Tony Book passes away at the age of 90

By Ric Turner, Wed 15 January 2025 15:55


Tony Book passes away at the age of 90Legend captained City during golden era in club's history before becoming manager

Former City captain Tony Book has passed away aged 90, the club confirmed on Tuesday.

Book joined City aged 31 in 1966, and went on to make 315 appearances for the club, scoring five goals.

He captained the club to the First Division title, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup, before being appointed as manager in 1974. He led to the Blues to a further League Cup triumph durinh his five years in the role.

“For nearly sixty years Tony helped to shape Manchester City” said chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“Not just in what he contributed as a player, Captain and Manager, but in the way he conducted himself.   His hopes and ambitions for his club were matched only by his incredible humility regarding his own significant achievements. 

“He will forever be remembered by our supporters as a man who helped to lay the foundations upon which unprecedented success could be built.  A player and leader whose outstanding abilities not only helped return us to the peak of English football, but also delivered our first ever European honour.

“Tony’s devotion to his Club meant he was still fulfilling Club duties earlier this season.  I will miss seeing him at our games enormously, and witnessing first-hand the regard in which he is held by every generation of the City family.”