1: Mercer/Allison. I put them together because really they were a pair,one complimenting the other.As a kid with no real role model to take me to follow a side [ my dad's interest was boxing not football] and with both City and United supporting mates it could have gone either way.In 1967 both teams had good sides with top players. It was however an interview in a newspaper with Malcolm Allison that swung it for me. I remember how he said he wanted to give City fans back their pride,to see kids proud to go to school with a blue scarf around their neck,it was inspirational and exciting to me as a ten year old and i was hooked,it was City for me from that moment on.
2: Bobby Manc. Although the club had plenty of money and better players since the takeover it wasn't really gelling. He came in,stood on that touchline with his blue scarf around his neck and he had an air of calm authority about him.We became meaner in defence and he just clicked with the majority of City fans,he just seemed to 'Get it' what it was like to be one of us. When he said he would rip that fucking awful banner down at the swamp we believed him and he did. The first trophy in 35 tears,first title in 44,the 1-6 so many great memories and he set the base down for today.He might divide opinion and obviously had his faults but i loved the man.
3: Manuel. Two trophies in his first season and playing some breathtaking football along the way.A bit frustrating at times for sticking stubbornly to the same formula he now seems more flexible in his tactics and not afraid to drop players not cutting it whoever they are. On the whole a calm unflappable presence and with a top squad now at his disposal let's see where this season takes us.
