League Cup holders Manchester City played Sheffield United in the League on 6 March 1976. It’s a game often overlooked and for the first 50 minutes or so had little to offer. Some thought City were off form because of their exploits at Wembley but suddenly they burst in to life when Tommy Booth latched on to a loose ball. He fed it to Asa Hartford who made it 1-0 after 59 minutes.
Eight minutes later Booth headed the ball to Dennis Tueart 15 yards out from goal. Amazingly, the City winger repeated his famous scissor kick from the League Cup final to give the Blues a 2-0 lead and total dominance. Joe Royle headed a third after 71 minutes and Hartford netted his second – a devastating low drive – to make it a 4-0 win. Significantly, in the days before assists were formally recorded, Tommy Booth had supplied the final pass for all four City goals.
A dismal game had been transformed into a real demonstration of City’s strengths. The Blues were now seventh, ten points behind leaders QPR, though the Blues had played 3 fewer League games. However, with eleven games left and only two points for a win it seemed unlikely that further trophy success would follow this season.
You can read more on the 1975-76 season with this 5,320 word article – a season which saw Tony Book guide the club to major success. If you want to know more on this incredible decade for Manchester City Football Club then why not subscribe and read it all? You could even subscribe for a month and see what you think. The following 5,320 word article is on the 1975-76 season and is available to subscribers 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.
Manchester City travelled to Wembley for the League Cup final on this day (28 February) in 1976. Here’s a story of that day…
The huge demand for tickets had seen City secretary Bernard Halford take the unusual step of writing to all the other League clubs, apart from Newcastle of course, asking for any spare tickets from their allocations for the final. Many clubs obliged but still thousands of Blues were denied tickets.
Reaching Wembley was an extraordinary achievement considering the injuries (most notably Colin Bell) and suspensions, and demonstrated a wonderful team spirit that had been galvanised by manager Tony Book and captain Mike Doyle following the controversy surrounding former captain Rodney Marsh earlier in the season. Doyle told the media: ‘The success of this City is the complete team work – and individuals don’t count. I’m sorry Colin [Bell] hasn’t made it, but I’m damned sure it hasn’t weakened our chances, because we’ve proved it. We’ve been without him for three months and still reached Wembley.’
Significantly, every member of the side had already played at Wembley except youngsters Peter Barnes and Ged Keegan. When questioned whether those players would be the weak links Doyle said: ‘Peter is not only a tremendously talented player – he’s got his head screwed on the right way. He just isn’t the sort to get all worked up. In fact, I’ll bet that he could prove the biggest success of the whole match. He’s a natural. He does things superbly without having to think or worry. Keegan is in the same mould. He’ll feel at home, because he’s already one of the City first team pool. If he wasn’t something special, he wouldn’t be in it!’
The final began with both teams playing attractive football. Newcastle seemed to have the edge for a while, but a foul by Newcastle’s Keeley on Joe Royle brought an important free-kick. Hartford sent the ball to Royle, who headed the ball across the face of the goal. Barnes stormed in to fire a half-volley into the net to give City an eleventh minute lead.
Barnes, who would be announced as the PFA Young player of the Year that weekend, immediately ran off the pitch towards the stands in celebration.
Twenty-four minutes later Newcastle’s Macdonald sent in a low centre. Watson and Corrigan raced for it, but Newcastle’s Gowling managed to get to it first and stab home the equaliser.
The second half started with City determined to get an early goal – and they did! Years later Dennis Tueart explained: ‘The goal itself… [Donachie’s] going, I’ve gone to the far post, then come away from the far post because Tommy [Booth’s] gone there. But as I’ve checked back into the centre, I’d gone in too far, the ball’s gone over to Tommy. Tommy’s got half a head on it and knocked it back. It just went a wee bit behind me. Well, I’d always been fairly good at volleying right from an early age, and I’d scored a goal, probably it was the first or second game of the season, against Norwich. Which I think was technically a better goal, it flew in the net, overhead kick. I’d scored overhead kicks at school, I’d side volleyed which is slightly different, but timing and volleying had always been a strength, and it just came… Any balls that come to you as a forward, no matter which way they come to you, you just try and twist your body and get some kind of contact onto it. Because you know the general area where the goal is, and I connected pretty well, it went across and bounced in.
‘It was important because it was the 46th minute, just after half time, when we got ourselves back in front.’
Manchester City’s Mike Doyle celebrates with the League Cup (PAPhotos/Alamy)
Manager Tony Book, who became the first man to win the trophy as a player and as a manager, was delighted with City’s 2-1 win: ‘This was my greatest moment. It was a tremendous final and Tueart’s goal was something special… quite out of this world.’
On the Sunday, City returned home to an incredible tour of Manchester. It was a great day of celebration, and the final would be shown on ITV later that day. In the days before the League Cup was shown live on television, this gave those unable to get a ticket the chance to see the game for the first time.
