Sun Jihai
The first and, to date, only Chinese player to ever represent City, Sun Jihai is still playing for Chongqing Lifan in the Chinese Super League at the ripe old age of 37.
Sun Jihai spent six years at City between 2002 and 2006, making more than 130 appearances for the Blues following his capture from Dalian Shide.
The defender won 80 caps for his nation during a 12-year international career which spanned from 1996 to 2008.
Jihai won the First Division title with City in 2002.
Sun Jihai returns to City in 2012
Bobby Johnstone
Bobby Johnstone was an exceptional inside forward, whose skill on the ball earned him the nickname “Bobby Dazzler”.
The Scottish international, who was born in Selkirk, arrived at Maine Road in March 1955 from Hibernian for a fee of £20,700.
Bobby made his debut against Bolton Wanderers and quickly made his way into the history books, when he became the first player ever to score in consecutive FA Cup finals.
In all, Bobby played 138 times for City, winning four of his 17 Scotland caps while at Maine Road, and rifled in 50 goals before he was transferred back to Hibs for £7,000 in 1959.
Sadly, Bobby died in 2001, aged 71.
Michael Johnson
Urmston-born former midfielder Michael Johnson was captain of City’s FA Youth Cup team which reached the 2006 final.
A classy, ball-playing talent, he burst onto the first-team scene in the 2006/07 season, making his debut at Wigan on 21 October 2006.
He quickly cemented a place in the team, scoring one of the great goals at the City of Manchester Stadium against Derby at the start of the next season.
Johnson was tipped for international honours but, unfortunately, a succession of serious injuries curtailed his promising career early and he was forced to retire.
Still just 27-years old, Johnson is now embarking on a career in business in the Manchester area.
Michael Johnson goal v Derby
David James
Former England international goalkeeper David James came to City at the tail end of a glittering career which saw him represent Liverpool, Aston Villa and West Ham.
Only Ryan Giggs and Frank Lampard have played more Barclays Premier League matches than the now-44-year old.
James played 572 times in the top flight and holds the record for most clean sheets with 173.
He spent two years at City, making a century of appearances – a figure which includes an unforgettable cameo up front on the final day of the 2004/05 season.
Tommy Johnson
Tommy Johnson holds the record for League goals scored for City in one season with a grand total of 38 and is second only to winger Eric Brook in the list of all-time goal-scorers for the club.
He may never have had the chance of such glories but for City defender Eli Fletcher, who insisted the club sign the promising youngster from Dalton Casuals. Fletcher threatened to leave the Blues unless they made Johnson a City player – Fletcher might unknowingly have been one of the first football agents of his day!
Fortunately, the club heeded his advice (or threats) and Johnson marked his debut in 1919 with a goal but would take three more years to establish himself fully in the Blues’ starting line-up, forming an impressive partnership with Horace Barnes.
He also won two international caps for England while at City.
The popular striker finally moved on to Everton in 1930 for £6,000, much to the supporters’ chagrin and ironically played a large part in the 1933 FA Cup final win over the Blues for Everton.
That’s all for our list of City ‘j’s… have we missed any we shouldn’t have? Let us know along with your suggestions for tomorrow’s ‘k’ list on Twitter @MCFC.
A is for Aguero, Argentina and Ardwick
B is for Balotelli, Ballet on Ice and Berkvoic
C is for Corrigan, Cricket and Curle
D is for Doyle, Dowd and Dzeko
E for Elano, Elvis the Eagle and Eriksson
F is for Flitcroft, Floodlights and Foe
G is for Goater, Gibson, Golden Goal
H is for Hart, Horlock and Huddersfield
