Manchester City have announced the death of their former captain Tony Book at the age of 90.
In tribute, the Premier League club hailed Book as one of their all-time greats after he led the club to a golden era of success.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of former Manchester City captain and manager Tony Book at the age of 90,” a Man City statement said.
'Tony is a true Club legend in every sense of the word. Between 1966 and 1974 he played a total of 315 games for City, scoring five goals.'
The right-back joined Man City from Plymouth Argyle in 1966 and was appointed club captain the following season.
Book, who became known as 'Skip', led Man City to the First Division title in 1968.
He also won the 1969 FA Cup, before leading the club to the League Cup and European Cup Winner's Cup in 1970.
Book was named joint winner of the Footballer of the Year award in 1969, an award he shared with Dave Mackay – the only time the award has been presented to two players.
After retiring in 1974, he became manager of Man City, a position he held until 1979.
During his managerial reign, Book led Man City to the 1976 League Cup and a runners-up finish in Division One in 1977.
Book would later serve as youth coach at the club, leading Man City to a first FA Youth Cup success in 1986.
He was appointed honorary chairman of Man City and became life chairman of the Official Supporters Club.
Man City stated that Book remained 'a hugely popular member of the matchday legends at our Etihad home games'.
Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak led tributes to Book after his death.
“For almost 60 years, Tony helped shape Manchester City,” he said. 'Not only in what he contributed as a player, captain and manager, but also in the way he conducted himself.
'His hopes and ambitions for his club were matched only by his incredible humility towards his own significant achievements.
“He will forever be remembered by our supporters as a man who helped lay the foundations on which unprecedented success could be built.
'A player and leader whose outstanding abilities have not only helped us return to the top flight of English football, but also won us our first ever European honour.
'Tony's dedication to his Club saw him still fulfilling Club duties earlier this season. I will greatly miss seeing him at our matches, and witnessing first-hand the appreciation he has for each generation of the City family.”
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