Tag Archives: Ged Keegan

Fifty Years Ago Today: Controversial Hartford Dismissal

A hugely controversial away game at QPR on this day (27 March) in 1976 brought unsavoury headlines. Manchester City lost 1-0 to an 81st minute goal to the League leaders but that wasn’t the real issue this day, it was the extremely negative way the London club played. This all led to a controversial incident following an Asa Hartford tackle. The Belfast Newsletter reported: ‘The already tattered disciplinary reputation of the League leaders took another knock in the game with Manchester City at Loftus Road… In the 75th minute City’s Asa Hartford went in to tackle with foot held high, and Wolverhampton referee Terry Bosi immediately whistled for a foul. He was talking to Hartford when Thomas, not concerned in the original incident, ran a dozen yards to attack the City player from behind and pull his hair. Hartford retaliated with a blow, and within seconds other players were involved.’

Hartford was sent off much to the dismay of City fans, staff and most neutral journalists. The Sunday Express reported: ‘Don Masson kicked Hartford and Dave Thomas aimed a punch… the Rangers pair were lucky to escape without even a booking.’

After the game the rival managers, Tony Book and Dave Sexton, publicly argued in front of journalists about the physical nature of QPR and Hartford’s sending off.

The suspension of Hartford and an injury to Dave Watson led to selection issues for the away game at Stoke the following Friday. In the end a magnificent performance from youngster Paul Power was rightly praised in a goalless draw seen as a positive result in the circumstances.

Five days later a third successive away game saw City lose 2-1 to Bobby Robson’s Ipswich Town. Ipswich opened the scoring four minutes before half time, with Ged Keegan equalising in the 47th minute. Eleven minutes later Ipswich scored their winner and their pressure from then on disrupted every opportunity City had to search for an equaliser.

One point from three games led to Tony Book taking a decision that would excite the Maine Road faithful: Colin Bell was to return for the following game.

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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Daily Mirror showing QPR v City brawl on 27 March 1976

Fifty Years Ago Today: Gary Owen’s Debut

The League Cup winners faced Wolves at Maine Road on this day (20 March) in 1976. The game looked like a certain defeat – or at best a draw – for most of the match with Wolves dominating the early stages and even a Dennis Tueart scissor kick was unable to find the net (saved by goalkeeper Phil Parkes). Wolves took the lead via a low shot from future Blue Steve Daley in the 29th minute.

The second half saw City play with more fluidity and came close to scoring when 17-year-old debutant Gary Owen fired in a low shot following a free kick. Parkes managed a good save at the foot of the post. Eight minutes into the half City did equalise through another young player, Ged Keegan. 

After 81 minutes Wolves took the lead again with a Kindon header. Three minutes later a handling offence in the area gave City a penalty which Tueart blasted past Parkes to equalise.

Only a minute later, and with the game entering its final five minutes, Mike Doyle stormed in to head City in front, making it 3-2. The victory for Tony Book’s side was a little harsh on Wolves, particularly after some excellent saves from Parkes, but it demonstrated the never-say-die attitude that seemed to be a key feature of City at this time.

Post match much of the talk was on City’s final flourish, but journalist Peter Gardner was also keen to write about Gary Owen, claiming: ‘Owen provided one of the most startling League debuts I have ever seen… he is essentially an exciting player with abundant flair and ability. He shows too, a crispness in the tackle that comes from a stocky build reminiscent of an early Ball or Bremner. Doubtless his display exceeded the expectations of many as City rallied after the break to come up on the post and snatch victory from the grasp of a Wolves side ready to celebrate.’

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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Fifty Years Ago Today: 1976 League Cup Final

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!

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Tueart Controversy

For the second successive FA Cup game there was a controversial head-butting incident involving Dennis Tueart fifty years ago today (28 January 1976). If you’d like to know what happened and its significance read the following subscriber feature:

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There’s also the following 5,320 word article on the entire 1975-76 season – a season which saw Tony Book guide the club to major success. You can read this below. You could even subscribe for a month and see what you think. Enjoy!

