Tag Archives: Peter Barnes

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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50 Years Ago: Peter Barnes

Peter Barnes signed professional forms for Manchester City on this day (1 July) in 1974. You can find several articles that mention Peter throughout this website. Start looking here:

https://gjfootballarchive.com/category/peter-barnes/

The Second All-Manchester FA Cup Final

Well, the Premier League is now over for another year and we know who the Champions (4-in-a-row) are and who has qualified for Europe etc. so it’s time to look forward to the second all Manchester FA Cup final. The first was of course last season and started off wonderfully for Manchester’s Blues with that record-making Gundogan opener.

Prior to this last year’s final, the closest Manchester City and Manchester United got to playing each other in a Wembley FA Cup final were the FA Cup semi finals in 1926 and 2011. I wasn’t around in 1926 but I definitely was in 2011! A few years back I made this special audio recording talking about the years building up to the semi and the day itself from a Manchester City perspective. Many of you have listened to this already but if you haven’t then it tells the story of the 2011 FA Cup semi final and the years between 1976 and that moment in 2011 for City.

I included audio from interviews I did with a variety of people including Khaldoon, Peter Swales, Garry Cook, Brain Marwood and many others.

If you have heard it before then maybe you should listen again to remind yourself of how we all felt and why that game was so significant.

I included a few words from Roberto Mancini recorded in 2011 and at one point he talks about the view that was then being expressed that City were ‘trying’ to buy success (now they say City ‘have’ bought success!). His words are a reminder that City have been having that particular criticism thrown at them for over a decade! Oh well, I wonder how long those criticisms were laid at other clubs who had seen major investment which propelled them forward?

Anyway, get yourself a brew and be prepared to be transported back in time. Here’s the recording:

If you enjoy the recording then please let me know, comment or subscribe to the site. If you don’t fancy doing that then there’s also the option to make a welcome donation to keep this site going (see below). I’ve produced videos/talks like this highlighting key points in Manchester City’s footballing history which subscribers can watch too. 

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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Match Stats for the 2011 FA Cup Semi-final

City 1-0 United (HT 0-0)

Yaya Toure 52

City: 25 Hart 04 Kompany (yellow card), 05 Zabaleta (yellow card), 13 Kolarov, 19 Lescott, 11 Johnson (Wright-Phillips 79), 18 Barry, 21 Silva (Vieira 86), 34 De Jong (yellow card), 42 Y Toure, 45 Balotelli (yellow card). Substitutes 12 Taylor, 38 Boyata, 07 Milner, 08 Wright-Phillips, 24 Vieira, 10 Dzeko, 27 Jo

United: 01 Van der Sar, 03 Evra, 05 Ferdinand, 15 Vidic, 22 O’Shea (Fabio Da Silva 84), 13 Park Ji-Sung, 16 Carrick, 17 Nani, 18 Scholes (red card), 25 Valencia (Hernandez 65), 09 Berbatov (Anderson 74). Substitutes 29 Kuszczak, 12 Smalling, 20 Fabio Da Silva, 08 Anderson, 28 Gibson, 07 Owen, 14 Hernandez

Referee: Dean

Attendance: 86,549

Restored 2011: The All-Manchester FA Cup Semi Final

On 16 April 2011 Manchester City faced Manchester United in the FA Cup semi final. A few years back I produced Restored 2011: The All-Manchester FA Cup Semi Final and as we build up to another FA Cup semi final weekend involving both Manchester clubs it’s well worth reminding ourselves of this time.

This special 1 hour audio recording looks at the game and the years between City’s 1976 League Cup success and the FA Cup glory of 2011. The 2011 semi-final was a crucial step in City’s journey since the 2008 takeover and I felt it was vital to do a special marking this.

So what’s in this special recording? Well, I’ve included exclusive material from interviews and recordings I’ve done over the years with Garry Cook, Brian Marwood, Roberto Mancini, Peter Barnes and Peter Swales.  Why Swales? Well, have a listen and you’ll hear why. Basically though I’m trying to set the tone for why the 2011 FA Cup semi final victory and overcoming Manchester United was so significant.

On Mancini… I include a few words from him recorded in 2011 and at one point he talks about the view that was then being expressed that City were ‘trying’ to buy success (now they say City ‘have’ bought success!). His words are a reminder that City have been having that particular criticism thrown at them for over a decade! Oh well, I wonder how long those criticisms were laid at other clubs who had seen major investment which propelled them forward?

Anyway, get yourself a brew and be prepared to be transported back in time. Here’s the recording:

If you enjoy the recording then please let me know, comment or subscribe to the site. If it’s of interest then, over the coming months and years, I’ll produce others like this highlighting key points in Manchester City – and Manchester’s – footballing history. It costs £20 a year to subscribe (it works out £1.67 a month) or £3 if you’d like to sign up a month at a time to get full access for as long as you subscribe (you can always try it for a month). It’s worth bearing in mind that the 2010 Manchester A Football History cost £24.95 and all subscribers will be able to access all of that for as long as they are a subscriber (plus all the other stuff of course). You can subscribe below.

