Tony Book dies: Man City legend passes away at the age of 90

Former Manchester City captain Tony Book has died at the age of 90.

One of the most successful players of the club’s golden era in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Book won national and European accolades as a player and manager.

He began wearing the armband in 1967 and led the club to the First Division title in 1968, the FA Cup in 1969 and a double success in the League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup a year later.

Book took over as manager in 1974 and led City to further League Cup triumph in 1976. He held the position until 1979.

The ‘Bricklayer of Bath’ – a reference to his days as an apprentice – began his career in 1956 with a non-league side and was 29 when he first moved to Plymouth Argyle and two years later to Maine Road.

“For almost sixty years, Tony helped shape Manchester City, not only in what he contributed as a player, captain and manager, but also in the way he conducted himself,” said City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

“His hopes and ambitions for the club were matched only by his incredible humility about his own significant achievements.

“Our fans will always remember him as a man who helped lay the foundations on which unprecedented success could be built. A player and leader whose exceptional skills not only helped us return to the top of English football, but also secured us our first ever European honor.

“Tony’s commitment to his club meant he continued to fulfill his club duties at the start of the season. I will greatly miss seeing him at our games and witnessing firsthand the respect in which he is held by every generation of the City family.”

As a sign of respect, flags around the Etihad Stadium and City Football Academy are flown at half-mast.