In all I've found 68, with French players topping the list with ten. The tables also show how the German influence has waned over the years. By January 1996, six out of the total 14 foreign signings had been Germans, though we've only signed two more since.
The tables also reveal that July has been a month of notable firsts for our club. As well as getting our first foreign owner and manager, Geovanni is our first Brazilian signing ever and Petrov our first Bulgarian.
Below are the foreign players City have signed since 1949. There could well be a few I've missed, so please contact me if you think anyone needs to be added to the list:
Keegan's foreign signings
Pearce's signings
Eriksson's signings
Here's how the totals break down:
There's an interesting history of foreign players in England, written by The Independent's Nick Harris in 2005 (timeline here).
In June 1931, the FA banned all foreigners from playing professionally in England, except those who had been living here for two years. Bert Trautmann - the first foreigner to win the Footballer of the Year award in 1956 - qualified under those residency rules.
Surprisingly, the FA's no-foreigner rule stayed in place until 1978, when the EC declared that it contravened the principles of free movement enshrined in the 1957 Treaty of Rome.
~ According to Tony Book's autobiography, Maine Man, City had the chance to sign Osvaldo Ardiles after the 1978 World Cup. City were told he was available for £100,000 but when the negotiations began with his agent the fee had risen to £200,000, prompting chairman Peter Swales to veto the deal.
A few more things
~ Bluemoon poster NICKS BACK has found this YouTube clip showing City beating Everton 3-2 at Goodison in 1972 - a game won with a pretty spectacular Everton own goal.
~ A MCFC supporters club has been set up in Dubai. You can contact its chairman at Marklynch1978@hotmail.com.
~ This is the actual blub on the back of United's 2006/2007 season review DVD:
The wait is over! Manchester United are back in their rightful place as Champions of England, reclaiming their title in style.
I don't think it needs any more comment.
4 comments:
Hi, That was a great read! Cheers!
Being a tad anal retentive by nature, I couldn't help noticing that the summary states that there have been two Norwegians wearing the City shirt, but three Norwegian players are listed above.
There's one bloody Norwegian blue too few!
BR,
mr_nool
Then I will round up the missing Norwegian in due course.
I've also had a few emails about players I've missed out, so I'll be updating the list later this week.
Missing few Irish players on the list eg Quinn, Dunne, Ireland
I left out players from the ROI as there have never been restrictions on residency between the two countries.
Plus it would make the list way too long.
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