The 23rd of February hasn’t been the most consistent day in terms of results for City with eight games played, two wins, three draws and three losses.
Here’s the best of the facts and figures...
1935
An incredible 79,491 fans turn up at Maine Road for City’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
It is the Club’s record league crowd and was one of several huge crowds during the 1930s – football’s boom time in England.
Frank Swift (Centre) dives to save the ball against Arsenal in 1935 at Maine Road.
1974
Goals from Denis Law and Rodney Marsh gave City a 2-0 win at Southampton and only the second away win of a disappointing season that had already cost manager Johnny Hart his job.
New boss Ron Saunders’ more cautious approach had seen the Blues adopt a defensive style that wasn’t popular with either the fans or the players. Saunders lasted another six weeks before being sacked.
City would eventually finish in 14th position on 40 points which was just enough to remain in the First Division. New manager Tony Book was responsible for keeping City up and remained at his post until the summer of 1979. Book had a lasting effect on the club and is now the honorary president.
Tony Book (L) giving some instructions to Mike Doyle (R) with the North Stand about to be constructed in the background.
1985
On this day 31 years ago, Brighton & Hove Albion were the opponents at Maine Road as City ran-out 2-0 winners courtesy of goals from David Phillips and Gordon Smith.
The result moved the Blues into second position and come the end of the season promotion to the First Division was secured on goal difference ahead of Portsmouth.
Goal scorer Phillips played for City for two seasons and managed to score 13 goals from midfield in all competitions during his 99 appearances for the club.
2013
City U18s secure a second win on the bounce to continue the impressive form after emphatically dispatching Arsenal the week before.
Blackburn Rovers were the opponents at Platt Lane as the young side marched on to a 2-1 win. First half goals from Wato Kuate and Joe Nuttall knocked the wind out of the Rovers’ sails and even though they were able to pull a goal back in the second half through Jordan Preston, City held firm for the win.
