Mike Summerbee
Manchester City legend and 1960s forward
Michael George Summerbee (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.
- Role
- Forward
- Affiliation
- Manchester City FC
- Era
- Late 1960s and early 1970s
- Key Honours
- Football League First Division 1967–68, FA Cup 1968–69, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 19
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
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. He made just three League appearances for the Seasiders. 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. 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. 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. 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. Summerbe
In Their Own Story
Over a five-year period encompassing the 1970 World Cup, Summerbee played for England eight times. He made his international debut against Scotland on 24 February 1968 in front of 134,000 spectators at Hampden Park, helping secure a 1–1 draw that clinched qualification to UEFA Euro 1968. Off the pitch, he co-owned a menswear business with George Best and starred in the cult film Escape to Victory alongside Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and Pelé. He is now Club Ambassador for Manchester City. His son Nicky also played professionally for Swindon Town, Manchester City and Sunderland. His father George and uncle Gordon were lower-division players whose careers were affected by the outbreak of war.
Reader's Guide
Summerbee made his league debut for Swindon Town in 1959, not 1958. He played as a forward and was a key figure in Manchester City's trophy wins from 1968 to 1970. He earned eight England caps between 1968 and 1970, including a debut against Scotland in 1968. After retiring, he became Manchester City's Club Ambassador.
Did You Know?
- Summerbee was nicknamed 'Buzzer' by his teammates.
- He co-owned a menswear business with George Best.
- He appeared in the film Escape to Victory with Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and Pelé.
- His son Nicky also played for Swindon Town and Manchester City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mike Summerbee?
He was an iconic winger for Manchester City who defined their golden era during the late 1960s and early 1970s. His blistering pace and unbridled flair made him a cornerstone of the squad that ended the club's long trophy drought.
What position did Mike Summerbee play?
Summerbee primarily played as a dynamic winger but was also deployed in forward roles throughout his career. His speed allowed him to dominate wide areas and create significant danger for opposing defenses.
What major honors did he achieve with the club?
He won the League Title, FA Cup, League Cup, and European Cup Winners' Cup while representing Manchester City. These victories transformed the team from relegation strugglers into genuine European contenders under Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison.
Why is Mike Summerbee a legend at Maine Road?
He was instrumental in bringing silverware home after years of struggle, becoming synonymous with the club's resurgence. His relentless style and loyalty cemented his status as one of the most important figures in City history.
When did Mike Summerbee play for Manchester City?
His tenure spanned from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, covering the club's most successful period in decades. He remained a key player until the end of this transformative era at Maine Road.
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