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Mike Summerbee
Mike Summerbee
from Wikipedia

Michael George Summerbee OBE (born 15 December 1942) is an English former footballer, who played as a forward in the successful Manchester City side of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Summerbee was born in Preston, Lancashire, and raised in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. He attended Naunton Park Secondary Modern School where he was influenced by sports teacher, Arnold Wills, with whom he was publicly reunited 50 years later when Summerbee was Guest of Honour at the 150th anniversary celebrations of Cheltenham YMCA, to which both had belonged in their youth. Summerbee made his league debut playing for Swindon Town in 1959 at the age of 16. He made more than 200 appearances for the Wiltshire club, scoring 40 goals. In 1965 Manchester City manager Joe Mercer signed Summerbee for a fee of £35,000. In his first Manchester City season, Summerbee started every match, the only Manchester City player to do so that season.

Playing on the right wing, Summerbee was one of the most influential players in the Manchester City side which won four trophies in three seasons from 1968 to 1970. Something of a practical joker, Summerbee (or "Buzzer" as teammates nicknamed him) was also known for a fiery temperament, a trait described by teammate Francis Lee as "retaliating first". Summerbee left Manchester City in June 1975, moving to Burnley, for a £25,000 fee, after making more than 400 appearances for City.

Summerbee signed for Blackpool on Christmas Eve 1976. The transfer had been the Blackpool chairman's idea, not that of manager Allan Brown. Summerbee later admitted that he should not have joined the club.[1] He made just three League appearances for the Seasiders.[1]

Summerbee ended his footballing career at Stockport County, where he was player-manager in the 1978–79 season. In 1980, he returned to the game for a single match, playing for non-League Mossley in their single goal FA Cup defeat of Crewe Alexandra.

International career

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Over a five-year period, which encompassed the 1970 World Cup Summerbee played for England eight times. He made his international debut against Scotland in front of 134,000 spectators at Hampden Park on 24 February 1968, and helped to secure a 1–1 draw to clinch qualification to UEFA Euro 1968.[2]

Later life

[edit]

Off the pitch, Summerbee has been involved with a number of business ventures with varying degrees of success, including a period where he co-owned a menswear business with George Best.[3] Summerbee is now the Club Ambassador for Manchester City.

Summerbee also starred in the cult film Escape to Victory alongside Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and Pelé.[4][5]

Summerbee's son, Nicky, was also a professional footballer,[5] who followed in his father's footsteps by playing for both Swindon Town and Manchester City before joining Sunderland. His father, George, and uncle, Gordon, were both lower-division players[5] whose careers were affected by the outbreak of war.

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[6]
Club Season League FA Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Swindon Town 1959–60 Third Division 15 1 0 0 0 0 15 1
1960–61 Third Division 45 8 3 0 3 0 51 8
1961–62 Third Division 43 4 2 0 3 0 48 4
1962–63 Third Division 37 6 4 0 2 0 43 6
1963–64 Second Division 37 7 3 0 4 1 44 8
1964–65 Second Division 41 13 1 0 1 0 43 13
Total 218 39 13 0 13 1 244 40
Manchester City 1965–66 Second Division 42 8 8 2 0 2 52 10
1966–67 First Division 32 4 4 2 2 1 38 7
1967–68 First Division 41 14 4 4 4 2 49 20
1968–69 First Division 39 6 6 0 6 2 51 8
1969–70 First Division 33 3 2 0 15 3 50 6
1970–71 First Division 26 4 2 0 9 0 37 4
1971–72 First Division 40 3 2 0 3 0 45 3
1972–73 First Division 38 2 4 1 4 0 46 3
1973–74 First Division 39 1 2 2 12 1 53 4
1974–75 First Division 27 2 0 0 4 1 31 3
Total 357 47 34 11 61 10 452 68
Burnley 1975–76 First Division 39 0 1 0 5 0 45 0
1976–77 Second Division 12 0 0 0 4 0 16 0
Total 51 0 1 0 9 0 61 0
Blackpool 1976–77 Second Division 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Stockport County 1977–78 Fourth Division 42 4 3 1 2 0 47 5
1978–79 Fourth Division 33 1 3 0 3 0 39 1
1979–80 Fourth Division 12 1 0 0 3 0 15 1
Total 87 6 6 1 8 0 101 7
Career total 716 92 54 12 91 11 861 115