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City v Middlesbrough: League Cup Semi

Jack Charlton’s Middlesbrough arrived at Maine Road on this day (21 January) in 1976 for the second leg of the League Cup Semi final 1-0 up after a tense first leg match.  The majority of the first leg had been played out in midfield with Alan Oakes, Asa Hartford and the emerging Paul Power putting up a good fight on City’s behalf.  Boro had found it difficult to break through City’s powerful defence until John Hickton (I had previously said David Armstrong had scored but he’d netted for them in the 1-0 League meeting 3 days earlier) gave them the lead in the 66th minute.  Despite the advantage Middlesbrough’s Evening Gazette predicted a difficult return game.

At Maine Road a youthful City side destroyed Boro.  As early as the 5th minute 19 year old Peter Barnes – now working for GMR – crossed the ball to 20 year old Ged Keegan, who headed home his first senior goal.  Six minutes later Keegan laid the ball off for Oakes to fire a left foot shot past ‘keeper Jim Platt.  A minute into the 2nd half Barnes made it 3-1 on aggregate.  Shortly before the end Joe Royle made it 4-1 and maintained his record of scoring in every round. 

Stats:  League Cup semi-final 2nd leg. 21st January 1976.

City 4 Middlesbrough 0

Scorers – City: Barnes, Keegan, Oakes, Royle

City:  Corrigan, Barrett, Donachie, Doyle, Clements, Oakes, Power, Keegan, Royle, Hartford, Barnes.

Boro: Platt, Craggs, Cooper, Souness, Boam, Maddren, Murdoch (McAndrew), Brine, Hickton, Mills, Armstrong.

Attendance: 44,426

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City v Middlesbrough: League Cup Semi

Jack Charlton’s Middlesbrough arrived at Maine Road on this day (21st January) in 1976 for the second leg of the League Cup Semi final 1-0 up after a tense first leg match.  The majority of the first leg had been played out in midfield with Alan Oakes, Asa Hartford and the emerging Paul Power putting up a good fight on City’s behalf.  Boro had found it difficult to break through City’s powerful defence until David Armstrong gave them the lead in the 66th minute.  Despite the advantage Middlesbrough’s Evening Gazette predicted a difficult return game.

At Maine Road a youthful City side destroyed Boro.  As early as the 5th minute 19 year old Peter Barnes – now working for GMR – crossed the ball to 20 year old Ged Keegan, who headed home his first senior goal.  Six minutes later Keegan laid the ball off for Oakes to fire a left foot shot past ‘keeper Jim Platt.  A minute into the 2nd half Barnes made it 3-1 on aggregate.  Shortly before the end Joe Royle made it 4-1 and maintained his record of scoring in every round. 

You can watch highlights here:

Stats:  League Cup semi-final 2nd leg. 21st January 1976.

City 4 Middlesbrough 0

Scorers – City: Barnes, Keegan, Oakes, Royle

City:  Corrigan, Barrett, Donachie, Doyle, Clements, Oakes, Power, Keegan, Royle, Hartford, Barnes.

Boro: Platt, Craggs, Cooper, Souness, Boam, Maddren, Murdoch (McAndrew), Brine, Hickton, Mills, Armstrong.

Attendance: 44,426

While you’re here why not subscribe and read a 5,320 word article on the entire 1975-76 season – a season which saw Tony Book guide the club to major success. You can read this below.

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Tony Book

I’ve just heard the news that Manchester City’s legendary captain and manager Tony Book has died. I’ve met Tony many times over the decades and it’s difficult to put into words how significant he remains in City’s history. My thoughts are with his family and close friends. I last saw Tony at the former players dinner a few months back. To commemorate his life here’s a profile of him I wrote only a few months ago.

Tony was of course a major footballing star of the 60s and early 70s. It seems appropriate today to highlight some of his achievements with quotes here from interviews I’ve performed over the years.

Tony arrived at Maine Road in 1966 and captained Manchester City to phenomenal success.  When he arrived at City Book he was in his thirties:  “I hoped I’d get a couple of years and I would have been very happy with two years at City, of course.  Because of what happened and the way the success came in my second year, I felt I could go on again. Winning the League in 1968 was like a spark and I wanted to keep the flame going.”

