He was Manchester City’s captain during the glory years of the late 1960s. It was he, not the team’s better known flair players, who jointly with Derby’s Dave Mackay was voted Footballer of the Year in 1969.
It was Tony Book’s granite presence, guile, drive, and leadership which were the foundation stone of a squad which allowed the likes of Summerbee, Lee and Bell to flourish. Some of the most iconic images of the club feature Book in the classic black and red striped shirt being hoisted on the shoulders of teammates after FA Cup and League Cup final success.
Book, who has died aged 90, was typically modest and gracious when awarded the Footballer of the Year trophy by the Football Writers Association.
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“To receive an award that my boss, Joe Mercer, and Stanley Matthews, Tom Finney, Bert Trautmann and the men of their calibre were given was truly astonishing. It is an honour for which the greatest credit goes to Joe Mercer, Malcolm Allison, and the team. I’ve had some wonderful help on the way.”
Tony Book with his Footballer of the Year trophy in 1969 – a title he shared with Derby’s Dave Mackay. -Credit:PA
He was a very successful player during the Mercer-Allison era and a key figure as the Blues were crowned League One Champions in 1968 followed by a 1-0 victory over Leicester City to lift the FA Cup in 1969 and a 2-1 success against West Bromwich Albion to win the League Cup in 1970. He also won a European Cup Winners’ Cup during his days as a defender.
His career with City began in 1966 – the year England won the World Cup – when he was signed for £17,000 from Plymouth Argyle. Malcolm Allison had been an admirer of Book since their days together at non-league Bath City. Allison persuaded Mercer to take a punt on the already experienced Book saying he was 30 years old when he was actually 32.
Book continued to play for City until the age of 39 when, after a spell as caretaker manager, he became Ron Saunders’ assistant. When Saunders was sacked Book took over and was manager of the team that won 1-0 at Old Trafford in 1974 with an infamous back heel by ex-Red Dennis Law, when Manchester United were relegated.
Book managed the club from 1974-79 during which time City won the League Cup in 1976 defeating Newcastle 2-1. He later took an important role in the youth squads, helping to win the FA Youth Cup in 1986.
He was in charge on a night which embraced both glory and heartbreak at Maine Road. His stylish team beat Manchester United 4-0 in the 4th Round of the League Cup – but at a price. Colin Bell’s knee was broken after being tackled by United’s Martin Buchan and it ended his career.
Tony Book pictured at Maine Road in 2003 -Credit:PAUL SIMPSON
A former playing colleague at Bath City, Ian MacFarlane was Book’s assistant manager. Gary James, in his book “Manchester The Greatest City”, wrote: “The trophy success was proof that Book and MacFarlane knew how to develop a highly motivated team. Most players from this period talk about the great team spirit fostered by the two men.”
At a time when Liverpool dominated, City under Book came second in Division One in the 1976/77 season.
The next season they were a respectable 4th. As James records: “By this time Book had turned City into a popular, high profile club.”
European games became familiar territory and in 1978 City beat AC Milan 5-2 on aggregate in the UEFA Cup. But Book’s influence dimmed when Malcolm Allison was brought back to the club in 1979.
Paul Hince in the Manchester Evening News reported on January 5th 1979 the maverick’s “sensational” return writing: “Clearly City feel that a combination of the talents and ideas of Book, Allison, and first team coach Bill Taylor, will help the Blues reclaim their position in English soccer.”
Book was made general manager but a year later both he and Allison were sacked.
But Book’s devotion to the cause and the respect with which he was regarded meant he soon returned to Maine Road. He then held a raft of positions including coach with the first team; youth coach; youth team manager; assistant manager of the first team; and caretaker manager in 1989 and 1993.
Princess Anne presenting the FA Cup to Manchester City captain Tony Book -Credit:PA Archive/Press Association Images
As City’s ability to be masters of calamity grew he stuck with the Blues through the tough times of the 90s and beyond. One famous player once joked: “In the event of a nuclear war, stand next to Skip – he’s the only thing certain to remain at Maine Road.”
In the 1996/97 season it was announced that he was to leave the club as he was to retire. But he returned again and was made an honorary club president.
On the pitch he was part of a formidable Blue defensive wall which included the steel of Mike Doyle and aerial domination and calm play of Tommy Booth. As a manager and later caretaker manager his years spanned magical success with a team of entertainers to major upheaval.
The last time I saw Tony Book was at the Etihad Stadium on August 24th last year as the Blues beat Ipswich Town 4-1. He was there in an ambassadorial role and we passed each other at half time. Dignified, silver-haired and quietly “on duty” he remained unmistakable. I wanted to shake his hand, but thought better off it – he must be tired of having to do that I reckoned. I wish I had – a true club legend.