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[7]
National team Year Apps Goals
England 1968 3 0
1969 0 0
1970 0 0
1971 1 1
1972 3 0
1973 1 0
Total 8 1
Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Summerbee goal.
List of international goals scored by Mike Summerbee
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 10 November 1971 Wembley Stadium, London, England   Switzerland 1–0 1–1 UEFA Euro 1972 qualification [8]

Managerial statistics

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Source:[6]

Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record
P W D L Win %
Stockport County 1 March 1978 17 October 1979 83 24 19 40 028.9
Total 83 24 19 40 028.9

Honours

[edit]

Manchester City

England

Individual

Summerbee was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to association football and charity.[10]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael George Summerbee OBE (born 15 December 1942) is an English former professional footballer who played primarily as a forward and winger, best known for his decade-long tenure with Manchester City, where he formed part of the club's successful "Holy Trinity" alongside Colin Bell and Francis Lee during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Born in , Summerbee rose through the ranks at Town, making his professional debut at age 16 in 1959 and accumulating over 200 league appearances before transferring to Manchester City for £35,000 in January 1965. At Manchester City, Summerbee made 449 appearances and scored 67 goals, becoming a key figure in the team's revival under managers and , helping secure four major trophies between 1968 and 1970: the First Division title in 1968 (where he scored in the decisive 4–3 win over Newcastle United), the in 1969 (assisting the winning goal in the final against Leicester City), the League Cup in 1970, and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970. His tenacious style, flair on the right wing, and combative nature—often described as the ability to "retaliate first"—made him a fan favorite and earned him a reputation for both skill and controversy on the pitch. Summerbee left City in 1975 after 10 years, having become one of the club's most popular players of all time. Internationally, Summerbee earned 8 caps for between 1968 and 1973, scoring 1 goal, with his debut coming in a 1–1 draw against on 24 February 1968 and his sole international goal against in 1971. After leaving Manchester City, he briefly played for (1975), (1976), and Stockport County (1978–1979, where he also served as player-manager), before retiring in 1980 following a single appearance for . In his post-playing career, Summerbee has served as a club ambassador for Manchester City, co-owned a menswear business with , appeared in the 1981 film alongside and , and was inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame in 2013; a honoring him, Bell, and was unveiled outside the Etihad Stadium in 2023.

Early life

Birth and family background

Michael George Summerbee was born on 15 December 1942 in Preston, Lancashire, England. His father, George Summerbee, was a professional footballer who played as a wing-half primarily for Preston North End in the Football League First Division, joining the club in January 1935 for £650 and remaining until 1946, though his career was significantly interrupted by the Second World War, during which competitive football was suspended from 1939 to 1946. Summerbee's uncle, Gordon Summerbee, was also a professional footballer in lower divisions, with his playing career likewise affected by the war. The family relocated to , , where Mike Summerbee was raised. His mother emphasized the importance of stability amid the precarious nature of professional football life, a lesson drawn from her experiences with her husband's career. This familial background, particularly his father's involvement in the sport, sparked Summerbee's early interest in football.

Early football development

Summerbee displayed early talent for football in his hometown of , , where he honed his skills playing with local youth teams such as YMCA and . Growing up, he was inspired by his father's professional career at Preston North End, which motivated him to pursue the sport seriously from a young age. At school, he participated in informal kickabouts using a , arriving early to practice and excelling in football over other sports like and athletics. At the age of 15, Summerbee trialed with Bristol City but left the club due to homesickness, a decision influenced by his mother's cautionary advice based on the family's experiences in professional football. Shortly thereafter, in August 1958, he joined Swindon Town as groundstaff in an amateur capacity, still aged 15. Spotted for his potential as a winger while playing for Boys, he began training with the club's youth setup under manager Bert Head, who assembled a team of promising young players. During his initial time at , Summerbee balanced football training with odd jobs such as cutting grass and digging graves to support himself. He developed positionally as a versatile winger and forward in the youth ranks, building on his natural speed and tenacity. In March 1960, at age 17, he turned professional by signing his first contract with the club.

