Steve Coppell

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Born: Liverpool, 9th July 1955

7th October - 8th November 1996

When Steve Coppell accepted the role supporters recognised his managerial record had been better than Ball’s but inevitably some were concerned that he had made his name as a player with Manchester United. Nevertheless, his opening comments – “I want to be here a long time” – did much to reassure fans that the Blues could now plan for the future. Sadly, Coppell lasted a month and another period of turmoil followed.

After only six matches he resigned on medical grounds. Supporters were dismayed, especially when he later returned to Crystal Palace and guided them to promotion via the play-offs.

Coppell's reign is the shortest of all City's permanent managers and he actually managed the Blues for less games than caretakers Asa Hartford, Phil Neal, and vice-chairman Albert Alexander senior.

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All history and statistical material has been produced based on the research and writing of Manchester football historian Gary James (www.facebook.com/GaryJames4). It is maintained by Ric Turner & Gary James. All text remains the copyright of the original contributors.

Gary's book, Manchester - the City Years: Tracing the Story of Manchester City from the 1860s to the Modern Day, is available to order on Amazon.