The Georgian signed on this day in 1995 and, the following February, produced a mesmerising performance as relegation-threatened City held title-chasing Newcastle United to a 3-3 draw.
Having lost 14 of our 26 games, little was expected of Alan Ball’s side against Kevin Keegan’s entertainers, but we took the lead, in somewhat fortuitous fashion, when Nigel Clough’s low drive clipped Niall Quinn’s heel and looped over Pavel Srnicek’s head.
Philippe Albert equalised with a superb volley before the break and then Kinkladze weaved his magic to put City back in front.
After a mazy run, the tricky playmaker saw his resulting shot palmed away by Srincek but clipped the rebound to the far post for Quinn to head home.
Newcastle responded, with Tino Asprilla turning home from a tight angle after Eike Immel could only parry Albert’s cross-shot and, although Uwe Rosler turned in a cross to put City in the driving seat with 14 minutes to go, the Magpies came back yet again.
It was an agonising way to concede as Albert’s low shot deflected off Quinn and into the net to rescue a point for the visitors.
Despite not taking all three points, it is a game which will be fondly remembered for Kinkladze’s performance and you can watch the best of the action in the video above.
