Mike Summerbee

Mike Summerbee was a pivotal figure in Manchester City’s greatest-ever side.

Skillful and highly-combative, Mike was one of the earliest signings made by the nascent Mercer-Allison partnership when they brought him to the club from Swindon Town in 1965. A trademark break down the right wing set up Neil Young’s winning goal in the 1969 FA Cup Final, but Mike was equally adept as a centre-forward and was often used there by City.

The League Championship, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup-Winner’s Cup were all won by an entertaining City side with Mike at its heart, although he missed out on that European final because of a leg injury. The phrase “Bell-Lee-Summerbee” has become synonymous with that era.

Alf Ramsey’s reluctance to use wingers meant that Mike was a touch unlucky to only win eight England caps, but he appeared nearly 450 times for City, hugely impressive in the days of solitary substitutes and thunderous challenges on heavy pitches. After City, Mike played for Burnley and Blackpool, and had a stint as player-manager with Stockport County. He also briefly turned his hand to acting appearing alongside Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Pele and Bobby Moore in the 1981 cult classic “Escape To Victory”.

Mike loved the local rivalry with United but that did not stop him becoming good friends with several of his rivals, most notably George Best.  He became City’s first Club Ambassador in 2009, and he remains a hugely popular figure with players, fans and staff at the club.

Honours

Manchester City F.C.

§ FA Cup winner 1969

§ Football League First Division champions: 1967–1968

§ European Cup Winners Cup winners: 1969–1970

§ Charity Shield winners: 1968–1969