Mike Summerbee

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Mike Summerbee (born December 15, 1942 in Preston) is an English footballer, who played in the successful Manchester City F.C. side of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Summerbee made his league debut playing for Swindon Town F.C. in 1959 at the age of 16. He made more than 200 appearances for the Wiltshire club, scoring 38 goals. In 1965 Manchester City manager Joe Mercer signed Summerbee for a fee of 35,000 pounds. In his first Manchester City season Summerbee started every single 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 1968-70. 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 1975, moving to Burnley after making more than 400 appearances for City.

Over a five year period, which encompassed the 1970 World Cup Summerbee played for England eight times, making his debut against Scotland on 24 February 1968.

Summerbee ended his footballing career at Stockport, where he was player-manager in the 1978/79 season.

Off the pitch, Summerbee has been involved with a number a business ventures with varying degrees of success, including a period where he co-owned a menswear business with George Best. Summerbee is currently (as of September 2005) working for the Commercial Department at Manchester City.

Summerbee also starred in the cult film Escape to Victory alongside Silvester Stallone, Michael Caine and Pelé.

Summerbee's son Nicky is also a professional footballer, who followed in his father's footsteps by playing for both Swindon Town and Manchester City.

[edit] References

James, Gary - Manchester - The Greatest City ISBN 1-899538-22-4