‘Dunney’ made more than 350 appearances for City and, on this day 19 years ago (yesterday if you’re reading this on Friday!), we asked Richard what were his standout memories of being at the Club.
Take it away, Dunney…
The Last Maine Road derby…
“I’d have to go to for this game back in 2002. Partly because of the team United were at the time, but mostly because it was the last Manchester derby at Maine Road and we had to get it right. The atmosphere on the day was electric and we weren’t favourites going into the game and I don’t think anyone gave us much hope going into it so to deservedly win 3-1 it was a game I won’t forget in a hurry.”
Millwall 2001
“This is another game that sticks in my mind. I think both teams had banned away supporters because of trouble the last time we’d played, so we didn’t have anyone at all in our away end – we’re used to that now, but back then it was strange because we always took a big following wherever we went. I just remember Shaun Wright-Phillips scoring and running up to where our fans would have been and applauding the empty stand. Darren Huckerby did the same thing and we won 3-2 and for that celebration, it’s a game I really enjoyed.”
Comeback at White Hart Lane
“I’ve gone for this because of the character we had to show to come back from 3-0 down at half-time and go down to ten men and win 4-3. We were being hammered, but to show that fight and determination to not throw the towel in was fantastic. I remember when we made it 3-1, I was marking my international team-mate Robbie Keane and he turned to me and said. ‘Yous will win this.’ I think Spurs had blown a three or four goal lead already that season maybe once or even twice so maybe putting that seed of doubt in was enough.”
Newcastle 2007
“This might not have been a game that was pivotal or important other than making sure we picked up three points but for me, it just illustrated a time when we had the makings of a really good side and everything fell into place on the day. The atmosphere was fantastic at the Etihad and it was just one of those performances where we were in great form and Elano’s free-kick near the end was the icing on the cake in a 3-1 win.”
First Etihad derby
“To win our last derby at Maine Road and the first at our new home was perfect. We desperately wanted to win to win every Manchester derby. But these were historic because they were the last and first and when Wrighty hit the fourth goal in off the underside of the bar, our fans just went crazy and it capped a perfect day.”
Being named City skipper
“I remember it was in pre-season and Sylvain Distin had moved on. Stuart Pearce had taken over as manager and he came up to me and said that he wanted me to know I’d be the captain going forward. It was a proud moment to have the opportunity to lead a club like City and one that I took great pride in.”
Player of the Year 2005-2008
“It’s always special when the fans recognise your efforts. I never went out to win individual awards, it was all about the team, but anything voted for by the supporters means so much. That I got it four years on the bounce was something I look back on now with enormous pride.”