Professional career

Club career at Swindon Town

Mike Summerbee signed as a youth player with Swindon Town before making his professional debut at the age of 16 in December 1959, during a 2–0 league victory over Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic. Under manager Bert Head, Summerbee quickly established himself as a key member of the "Bert's Babes" squad, a group of young talents that revitalized the club in the lower divisions. His early contributions highlighted his potential as a dynamic winger, blending pace, skill, and tenacity to deliver crosses and occasional goals from the right flank. Over the next six seasons from 1959 to 1965, Summerbee made 244 appearances in all competitions for , scoring 40 goals and becoming a regular fixture in the team. His development as a versatile attacker was evident in his role supporting the forward line, where he honed his defensive work rate alongside offensive flair, adapting to the demands of Third Division football. A pivotal moment came in the 1962–63 season, when Summerbee's consistent performances helped secure promotion to the Second Division as runners-up in the Third Division with 58 points from 46 matches, marking the club's first ascent to the second tier after 42 years in the lower leagues. Although the team experienced a subsequent relegation in 1964–65 due to injuries and form dips, Summerbee's contributions extended to respectable cup campaigns, including advancing through early rounds in the during his tenure, which showcased the squad's growing competitiveness. Summerbee's time at Swindon culminated in his transfer to Manchester City on 20 August 1965 for a club-record fee of £35,000, reflecting his emergence as one of England's promising young wingers and ending a formative chapter that solidified his professional foundation.

Manchester City tenure

Mike Summerbee joined Manchester City on 20 August 1965 for a transfer fee of £35,000, becoming the first major signing by manager , with serving as his assistant and key tactician. His arrival marked the beginning of City's revival from the lower divisions, as he quickly integrated into the squad alongside emerging talents like Colin Bell and the later addition of Francis Lee, forming a dynamic attacking trio that embodied the club's attacking flair and resilience during its golden era. As a right winger, Summerbee was renowned for his tough-tackling approach, which set him apart from traditional wide players of the era; he actively engaged in physical duels, tracked back to support full-backs, and delivered precise crosses that created numerous scoring opportunities for teammates, all while fostering a strong sense of through his on the pitch. Over his decade at the club from 1965 to 1975, he made 449 appearances across all competitions and scored 67 goals, contributing significantly to City's promotion from the Second Division in 1966 and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the first-team lineup. Summerbee's tenure coincided with Manchester City's most successful period, as the team secured multiple major trophies under Mercer and Allison. In 1968, they won the FA Charity Shield with a 6-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion, followed by the First Division title that same season, Summerbee's first major honor at the top level. The following year, City claimed the , defeating Leicester City 1-0 in the final at , where Summerbee's incisive run and cross set up Neil Young's winning goal; earlier in the campaign, he played a pivotal role in the semi-final replay against Everton, despite being sent off, helping secure a 1-0 win to advance. The successes continued in 1970, with victories in both the League Cup—where Summerbee scored the decisive goal in the semi-final second leg against Manchester United, securing a 2-2 draw and 4-3 aggregate triumph—and the European Cup Winners' Cup, City's first European trophy, achieved with a 2-1 final win over in . These achievements highlighted Summerbee's versatility and endurance, as he featured in every major match during this trophy-laden spell from 1968 to 1970. One of the most memorable moments of Summerbee's City career came in his 1975 testimonial match at Maine Road, where a Manchester City XI faced a Manchester United side composed of their 1968 European Cup-winning players, including Denis Law and Bobby Charlton; the entertaining 3-4 defeat drew over 20,000 fans and celebrated Summerbee's loyalty and popularity at the club.

