Picture Special

Joe Mercer: Anniversary gallery

Legendary City manager Joe Mercer joined the club 52 years ago today...

One of the greatest managers every to take charge of Manchester City, Joe Mercer joined the Blues 52 years ago today. Here, we look back at some of his finest moments as City boss plus a few from his days before Maine Road...

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As skipper of Arsenal in 1952 ahead of the FA Cup final against Newcastle United. Yes, that is Winston Churchill!

As skipper of Arsenal in 1952 ahead of the FA Cup final against Newcastle United. Yes, that is Winston Churchill!
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Joe shows the squad a thing or two as Aston Villa boss, prior to becoming City manager

Joe shows the squad a thing or two as Aston Villa boss, prior to becoming City manager
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Champions! Joe rightly takes the cheers of the City fans after the Blues lifted the Division One crown in 1967/68

Champions! Joe rightly takes the cheers of the City fans after the Blues lifted the Division One crown in 1967/68
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More celebrations at Wembley after the 1969 FA Cup triumph

More celebrations at Wembley after the 1969 FA Cup triumph
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Blues skies all the way for City with Joe at the helm - here he is having his portrait taken ahead of the 1969/70 campaign

Blues skies all the way for City with Joe at the helm - here he is having his portrait taken ahead of the 1969/70 campaign
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Dream team: Joe and Malcolm Allison enjoy a joke

Dream team: Joe and Malcolm Allison enjoy a joke
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7

Joe and Malcolm Allison shortly after taking the reins at Maine Road

Joe and Malcolm Allison shortly after taking the reins at Maine Road
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Wonderful shot of Joe with Mike Summerbee who set up Neil Young's winning goal in the '69 cup final

Wonderful shot of Joe with Mike Summerbee who set up Neil Young's winning goal in the '69 cup final
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Joe celebrates winning the FA Cup against Leicester

Joe celebrates winning the FA Cup against Leicester
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Joe proudly leads City out against Leicester City in the 1969 FA Cup final

Joe proudly leads City out against Leicester City in the 1969 FA Cup final
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Relaxing in his back garden, Joe takes it easy in pre-season

Relaxing in his back garden, Joe takes it easy in pre-season
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Another trophy, another city centre reception - Joe leads the celebrations after clinching the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970

Another trophy, another city centre reception - Joe leads the celebrations after clinching the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970
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Meeting of great minds: Joe and legendary Liverpool boss Bill Shankly have a quiet chat ahead of City's game at Anfield (1971)

Meeting of great minds: Joe and legendary Liverpool boss Bill Shankly have a quiet chat ahead of City's game at Anfield (1971)