Match Stats
28 February 1976
Manchester City 2 (Barnes & Tueart)) Newcastle United 1 (Gowling)
Attendance 100,000
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You can read more on the 1975-76 season with this 5,320 word article – a season which saw Tony Book guide the club to major success. If you want to know more on this incredible decade for Manchester City Football Club then why not subscribe and read it all? You could even subscribe for a month and see what you think. The following 5,320 word article is on the 1975-76 season and is available to subscribers below. Enjoy!
Subscribe to get access – Monthly
Read more of this content when you subscribe today. It costs £3 per month (cancel anytime) to access everything posted since 1 October 2022 or there’s a special annual rate below which gives greater access and works out much cheaper.
Read more of this content when you subscribe today. It costs £3 per month (above) or £20 a year (here) to access everything posted since the site was created in December 2020. This special rate works out about £1.67 a week and gives access to everything posted, including PDFs of 3 of my books.
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.
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:
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.”
Fifty years ago today there was lots of discussion around Manchester of the prospect of Colin Bell returning to action for the League Cup final, planned for Saturday 28 February 1976. Much of the talk throughout February had been on who manager Tony Book would pick for the final with Newcastle. Injuries and suspensions had impacted City significantly throughout the season and reaching the final had been seen as the major achievement it was. Alongside this the Blues had maintained a challenge for the title, though there had been mixed results so far during January and February. A disappointing 2-1 defeat at Birmingham on 14 February had left City seventh, eight points behind leaders Liverpool.
During the week that followed the Birmingham game Book decided to move a Reserve match in the Central League to Monday 23 February, five days before the League Cup final. He explained: ‘I had been hoping that my ideas on the [Cup Final] line-up would have taken firmer shape by now, but the recurring problem of getting our key midfield player Colin Bell fully fit for his first [first team] match action since early November and a doubt about the best defensive formation at my disposal, has left the situation uncertain until the last minute.’
The move of the Reserve game with Sheffield United meant that, in Book’s eyes, there were now two games to have a proper assessment of who would be in his Wembley team – a League match with Everton on 21 February and the reserve game two days later. The hope that Bell could return was greeted extremely positively by fans desperate to see their hero. He had started a Reserve game on 17 January but, in the days that followed, he had suffered a reaction.
As City approached their League game with Everton Book admitted: ‘I will decide the team on Wednesday or Thursday of next week and part of those plans will be structured around the situation with Colin. I made it clear recently that I considered it important for our inside forward to get a couple of games under his belt to rate consideration, but whatever this weekend’s events I shall not dismiss his chances of returning until a final talk with Colin and the medical staff in midweek.’
As City fans looked forward to their League game with Everton some were already talking about attending the Reserve game with Sheffield United simply in the hope of seeing their hero. Fifty years on, it’s difficult to stress how significant the prospect of Colin Bell returning to action was viewed. It seemed unlikely he’d play at Wembley, but everyone hoped he would pass Book’s final tests and make it. Sadly, things didn’t work out, but this week back in 1976 there was still hope.
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.
If you’d like to know more about this period in Manchester City’s history why not read the following 5,320 word article on the entire 1975-76 season – a season which saw Tony Book guide the club to major success.
This article is available to subscribers below. Enjoy!
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Read more of this content when you subscribe today. It costs £3 per month (cancel anytime) to access everything posted since 1 October 2022 or there’s a special annual rate below which gives greater access and works out much cheaper.
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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.
When I was writing the authorised biography of Peter Barnes there was one piece of product packaging and advertising from his career that seemed appropriate to replicate. The Peter Barnes Football Trainer was a popular toy, demonstrated by Peter himself on an episode of Blue Peter. This packaging (main colour image) and the magazine adverts for the training aid were the inspiration for the book cover.
I asked Trevor, the book designer, to mock up a cover using the styling, colours and approach of the old Football Trainer packaging and he came up with a few choices including this, the one we went with:
If you’re interested you can still buy the Peter Barnes biography direct from me here:
Fifty years ago today (3 December 1975) Manchester City defeated Mansfield Town 4-2 in the League Cup. Subscribers can read all about the game below.
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You’ve got to watch this film of Manchester City v Wolves from today (29 November) in 1975. City win the game but there’s a deliberate handball that prevents a goal but doesn’t end up with a dismissal; a missed penalty; the referee taking out Mike Doyle and much more. Enjoy:
You can also read more on the game below if you subscribe to my site.
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Forty years ago today (29 September 1985) it was reported that Manchester United’s winger Peter Barnes was being considered for a place in Bobby Robson’s England. The former City player had dropped out of the England squad a few years earlier but, as this report shows, his form for United brought him back in contention for an England place.
Sadly, injury ended the prospect for the talented winger.
You can read Peter’s story in the authorised biography I have written on him. It covers every aspect of his career. Details here:
On Thursday (27 February) evening I’ll be talking at the West Yorkshire branch of the Manchester City Supporters Club (8pm; Morley Cricket Club, Scatcherd Lane Morley, Leeds LS27 0JJ) about the Manchester Corinthians women’s team and, of course, I’ll also discuss Manchester City’s history too. I’ll have copies of the Manchester Corinthians book with me, as well as copies of my Peter Barnes biography if anybody wants one.
You can find out more on the Corinthians book here:
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.
Gary James' Football Archive 