Warrington-born Jordan made his City debut on the same day as Joey Barton, against Bolton Wanderers in April 2003, and went on to make 64 appearances for his boyhood favourites.
This summer Stephen left City after his contract expired and he became Burnley’s fourth summer signing after agreeing a three-year deal with the Clarets.
Jordan has played in every game so far this season for the Lancashire outfit and with plenty of Premier League experience under his belt the 25-year-old had a few offers when he left City.
The Burnley boss Steve Cotterill said at the time: “It has taken a long time to land him due to interest from the Premiership.”
Former Academy team mate Terry Dunfield gave us his Platt Lane memories of a young Stephen Jordan.
“He had a sweet left foot, he was quick and you could tell that he was going to do well. He was a big City fan and I was really pleased for him that he broke into the first team and played more than 50 times for them.
“Steve’s still a very good mate of mine, and I think he’ll still be a success at Burnley, he’s certainly good enough to play in the top flight.”
Academy Manager, Jim Cassell has a special affection for Stephen as he revealed: “Stephen was the only player that was here when I came to City and I remember watching the first game, which was away at Everton, we lost the game three or four one.
“I spoke to Colin Harvey, a friend of mine from Oldham and the Everton coach on the day, he said ‘what do you think?’ I said ‘Col, I think we’ve got one player’ and that was Stephen Jordan.
“We built around Stephen and he too should be complimented because he overcame a lot of personal problems as a young boy. He’s gone on to play in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see him establish himself at Turf Moor.
“Stephen wanted first team football and if that happens there then good luck to him. He’s been great value for this Club and he’s never been to me personally, or anybody else that I understand, an ounce of trouble around the place.
“He’s just a typical, quiet, effective and hard working pro and I hope he gets a really good club. A terrific lad.”
| The 21 Who Broke Through | |
| Number 9: | Stephen Jordan |
| Date of birth: | March 06, 1982 |
| City first team debut: | v Bolton Wanderers, Reebok Stadium, April 05, 2003 |
| Games played for City: | 64 |
| Goals scored for City: | 0 |
| Left City for: | Burnley in July 2007 after being released by City |
Also mcfc.co.uk would like to say a big thanks to everyone who, both correctly and incorrectly, had a punt at our competition to guess all 21 of the players who broke through.
After sifting through all the emails from those that got it right, Jane Leigh from Manchester, who was one of the quickest with the correct answers won the competition.
How fitting then that Jane and her guest should be the Academy’s guest of honour at the Derby County game where, yes you’ve guessed it, Academy Graduate Michael Johnson scored the winner - his first of hopefully many great goals for City.
Thanks again to all those who entered the competition along with those complimentary emails from fans about our series - don’t worry The 21, or 23 as it is now, Who Broke Through will continue throughout the season.