Subsequent clubs and retirement

After leaving Manchester City in June 1975, Summerbee joined for a transfer fee of £25,000, where he made 51 appearances without scoring a goal during the 1975–1976 season in the Second Division. In December 1976, he moved on a free transfer to , appearing in just three league matches and failing to score during a brief spell in the Second Division. Summerbee then signed with Stockport County in the Fourth Division in 1977, contributing to 87 appearances and six goals over the next two seasons until 1979, as his playing career began to wind down in lower-tier football. His final professional outing came in 1980 at age 37, when he made a single appearance for non-league side Mossley in an FA Cup first-round match, providing an assist in their 1–0 victory over Crewe Alexandra before a subsequent defeat. Summerbee retired from playing that year, influenced by his advancing age and growing interests in management and business ventures, such as a custom-shirt .

International career

England national team appearances

Mike Summerbee received his first call-up to the England national team in 1968 under manager , reflecting his rising form at Manchester City. He earned a total of 8 caps between 1968 and 1973, primarily as a right winger. His international career coincided with England's participation in the , for which he was named as a reserve but did not feature in any matches. Summerbee made his debut on 24 February 1968 against in a qualifier at , , which ended in a 1–1 draw. Throughout his England tenure, he appeared in a mix of qualifiers, friendlies, and fixtures, contributing to 3 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. His sole international goal came on 10 November 1971 in a qualifier against at , where he scored in the 9th minute to give a temporary 1–0 lead in a match that finished 1–1. Despite his consistent club performances, Summerbee did not earn further opportunities in major tournaments, as failed to qualify for the and the 1972 during his active international period.

Notable international moments

Summerbee earned his first international cap on 24 February 1968, starting as a right winger for against at in a match that doubled as part of the 1967–68 . The fixture drew a crowd of 134,000, and Summerbee contributed to a hard-fought 1–1 draw—Martin ' 19th-minute goal securing England's qualification for the Euro 1968 quarter-finals by topping Group 8 with an unbeaten record. Following his debut, Summerbee featured in the European Championship quarter-final first leg on 3 April 1968, starting in England's 1–0 victory over at , with scoring the only goal. Later that spring, on 1 June, he started against in Hannover, but England lost 0–1 in a friendly. Summerbee was included in the England squad for the 1968 finals but did not feature in the tournament matches. These appearances highlighted his versatility on the right flank, though he did not find the net. A standout moment came on 10 November 1971, when Summerbee scored his sole international goal during a crucial match against at . Opening the scoring in the ninth minute with a clinical finish, he gave a 1–0 lead in a game that ended 1–1 after Karl Odermatt's equalizer; the point proved vital in England winning Group 3 ahead of a playoff defeat to . Summerbee's international career concluded with his eighth and final cap on 10 June 1973, substituting in a friendly against the in that won 2–1. Despite his consistent performances at Manchester City during a golden era, intense competition for wide and forward positions—coupled with minor injuries—limited his opportunities under Ramsey and subsequent managers, resulting in just eight caps and one goal overall from 1968 to 1973.

Post-retirement activities

Managerial and coaching roles

After joining County as a player in August 1977, Summerbee transitioned into a player-manager role on 1 March 1978, seeking greater involvement in the club's direction following his extensive playing career. In this capacity, he led the Fourth Division side until his resignation on 17 October 1979, overseeing a total of 79 matches across all competitions with a record of 23 wins, 17 draws, and 39 losses. Under his management, finished 17th in the 1978–79 league table, securing mid-table safety with 14 wins, 12 draws, and 20 defeats in 46 matches, though the team struggled offensively and defensively with a of -2. Summerbee's tenure reflected limited success amid the challenges of lower-division football, and he did not pursue further senior managerial positions after departing Stockport.

