To mark the signing of the Blues’ newest recruit, Navas, we examine the records of other names who have dazzled from the wings…
Tommy Hutchison 60 appearances 5 goals
John Bond’s first signing as City boss, Tommy Hutchison arrived at Maine Road in October 1980 and went on to appear 60 times for the Blues. Playing in his favoured position on the right, the Scottish international was the inspiration behind City’s FA Cup run in 1981 which came to an unfortunate end in the final. A magnificent dribbler of the ball and possessing an accurate cross, Hutchison racked up an impressive assist tally alongside his five goals.
Peter Beagrie 65 appearances 5 goals
A creative left winger who spent three years wearing sky blue, Peter Beagrie made 65 appearances during the mid-1990s. His somersaulting goal celebration also made his five goals worth waiting for!
Adam Johnson 97 appearances 15 goals
Now with Sunderland, Adam Johnson brought pace and a curling shot to the right side of City’s midfield. The 25-year-old made 97 appearances over two and a half years at the Etihad Stadium, and scored his first City goal against the Black Cats to rescue a late draw.
His ability to unlock defences and eye for a goal earned him an England call up while still with City.
Tony Coleman 104 appearances 16 goals
With appearances under his belt for a string of clubs during a 20-year career, Tony Coleman found time to turn out 104 times for City in just two years in the 1960s.
After making the left wing spot his own during his time with the Blues, Tony left having been a part of the side that clinched the First Division title in 1968 and picked up an FA Cup winners’ medal.
Peter Barnes 159 appearances 22 goals
Barnes exploded into the headlines in 1976 when the was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year after scoring in the 1976 League Cup final when he was just 18. His 159 appearances came in two spells for the Blues – after departing for West Brom in 1979 he returned eight years later to take part in another handful of games.
Dave Wagstaffe 161 appearances 8 goals
‘Waggy’ was a City youth product who made his senior debut in 1960 and stayed for four more years. Although his return of eight goals from the left may initially look paltry, he unselfishly clocked up a large amount of assists for his teammates.
Shaun Wright-Phillips 275 appearances 47 goals
Academy graduate Shaun Wright-Phillips made an impression from the first of his 275 appearances in a City shirt. In his league debut at Port Vale, his introduction from the bench helped City launch a comeback from 1-0 down to take all three points. He also scooped City’s Young Player of the Year award a record four consecutive times. After leaving the Blues for a spell at Chelsea in 2005, he received a hero’s welcome on his return three years later.
David White 313 appearances 90 goals
Alternating between the right wing and a striking role, David White showed his potential early as part of the City side that were crowned FA Youth Cup winners in 1986. His pace was a valuable asset for 313 appearances in the early 1990s, and he finished as the club’s top scorer two seasons running.
Billy Meredith 393 appearances 151 goals
In a quite remarkable football career, Billy Meredith’s total of 393 appearances for the Blues were achieved across two spells at the club, sandwiched either side of 15 years spent with cross-city rivals, Manchester United. Arriving at City in 1894, the Welshman finished his first full season as the club’s top scorer. Famed for his balance and agility, Meredith finally hung up his boots in 1924, aged 49.
Mike Summerbee 443 appearances 67 goals
Top of the appearance chart for City’s famous wingers with 443, Mike Summerbee was one of the most influential players in the side that scooped four trophies in three years in the 1960s. Winning a First Division title, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup during that period, he also scored 67 goals from the right wing during his decade in the blue half of Manchester.
