Mike Summerbee: Tony Book was the best signing in City’s glory years | OneFootball

Mike Summerbee says Tony Book was Manchester City’s best signing in the glory years of the late 1960s and early 1970s – and possibly our greatest-ever!

Book, who celebrates his 90th birthday today, is a revered and esteemed figure at City having captained us to four major trophies – the 1968 First Division, the 1969 FA Cup as well as the European Cup Winners Cup and League Cup both in 1970.

Summerbee played alongside Book – often in front of him - in those iconic playing days as City enjoyed a swaggering period of success.

And he hailed Book’s ability on the pitch and his leadership off it, stressing the reliable and durable right-back was the perfect candidate for captain when the role became vacant.

“The first time I met Tony Book was when I was at Swindon Town and we took on Bath City in a cup tie at Twerton Park,” Summerbee recalled.

“I played against Tony that day and he made quite an impression as he was quite fierce in the tackle and a great competitor.

“I played against him again when we later played Plymouth Argyle and he was impressive because he was fast and determined – not much got past him!

“A year or so later, he joined Manchester City, and I had recently also arrived, too, but Tony fitted in immediately.

“In fact, I’d go as far to say he was the best signing the club made during that era and one of the best of all time.

“We were in the Second Division under Joe Mercer and he was the perfect addition to the team.

“Johnny Crossan was the captain at the time, but when he moved on, Tony was the natural successor to become our captain and was soon nicknamed ‘Skip’ by one and all.

“There were a lot of big characters in the dressing room, but although Tony was a quiet man, he had the respect of everyone and when he spoke, everyone listened.

“He wasn’t afraid to say it like it was, but off the field he was quite shy and wasn’t one for having the spotlight on him.

“He led us to trophy after trophy and was voted the PFA Player of the Year – an award he shared with Dave Mackay if memory serves – and should have played for England.

“I know George Best thought Tony was one of his most difficult opponents and whenever we played United, George was often kept quiet by Tony which was quite a feat given George’s incredible talent.

“I think Tony was 30 when he joined City – Malcolm Allison had to lie to the board and say he was 28 to get the deal through, I believe!”

As Book becomes a nonagenarian today, Summerbee also praised his good friend’s service to City in the years following his retirement from playing in 1974, serving the Blues in a number of roles, including manager where he led us to the 1976 League Cup and youth team boss where he encouraged a talented squad featuring Ian Brightwell, Andy Hinchcliffe, Steve Redmond, David White and Paul Lake to FA Youth Cup glory in 1986.

“Tony would go on and play for eight years for us, before becoming an excellent manager,” added Summerbee.

“He’s fulfilled most roles at the club at one stage or another and always done with great dignity and to the best of his ability.

“Moreover, he’s one of the most respected figures in Manchester City’s history and a great personal friend.

“I’d just like to wish him a very happy 90th birthday – and hope there are many more to come!”