In early January 1965 a record low crowd of just over 8,000 fans turned out at Maine Road to watch mid-table, Division 2 Manchester City slump to home defeat against Swindon Town. The club was drifting aimlessly and not even the most optimistic of supporter could have anticipated how fortunes would change in the second half of the decade for City.

The appointment of old-hand Joe Mercer as manager the following summer heralded the start of the transformation. He brought on board Malcolm Allison as his assistant and that injection of youth and vigour gave City a formidable management team to lead the fine footballing side they were starting to build.

City earned promotion as Division Two champions in 1966 and in just their second season back in the top flight became surprise 1968 champions. An FA Cup success the following season rounded off the 60s in style. Some of City’s key players of the era feature in this Manchester City Vintage post.

Alex Harley, Man City 1963

Frank Swift, Man City 1963

Roy Cheetham, Man City 1964

Barry Stobart, Man City 1964

Neil Young, Man City 1966

Colin Bell, Man City 1967

Dave Connor, Man City 1967

Colin Bell, Man City 1968

Malcolm Allison, Man City 1968

Man United v Man City, 1968

Mike Summerbee, Man City 1968

Alan Oakes, Man City 1969

Francis Lee, Man City 1969

Mike Summerbee, Man City 1969

Colin Bell, Man City 1969