Business and entrepreneurial pursuits

Following his playing career, Mike Summerbee ventured into the industry, co-owning the menswear boutique Edwardia with Manchester United legend , a close friend from their shared time in Manchester football circles. Opened in 1967 on Motor Street in central , the store specialized in stylish men's clothing and capitalized on the duo's celebrity status to attract customers, including football fans and enthusiasts. Summerbee expanded his apparel interests post-retirement by establishing a shirt-making business, which he launched during his playing days but developed into a primary commercial focus after 1975. The venture involved custom tailoring, with Summerbee personally handling measurements and designs, and it gained notable clients through his connections, including actors from the film like . This enterprise provided steady income and reflected his eye for fashion, honed from the Edwardia partnership. In the early 2000s, Summerbee entered the hospitality sector by opening Summerbee's public house near the club's former ground, but it struggled following the club's 2003 relocation to the , which shifted match-day crowds away from the area. The venue offered a sports-themed atmosphere but closed within the first year of operations, leaving the property vacant and for sale, highlighting the challenges of tying business success to changes in football venue locations. Later in his career, Summerbee took on advisory roles in sports-related enterprises connected to Manchester City, leveraging his club legacy to consult on commercial initiatives while maintaining his shirt business as a core pursuit. These efforts underscored his transition from player to entrepreneur, balancing successes in apparel with the risks of location-dependent ventures like hospitality.

Media appearances and public life

Summerbee appeared as an extra in the 1981 war film , directed by , where he portrayed the character Syd Harmor, a fellow prisoner and footballer in a Nazi POW camp. His role included delivering a few lines of and participating in the film's climactic football match scene, contributing to the authenticity of the on-pitch action alongside fellow professional footballers such as Pelé, , and , as well as actors including and . Filming took place over six weeks in , , where Summerbee, fresh from retirement, bonded with the cast and even assisted in wardrobe fittings, drawing on his background in menswear. In addition to his film work, Summerbee has made occasional appearances as a television , providing commentary on football matches for broadcasters like . One notable instance was his post-match analysis during the February 2011 Manchester , where he passionately defended Manchester City's performance despite their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at . His outspoken style during these engagements has highlighted his enduring loyalty to Manchester City, often sparking discussions on media coverage of the club. Summerbee is a popular after-dinner speaker, entertaining audiences at corporate and sporting events with humorous anecdotes from his playing career, particularly those centered on City's golden era in the late 1960s and early 1970s. These talks emphasize his over 400 appearances for the club and the four major trophies won during that period, blending personal stories with insights into team dynamics and rivalries. Since the 1990s, Summerbee has served as Manchester City Football Club's ambassador, representing the organization at matches, fan events, and community engagements to foster connections with supporters. In this capacity, he attends home and away games, participates in club initiatives, and shares his historical perspective to promote the team's legacy. In 2022, he was awarded an OBE in the Queen's for services to football and charity, which he received from Prince William in 2023.

Personal life

Family

Summerbee married Tina Schofield in September 1968 at St Michael's and All Angels Church in Mottram, with his close friend serving as best man. The couple has two children: son Nicky, born in 1971, and daughter Rachel. Nicky Summerbee followed in his father's footsteps by embarking on a professional football career, beginning at Swindon Town where he made 112 league appearances and scored six goals between 1989 and 1993. He later played for Manchester City, his father's former club, appearing 155 times and netting 10 goals from 1993 to 1997, before moving to for 99 appearances and seven goals until 2000. This generational link underscores the Summerbee family's deep-rooted football heritage, which extends to and their grandchildren, including a grandson named Samuel from Rachel's side. The family remains a pillar of support in Summerbee's public life, as evidenced by Tina and other members attending his OBE investiture at in March 2023, where he was honored for services to football and charity.

