Looking back through the history books for the events, signings and memorable matches that happened on this day in City’s history.

Wednesday 21 July 1965

Upcoming Plymouth Argyle boss Malcolm Allison accepts the position of coach at Maine Road and so begins one of the most successful management teams English football has ever seen. 

'Genial Joe (Mercer)' and 'Big Mal' prove to be a perfect match even though their personalities are like chalk and cheese. 

In their first season together they steer the Blues to the Second Division Championship and two years later, it was the First Division Championship trophy being held aloft by skipper Tony Book.

Classics Big Mal Quotes

"A lot of hard work went into this defeat."

"You're not a real manager unless you've been sacked."

"John Bond has blackened my name with his insinuations about the private lives of football managers. Both my wives are upset."

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