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Match Stats for the 2011 FA Cup Semi-final

City 1-0 United (HT 0-0)

Yaya Toure 52

City: 25 Hart 04 Kompany (yellow card), 05 Zabaleta (yellow card), 13 Kolarov, 19 Lescott, 11 Johnson (Wright-Phillips 79), 18 Barry, 21 Silva (Vieira 86), 34 De Jong (yellow card), 42 Y Toure, 45 Balotelli (yellow card). Substitutes 12 Taylor, 38 Boyata, 07 Milner, 08 Wright-Phillips, 24 Vieira, 10 Dzeko, 27 Jo

United: 01 Van der Sar, 03 Evra, 05 Ferdinand, 15 Vidic, 22 O’Shea (Fabio Da Silva 84), 13 Park Ji-Sung, 16 Carrick, 17 Nani, 18 Scholes (red card), 25 Valencia (Hernandez 65), 09 Berbatov (Anderson 74). Substitutes 29 Kuszczak, 12 Smalling, 20 Fabio Da Silva, 08 Anderson, 28 Gibson, 07 Owen, 14 Hernandez

Referee: Dean

Attendance: 86,549

The 1970s: The 1976 League Cup Final

Another 1970s flashback today with film of the 1976 League Cup final played on this day (28 February) in 1976. I blame Tueart for my bad back as we all tried to replicate his goal at school the following week! Here’s film of the game:

You can read more on this amazing season below.

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.

Subscribers 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!

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The 1970s: Gary Owen’s Debut

Last week I posted a piece on the 1978-79 season when Malcolm Allison returned midway though, describing himself as City’s Coaching Overlord. It was never an official title but the press loved it. That led to several people commenting on facebook, twitter and in private messages to me about the loss they felt when Malcolm started to move on some of the players fans loved. This included Peter Barnes (who I’ve written an authorised biography of – see elsewhere on my site for details of how tobuy that) and Gary Owen. Both players were loved by fans (and still are). So today’s 1970s flashback follows on from all of that.

It’s a reminder of the day Gary Owen made his Manchester City debut, replacing Alan Oakes. The debut was actually on 20 March 1976 against Wolves. A few years back I interviewed Gary about this first appearances and asked:

Your chance to play eventually came in March 1976.  What do you remember about your debut against Wolves?

‘I’d been on the bench for the FA Cup tie with Hartlepool when we beat them 6-0 (3/01/76) but not used, and at Burnley on 13th March.  Then Alan Oakes was injured and so the day before the Wolves game I was told I was going to make my debut.  That night I could hardly sleep and on the morning of the game I remember having bacon, egg & toast.  I had a full fry up!  This was before nutritionists and so on and I thought it was the best thing to have.  I thought I had to build myself up.  I was full of nervous energy as well.  I would have loved to have kicked off at 8am because I was ready… I couldn’t wait.  I’d had my fry up and I wanted to face Wolves.  It couldn’t come quick enough.  I remember getting to the ground and walking in, seeing everyone.  People were asking for my autograph – only a year before I had the pictures on my bedroom wall and was after the autographs.

‘I got into the changing room.  Changed faster than anybody else.  Went into the gym and played head tennis.  As soon as the opportunity came to get out on the pitch I was out there.  I wanted to savour every moment of it and take it all in.  Back inside we had the team talk and Tony Book told me what my role was and that but, I have to tell you Gary, once I walked out on to that pitch I had nothing in my mind apart from getting every ball.  I wanted the ball all the time and I chased, and pushed for it.’

Here’s a Manchester Evening News follow up piece to his debut, talking about the game and the player:

Gary Owen’s debut, 20 March 1976

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.

Subscribers 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!

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The 1970s: 1979-1980 Spend, Spend, Spend

The series of features/articles covering Manchester City in the 1970s continues with a 4,220 word article on the entire 1979-80 season – a season which saw heroes leave and spending get ridiculous!). My article, like the other indepth pieces, contains material from interviews I have performed with many of the key figures – chairman, managers, players and others. You can read this below.

This series of articles and features on Manchester City in the 1970s has been running throughout January and now into February with indepth articles some days and smaller ‘on this day’ style posts on others. Every day in January offered something to enjoy and I’ll continue this series for a little while yet. Thanks for all the positive comments about it.

Subscribers can access 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 4,220 word article is on the 1979-80 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.

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The 1970s: A Beauty by Barnes!

Today’s 1970s flashback includes video of a brilliant goal by Peter Barnes during the 3-0 victory over Spurs by MCFC on this day (3 February) in 1979. You can watch the goal and the others in this game here (these highlights were shown on LWT’s Big Match on 4 February 1979:

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

Subscribers can access 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 5,700 word article is on the 1978-79 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.

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The 1970s: 1978-1979 Milan Meeting

The series of features/articles covering Manchester City in the 1970s continues with a 5,700 word article on the entire 1978-79 season – a season which saw City mount a UEFA Cup challenge and a former hero return (if only he hadn’t!). My article, like the other indepth pieces, contains material from interviews I have performed with many of the key figures – chairman, managers, players and others. You can read this below.

This series of articles and features on Manchester City in the 1970s has been running throughout January and now into February with indepth articles some days and smaller ‘on this day’ style posts on others. Every day in January offered something to enjoy and I’ll continue this series for a little while yet. Thanks for all the positive comments about it.

Subscribers can access 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 5,700 word article is on the 1978-79 season and is available to subscribers below. Enjoy!

Subscribe to get access – Monthly

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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: 1977-1978 Bell’s Return

The series of features/articles covering Manchester City in the 1970s continues with a 3,700 word article on the entire 1977-78 season – a season which saw an emotional return to the League for Colin Bell and a MCFC title challenge (well, we hoped!). You can read this below. This series of articles and features on Manchester City in the 1970s has been running throughout January and now into February with indepth articles some days and smaller ‘on this day’ style posts on others. Every day in January offered something to enjoy and I’ll continue this series for a little while yet. Thanks for all the positive comments about it.

Subscribers can access 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 3,700 word article is on the 1977-78 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.

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