the Champions League in March 2023.
  • Since his debut for City in July 2022, Haaland had scored 79 goals in 83 games in all comps, 30 more than any other Premier League player in the that time (Salah 49) after that Luton game.
  • He became the first to score five against Luton for City since Denis Law in 1961 when Law scored 6 but all were wiped from the records as the game was abandoned. See:
FAC Draw a Reminder! Law’s Expunged Six

Remembering Bobby Kennedy

Sorry to hear the news that Manchester City’s Scottish defender Bobby Kennedy has died. To remember his footballing life, here’s an interview I did with him in 2005 (as it was published at the time):

Defender Bobby Kennedy proved to be a popular player after joining the Blues in 1961.  He went on to make 251 (plus 3 as sub) appearances for City over a seven year period and was a key member of City’s mid sixties side.  In April 2005 Gary James caught up with him at the stadium.

Let’s start with your childhood in Motherwell.  How important was football to you as a boy?

We all played football and I was a Motherwell fan.  I used to go all over Scotland watching them and as I got older my school used to go to Motherwell to train, so all of that was very important and made a big impression of course.  But football in Scotland wasn’t as professional as in England, so I never thought about it as a career.  I wanted to progress, but I didn’t think it would pay my wage.  I ended up working as an engineer, co-incidentally with Ian St. John, and then I joined Kilmarnock and he signed for Motherwell.  I’d also played for a village team and Joe Baker played for the same team.

At Kilmarnock you played in the Scottish Cup Final, that must have been a great experience?

Yes it was, and we also played in the Scottish League Cup Final, but each time we faced Rangers, so there was only ever going to be one winner unfortunately!  I had a great time at Kilmarnock and I never really thought about leaving, and I suppose I never really thought about English football.  It was never at the forefront of our minds, and then we went on a tour to the States and we played Burnley and we beat them.  Now Burnley were one of the top English clubs back then and so this was a real test for us, but that day everything went well and I remember that playing Burnley was regarded by us as a major event.  I’d never played against a strong English side, and so that made me think a little.

Not long after that City made their approach, was that the first time you’d heard of any interest in you from England?

Oh Aye.  I never heard of any interest, but then I never thought in that way.  When City got in touch with Kilmarnock, money was tight and I think they needed to sell someone, so it was good for them.  Plus the maximum wage had just been abolished in English football and so when the offer came I was astounded with the wage they were offering.  I was on £22 and City offered £38 I think.  These figures will seem like peanuts today but believe me this was a major increase.  Having said that I still thought long and hard about the move.  

How did you find Manchester when you arrived in 1961?

I was fortunate that Jackie Plenderleith was at City because he looked after me and helped me settle, but it felt like an entirely different way of life.  At first Jackie would take me and my wife to the pubs and clubs – I guess he wanted to show the different areas and help us get accustomed to the place – but I remember we felt a bit homesick and me and my wife started to talking and, even though she had worked in Glasgow, it felt alien to some extent and we stuck out a little.  We knew that once we’d found a house and made it our home we wouldn’t be going out so much, so that became our priority and we eventually settled.  David Shawcross and a few others also helped us settle.

On the pitch I couldn’t have had a better start.  We beat Leicester 3-1 in my first game and I even scored against the great Gordon Banks.  The fans loved that and I think they supported me from the beginning, although it was a little tough at first.  Denis Law, who was a great hero to the fans, had been sold, and Ken Barnes, another hero, had also moved on, and their replacements were me and Peter Dobing.  For a lot of fans – and I can totally understand this – we were not an improvement.  Usually when you bring players in you try to improve the side, but when we joined I don’t think anyone believed the side had improved.  Nevertheless the fans took to me and I think they recognised that I always gave 100% – City fans rightly demand that and they will often overlook a player’s weaknesses so long as he shows the same commitment to the Club as they do.  

You were an everpresent in your first season, then in November 1962 you were awarded the captaincy.  How did that feel?

I was very happy with that because I suppose my 100% commitment had helped, but I have to say it didn’t change a great deal.  I shook hands with the opposition captain, tossed the coin, selected the end, but apart from that I continued to do what I’d always done.  Every member of the side should act like a captain, so when you do get the captaincy it shouldn’t change too much.  Obviously, I tried to lead by example and tried to help younger players or anyone struggling, but I’d expect every player to do that anyway.