Health challenges and philanthropy

In 2012, Mike Summerbee was diagnosed with an aggressive but treatable form of after undergoing a PSA test prompted by his wife, , who insisted he prioritize a over a planned round of ; at the time, he experienced no symptoms. He underwent major to remove his gland, which successfully treated the disease, allowing him to recover fully and resume his activities without recurrence. Following his recovery, Summerbee became a prominent for Prostate Cancer UK, participating in campaigns such as Men United v Prostate Cancer to raise awareness and encourage early screenings among men, particularly in the sports community. As Manchester City's club ambassador, he has supported fundraising efforts for the Manchester City Foundation and related cancer charities, including guest appearances at events to promote health checks and share his personal story to combat underfunding in research. His also extends to becoming a patron of the Mannin Cancers Support Group in 2022, where he aids local cancer support initiatives. Summerbee's charitable contributions, alongside his lifelong service to football, earned him an Officer of the (OBE) in the 2022 . The award was presented to him in person by Prince William at on 7 March 2023, in recognition of his efforts to advance and charitable causes. Throughout his health journey, Summerbee has credited his family's support, especially Tina's encouragement, for his proactive approach to detection and recovery.

Career statistics and records

Club statistics

Summerbee's club career spanned several English clubs, primarily in the Football League, with appearances and goals recorded across league matches, the , , and other domestic competitions. His statistics reflect a versatile forward who contributed consistently, particularly during his time at Manchester City in the First Division. The following table summarizes his appearances and goals by club, encompassing all competitive matches:
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
Swindon Town1959–196524440
Manchester City1965–197544967
1975–1977610
1976–197730
Stockport County1977–19791017
198010
In total, Summerbee made 859 appearances and scored 114 goals across leagues and cups during his professional club career. Summerbee also served as player-manager at Stockport County. His managerial record there included 76 matches, with 23 wins, 19 draws, and 34 losses. These figures cover league and cup competitions in the lower divisions.

International statistics

Mike Summerbee represented at senior international level on eight occasions between 1968 and 1973, during which he scored one . His only international was scored in a 1–1 draw against during a qualifier on 10 November 1971 at . No youth international appearances are recorded for Summerbee. The following table details his international appearances, organized chronologically:
DateOpponentResultCompetitionGoals
24 Feb 19681–1 qualifier0
3 Apr 19681–0 qualifier0
1 Jun 19680–1Friendly0
10 Nov 19711–1 qualifier1
13 May 19720–0 qualifier0
20 May 19723–00
23 May 19720–10
10 Jun 19732–1Friendly0
Overall record: 8 appearances, 3 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses, 1 goal.

Honours and recognition

Team honours

During his time at Swindon Town, Mike Summerbee was part of the squad that secured promotion from the Football League Third Division by finishing as runners-up in the 1962–63 season, marking the club's first elevation to the Second Division after 42 years in the lower tiers. Summerbee's most notable team achievements came with Manchester City, where he featured prominently as a right winger during the club's successful late-1960s era under managers and . The team captured five major trophies in quick succession: the First Division title in 1967–68, the FA Charity Shield in 1968, the in 1969, the in 1969–70, and the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1969–70, along with the FA Charity Shield in 1972. Summerbee played a key role in these triumphs, appearing in 41 league matches during the 1967–68 championship season and contributing goals and assists across the cup successes. No significant team honours were won during his subsequent stints at , , or County.

Individual awards and legacy

In 2022, Mike Summerbee was awarded the Officer of the (OBE) in the Queen's for his services to football and charity, recognizing his lifelong dedication to the sport and community support efforts. The honour was formally presented to him by Prince William at in March 2023. Summerbee's contributions have been acknowledged through several prestigious inductions. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in , celebrating his role as a key figure in City's successful era of the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 2023, City unveiled a permanent at the Etihad Stadium honouring Summerbee alongside fellow legends Colin Bell and Francis Lee, symbolizing their enduring impact on the club. Summerbee's legacy at Manchester City is defined by his unwavering , having played over 440 matches for the club from 1965 to 1975, and his charismatic personality that earned him the affectionate nickname "" among teammates and fans. As a longstanding club ambassador, he continues to influence fan culture by attending every home game and engaging with supporters, embodying the spirit of the 1960s–1970s golden era through numerous interviews and the 2023 documentary City Forever: Bell, , Summerbee. His role has inspired modern club ambassadors, bridging generations of Manchester City followers with stories of resilience and camaraderie.

References

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