Book lifted more trophies as captain than any other Blue, until the incredible success experienced during Vincent Kompany’s time. Back in 2015-16 as Kompany was nearing Book’s record, Book told me: “Next time he lifts a major trophy he’ll have matched my record as captain. I hope that success comes soon, and that he then goes on to pass my record this season.” 

His time as captain and player was incredible and this was a golden era for City. What is often overlooked though is Tony’s contribution as a manager. In 1973-74 he became manager of City for the final month of the season – a spell that was noteworthy for the infamous Manchester derby when Denis Law netted against United in the Reds’ relegation match.  In the years that followed, Book developed a squad of real talent, blending well-regarded internationals with enthusiastic youth to create a flamboyant and entertaining team.  

Book’s second full season saw his team of entertainers annihilate United 4-0 in the 4th round of the League Cup – on a night remembered more for the devastating injury to Colin Bell – and progress to the competition’s final where they defeated Newcastle 2-1.  The victory meant Book was the first man to win the trophy as a player and as a manager.  He said at the time:  “Two weeks ago I met Gordon Lee (Newcastle manager) and we agreed that whoever won, it was more important for us to provide a good final.  I think we have done that.  This was my greatest moment.  It was a tremendous final and Tueart’s goal was something special… quite out of this world.”

Looking back on 1976 Book believes the key to the success lay in City’s preparation: “We wanted everything to be low key and travelled down early in the week.  We did simple training and tried to build an environment around us that was positive.  It worked well and by the day of the final we were ready.”

City were missing Kenny Clements, and Colin Bell was still out of action, causing Book to bring youngster Ged Keegan in. There had been media talk that Keegan and another youngster, Peter Barnes, would feel the pressure but Book felt differently: “I had total faith in my lads. Barnes scored the first – in a move that we’d worked on in training – and Keegan more than justified his place.  I never had a doubt.”

Book managed City through one of the club’s most exciting periods: “As a manager I was proud that in five years we won the League Cup; finished runners up by a point to Liverpool; we were in Europe for three consecutive seasons; and we reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. I had some good players that came in – Dave Watson, Brian Kidd, Joe Royle, Asa Hartford – and did an excellent job for me.”

City fans loved what he had brought the club and at the 1976 League Cup homecoming they chanted ‘Tony, Tony’ repeatedly for some time.  At various film shows over the last decade I’ve shown (together with Will McTaggart from the North West Film Archive) a rediscovered film of the homecoming parade which shows exactly what the success meant to the City boss: “I wanted to win the League Cup for them and I remember looking out over the crowd in Albert Square. They were celebrating and singing. Everything we did was for the fans.  These fans have been so loyal over the years and they had made me so welcome when I arrived in 1966.  Such a special club and wonderful fans. They deserved that success – and so many more for the way they stood by this club during the painful years that came later.”

Almost sixty years after he first arrived at City, Tony Book remained a regular and popular presence around the club:  “I love this club and am grateful to all those who brought me here and involved me for so long.  Whenever I’ve been given a job to do I’ve always tried to give my best.” 

Book certainly represents all that is good about football and he is a powerful reminder of the successes Manchester City achieved during his captaincy and as manager.

Happy 90th Birthday Tony Book

On this day (4 September) in 1934 Tony Book was born. Happy 90th birthday Tony! Tony was of course a major footballing star of the 60s and early 70s. It seems appropriate today to highlight some of his achievements with quotes here from interviews I’ve performed over the years. Enjoy!

Tony arrived at Maine Road in 1966 and captained Manchester City to phenomenal success.  When he arrived at City Book he was in his thirties:  “I hoped I’d get a couple of years and I would have been very happy with two years at City, of course.  Because of what happened and the way the success came in my second year, I felt I could go on again. Winning the League in 1968 was like a spark and I wanted to keep the flame going.”

Book lifted more trophies as captain than any other Blue, until the incredible success experienced during Vincent Kompany’s time. Back in 2015-16 as Kompany was nearing Book’s record, Book told me: “Next time he lifts a major trophy he’ll have matched my record as captain. I hope that success comes soon, and that he then goes on to pass my record this season.” 

