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Going back to the late 60's, my mother bumped into Tony Book when out shopping. These were the days before superstars and he was a bit surprised to be recognised. She said she knew him from the City pix on her son's wall. He gave her his address and said I was welcome to pop round.

Soon afterwards I was knocking on his front door. Went in, had a cuppa and a good chat. Before leaving he invited me to the training ground to meet the players. Can't remember if it was Platt Lane or Wilbraham Road or some such in those days. I do remember him coming over to greet me when I arrived with a mate. He then introduced us to Colin the King and others. I got some autographs, took a couple of photos and went away one happy bunny!

That's what I call a true gent. A humble guy who was happy to give the fans something back. So pleased to see him get an ambassador role when we won the Premiership.

To be fair i can imagine balotteli doing something like that.

i had my 17 th birthday at platt lane organised by my dad, when we sat down to eat my dad said look there is tony book. I quickly said "who?" he then explained he was a city player when he was younger and asked me to go get his autograph. He was really nice and even asked if i wanted a picture i declined because i didnt have a clue who he was and i didnt have a camera. My dad stole the autograph anyway. Pointless story but he was a nice chap just not my generation .

harrymcfc wrote:To be fair i can imagine balotteli doing something like that.

Why would Mario want to take a mate round to Book's house for a brew? Balotelli already knows the other City players.

john68 wrote:

harrymcfc wrote:To be fair i can imagine balotteli doing something like that.

Why would Mario want to take a mate round to Book's house for a brew? Balotelli already knows the other City players.

Very droll, John, very droll. In fact, that must qualify as drolldom personified.

It used to be really informal - my great uncle Alf Stiles just went in and got me all the autographs in 1978, remember Harry Godwin sending best of luck message (he was the Jim Cassells of the day) and I was thrilled to get them back, albeit that team was better at footie than writing- I could hardly work out any of the signatories!

Mikhail Chigorin wrote:

john68 wrote:

harrymcfc wrote:To be fair i can imagine balotteli doing something like that.

Why would Mario want to take a mate round to Book's house for a brew? Balotelli already knows the other City players.

Very droll, John, very droll. In fact, that must qualify as drolldom personified.

Mikhail did you not know 68 is our very own internet Droll.

gillie wrote:

Mikhail Chigorin wrote:

john68 wrote:

harrymcfc wrote:To be fair i can imagine balotteli doing something like that.

Why would Mario want to take a mate round to Book's house for a brew? Balotelli already knows the other City players.

Very droll, John, very droll. In fact, that must qualify as drolldom personified.

Mikhail did you not know 68 is our very own internet Droll.

Aw, that's nice of you to say that, thanks for you endorsement Dad.

gillie wrote:

Mikhail Chigorin wrote:

john68 wrote:

harrymcfc wrote:To be fair i can imagine balotteli doing something like that.

Why would Mario want to take a mate round to Book's house for a brew? Balotelli already knows the other City players.

Very droll, John, very droll. In fact, that must qualify as drolldom personified.

Mikhail did you not know 68 is our very own internet Droll.

tbf Gillie, and when Sir John is involved fairness is a precondition I'd say, 68 is our very own EVERYTHING. He is part of the appeal of MCFC furnitures.