The 1962-3 season ended in relegation, then City seemed to lack direction for the next couple of seasons, how did this period feel to you?

It was worrying of course, and I guess the game we all talk about is that match with Swindon when there were only 8,000 at Maine Road.  That was a miserable day.  My strongest recollection is that our groundsman Stan Gibson would put grass seed out at the start of spring to try and get the pitch going for the next season.  Growing a pitch then was much more difficult.  Anyway, Stand had sown seeds prior to the Swindon game, and during the match the atmosphere was very poor.  Pigeons came on to the turf and sat eating the seed in the middle of the pitch.  We had to play around them!  

After the game there was a bit of a demonstration and one or two bricks were thrown – that was a major disturbance at the time because general disorder was not known – and little Albert Alexander went out to face the fans.  It was a brave thing to do but Albert was an absolute Blue and felt the pain of the day himself.  I think, after listening to Albert, the fans all just packed up and went home, but in the dressing room some of the players were saying they’d had enough.  They wanted to leave…  saw no future etc.  I didn’t feel like that because, even in City’s darkest hour, I still couldn’t see anywhere better to go.  It had been the worst day of my footballing life, but I loved Maine Road, loved the support, and I saw Manchester City as the best club in the world.  Why move?

Talking of Albert Alexander, I must ask you about the story from 1968 of ‘Bobby Kennedy’s shooting’?

This is a pretty famous one.  The story goes that while we were in the States on tour Bobby Kennedy, John F Kennedy’s brother, was shot.  Joe Mercer heard the news from his hotel bed and immediately ‘phoned Albert’s room and said:  “Have you heard, Bobby Kennedy’s been shot?” and Albert replied: “What’s he doing out at this time?”  Some people have tried to make out that Albert was perhaps the type of director who didn’t have his finger on the pulse, but in truth Albert was such an obsessed City man that nothing but Manchester City really mattered.  So as far as he was concerned on that night there was only one Bobby Kennedy worth thinking of.  I know this has since appeared in a book – I won’t say which one – as the author’s own story but the truth is that its Joe and Albert’s story and that Albert was such a passionate Blue that even a member of the famous Kennedy family was not as important as a City man.

It wasn’t long before Joe Mercer came.  How did you view the managerial changes and appointments during this period?

I started under Les McDowall who was very much an old school manager – shirt & tie, office type.  You rarely saw him but when you did it was usual when he was unveiling one of his new tactical plans.  Everyone knows about the Revie Plan, that was before my time, but McDowall was still creating plans during his final seasons.  We had one where we played with 5 at the back and I had a number 7 shirt on.  It’s difficult to explain but he basically mixed everything up.  Anyway, we played a friendly against Burnley in Dublin (12/10/62) and tried it out.  It worked like a dream and McDowall thought it was the Bees Knees.  We came back to England, played it against Birmingham and we were awful.  It was soon scrapped.

Actually McDowall would probably have excelled in today’s game because he was absolutely driven with tactical formations.  After he left pipe smoking George Poyser took over.  That wasn’t a dynamic period at all and I guess that’s when the rot really set in, although we still had some very good players – Alex Harley, Matt Gray and the rest.  Poyser was sacked and for the last part of the 1964-65 season Freddie Tilson took over.  In the close season I returned to Scotland for a few weeks as we always did and by the time I came back Joe and Malcolm were here.

How different was life under Mercer & Allison?

At first it was a bit strange.  I’d ended the 1964-5 season playing at centre-half and I think they were led to believe that was my position.  When the new season started I wasn’t included and they played Dave Bacuzzi at right back instead.  They weren’t really happy with that and then Johnny Hart suggested putting me into the number 2 shirt.  I stayed there for the rest of the season other than one game.

In terms of training, Malcolm allowed us to train with the ball.  That was new – our training under the others had consisted of a few laps of the pitch and a run up Princess Parkway.  Malcolm actually allowed us to practice ball skills.  Ironically, after promotion he then got us running again – much harder than before of course!  

Did you see much of Joe?