His time as captain and player was incredible and this was a golden era for City. What is often overlooked though is Tony’s contribution as a manager. In 1973-74 he became manager of City for the final month of the season – a spell that was noteworthy for the infamous Manchester derby when Denis Law netted against United in the Reds’ relegation match.  In the years that followed, Book developed a squad of real talent, blending well-regarded internationals with enthusiastic youth to create a flamboyant and entertaining team.  

Book’s second full season saw his team of entertainers annihilate United 4-0 in the 4th round of the League Cup – on a night remembered more for the devastating injury to Colin Bell – and progress to the competition’s final where they defeated Newcastle 2-1.  The victory meant Book was the first man to win the trophy as a player and as a manager.  He said at the time:  “Two weeks ago I met Gordon Lee (Newcastle manager) and we agreed that whoever won, it was more important for us to provide a good final.  I think we have done that.  This was my greatest moment.  It was a tremendous final and Tueart’s goal was something special… quite out of this world.”

Looking back on 1976 Book believes the key to the success lay in City’s preparation: “We wanted everything to be low key and travelled down early in the week.  We did simple training and tried to build an environment around us that was positive.  It worked well and by the day of the final we were ready.”

City were missing Kenny Clements, and Colin Bell was still out of action, causing Book to bring youngster Ged Keegan in. There had been media talk that Keegan and another youngster, Peter Barnes, would feel the pressure but Book felt differently: “I had total faith in my lads. Barnes scored the first – in a move that we’d worked on in training – and Keegan more than justified his place.  I never had a doubt.”

Book managed City through one of the club’s most exciting periods: “As a manager I was proud that in five years we won the League Cup; finished runners up by a point to Liverpool; we were in Europe for three consecutive seasons; and we reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. I had some good players that came in – Dave Watson, Brian Kidd, Joe Royle, Asa Hartford – and did an excellent job for me.”

City fans loved what he had brought the club and at the 1976 League Cup homecoming they chanted ‘Tony, Tony’ repeatedly for some time.  At various film shows over the last decade I’ve shown (together with Will McTaggart from the North West Film Archive) a rediscovered film of the homecoming parade which shows exactly what the success meant to the City boss: “I wanted to win the League Cup for them and I remember looking out over the crowd in Albert Square. They were celebrating and singing. Everything we did was for the fans.  These fans have been so loyal over the years and they had made me so welcome when I arrived in 1966.  Such a special club and wonderful fans. They deserved that success – and so many more for the way they stood by this club during the painful years that came later.”

Almost sixty years after he first arrived at City, Tony Book is still a regular and popular presence around the club:  “I love this club and am grateful to all those who brought me here and involved me for so long.  Whenever I’ve been given a job to do I’ve always tried to give my best.” 

Book certainly represents all that is good about football and he is a powerful reminder of the successes Manchester City achieved during his captaincy and as manager.

While you’re here why not read other content. There are plenty of free articles here but also there are many, many more only available to subscribers. Subscribers have access to everything. You could even subscribe for a month and see what you think. The following 1,700 word article is on the 1973-74 season and is available to subscribers below. Enjoy!

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Subscribe

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.

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The 1970s: Tueart Penalty as City Beat Everton 3-0

Today we have another 1970s flashback. This is of the day when a Tueart penalty helped Manchester City to a 3-0 victory over Everton. This happened at Maine Road on this day (21 February) in 1976. You can see film of that and all the goals here:

This series of articles and features on Manchester City in the 1970s has been running throughout January and February with indepth articles some days and smaller ‘on this day’ style posts on others. Every day offered something to enjoy.

Subscribers have access to everything. 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.

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Subscribe to get access – Annual

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.

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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.

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The 1970s: 1975-1976 Overhead

The series of features/articles covering Manchester City in the 1970s continues with a 5,320 word article on the entire 1975-76 season – a season which saw Tony Book guide the club to major success. You can read this below. This series of articles and features on Manchester City in the 1970s has been running throughout January with indepth articles some days and smaller ‘on this day’ style posts on others. Every day in January will offer something to enjoy.

Subscribers will get access to everything. 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.

Subscribe

Subscribe to get access – Annual

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.

Subscribe

If you’d like to know more about subscribing then see:

How To Subscribe

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.

Choose an amount

£2.50
£5.00
£7.50

Or enter a custom amount

£

Your contribution is appreciated.

Donate