Manchester City’s greatest captain Tony Book believes Pablo Zabaleta is the current crop of City players most like him, as the former player and manager celebrates his 80th birthday today.
Book joined the Citizens in 1966 after moving from Plymouth Argyle and duly became their most decorated captain – taking them to a First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.
As well as playing for the club, Book also managed them in three separate stints, the longest lasting from 1973-1979 in which time they won the League Cup in 1976.
And the former player believes that of the current breed of players on show at The Etihad, Argentinean Zabaleta is the player he most admires.
“I’d have to go with Zaba,” he told the club’s website.
“He is so consistent and never lets the team down. If he makes a mistake, he’s the first to hold his hands up and say, so I’d say Pablo who I think is a fantastic player and one of the best defenders we’ve had at the club.”
Bath-born Book made 244 appearances for City during a successful eight years playing for the club, scoring four goals.
But what was the player’s favourite memory?
“Winning the league at Newcastle United in 1968 without a doubt,” he said.
“We were a model of consistency that season and I was approaching my 34th birthday so to captain the champions at that stage of my career was incredible.”
Book became assistant manager to Ron Saunders in ’73 before he became caretaker manager for City’s 1-0 win over Manchester United on the final day of the season, to ensure their local rivals were relegated.
TONY BOOK@80: Q&A with City legend who looks back over five decades with the Club http://t.co/mBxyGr0IMb #mcfc pic.twitter.com/yuHGAyURVE
— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) September 4, 2014
After that he was given the job full-time and has fond memories of his time in charge.
“Finishing second in Division One to Liverpool in 1977 by one point and winning the League Cup in 1976 were my highs and getting the sack in 1980 was my lowest point,” said Book.
After losing his job to a returning Malcolm Allison in ‘80, he remained a stalwart at the club becoming caretaker manager again on several other occasions.
City’s most successful captain also has no doubt that he would love to have had a crack at managing this season’s squad.
“I’d have loved it,” he added.
“I think we’ll continue to win trophies for many years to come and I’m so happy the club is back where it belongs.”
And although current captain Vincent Kompany alongside other City players such as Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero are fan favourites at the moment, none of them compare to the love Book has received in almost 50 years associated with the club.
“Just thank you for being so supportive towards me for so many years,” he added.
“Being part of the club for so long has been an honour and I couldn’t wish to have had better supporters behind me as a player or a manager.”
Main image courtesy of Manchester City FC via YouTube, with thanks.