Joe was great of course, but we also knew that he’d been ill and so it was clear that he wasn’t going to be on the training pitch with us.  Joe did an awful lot of work at the Club, but it was only really at the end of the week that he’d be talking with you at training.  In fact what usually happened was that Joe would come down, take me for a walk around the pitch with his arm around me, and tell me that I wasn’t playing.  That I’d not been selected.  By the time we returned to the tunnel area, I’d be thanking him for not picking me!  

By the time of the 1967-8 Championship you were more a squad member than first team regular, how did that feel?

The spirit and atmosphere at the Club was so great that I still had no interest in leaving.  This was still the greatest club and I always reasoned that I’d be mad to leave it.  Funnily enough the peak moment as far as the Club was concerned during my spell here has to be the Newcastle title decider in May 1968.  If you look at the records, I’m the unused substitute for that day.  I was desperate to get on, but I knew there was no way they’d disrupt the team.  After we’d won the title I appeared on all the photos, lifting the trophy and the rest, but in truth I knew it wasn’t my success, although I had appeared in half a dozen of the games.  I was still delighted though.  

A couple of years earlier when Mercer first arrived another Scot Ralph Brand was his first signing, his career didn’t really succeed at City, do you have a view on why?

At that time Ralph had been a big star in Scotland and was an international player but, I guess, so much was expected of him that it may have put too much pressure.  It’s difficult to say but he and Mike Summerbee arrived more or less at the same time and Mike succeeded from the start.  It was a dream for me to play behind him because he made my life so easy.  All I had to do was get the ball and give it to Mike.  With Ralph there was a lot of competition for his place – Neil Young and Dave Connor really leaped above him once Malcolm started working with them.  I was fortunate when I arrived that there wasn’t too much competition but, as time progressed, Tony Book was signed and opportunities became limited for me.

In March 1969 you moved to Grimsby as player-manager, had you decided it was time to move into management?

To some extent yes.  I knew I was nearing the end of my playing career and decided to look at other options.  Joe told me there might be a coaching role coming up and that did interest me, but then Grimsby made an approach – Matt Busby had suggested me to them – and the chance came to continue playing as well as move into management.  I took the chance, but I now realise that I might have been better moving into a coaching role first to gain experience.  At Grimsby there were 14 directors who each had to vote on every issue. You couldn’t get anything done and I was unable to move forward.  The fans took to me and the last few months of the season everything clicked on the pitch and we had a terrific record, but the directors and I could never work together in the end and that was that.  I was asked to do some coaching work at Bradford City, and then I became manager when Bryan Edwards left.

It was a good club to be at and the directors worked hard, so that all helped.  We got to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, losing to Southampton, so it was all good.  We beat John Bond’s Norwich in a tie, and he went mad, saying that we shouldn’t be in the League etc.  We got promoted, I was given a two year contract then three months later I was sacked! 

Jim Iley then gave me a coaching job at Blackburn, but he was sacked shortly afterwards, and I knew it was only a matter of time before a new manager would bring his own staff in.  When I was asked to leave I thought it was time to call it a day.  I gave up on a football career and, through a friend in Manchester, I was asked to get involved with the clothing business and, at the age of 67 it’s something I still do.  A great new career.

Finally, it’s fair to say football still plays a major part in your life.  Your son’s coaching young goalkeepers at Bradford, and your daughter has represented Scotland at Women’s football.  How does this feel?

It’s great to know that they are still finding enjoyment out of the game.  I watch my grandchildren play, and of course I did go and support my daughter when she was playing for Scotland and Bradford.  I think ladies football is great and I’ve seen some very talented players.  It’s a great sport to play.

As well as that I try to come to watch City whenever I can.  There’s still something about this club that is special.   

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/

Frank Swift’s Birth

On this day in 1913: Frank Swift was born. Here for subscribers is a detailed article I wrote on Swift a few years back:

Swift, Frank Victor (1913-1958), footballer and journalist was born in Blackpool, Lancashire on 26 December 1913, the second son of five children.  From his earliest memories, he was always obsessed with the game of football, playing at every opportunity with his brothers, one of whom, Fred, became first team goalkeeper for a variety of clubs, most notably Blackpool, Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers.

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