Description

A truly wonderful and increasingly rare piece of original Manchester City memorabilia, celebrating one of the club’s greatest-ever servants, the legendary Tommy Booth.

This is an official Manchester City testimonial programme from 1981, produced for a very special occasion at Maine Road when the club’s 1969 FA Cup-winning side faced the 1981 FA Cup Final team.

It was a fitting tribute to a player who had given so much to Manchester City and who held the remarkable distinction of having been part of both great sides, spanning two very different generations of the club’s history.

Tommy Booth played a half for each team, creating a wonderful connection between the legendary Mercer and Allison era of the late 1960s and the exciting 1981 FA Cup side managed by John Bond.

However, what makes this particular programme so special is the fantastic collection of original autographs contained inside.

Signed in ordinary pen, just as players, managers and club officials would often sign back in the day, the programme features an outstanding selection of Manchester City personalities, including:

• Tommy Booth – Manchester City legend and testimonial recipient.
• Tommy Hutchison – a key figure in City’s memorable 1981 FA Cup Final campaign.
• Gerry Gow – the much-loved, uncompromising midfielder who became a huge favourite with the Maine Road faithful.
• John Sainty– former Manchester City coach.
• Peter Swales – the club’s former chairman.
• Bobby McDonald – the Scottish defender whose signature is particularly difficult to obtain.

There are also additional signatures within the programme, making this a fascinating collection of autographs from a very different period in Manchester City’s history.

The inclusion of Bobby McDonald’s signature is especially noteworthy, as he was not known for regularly signing autographs, making this an unusual and desirable addition to the collection.

With several of the individuals who signed this programme sadly no longer with us, the historical significance of these original autographs has only increased with the passing of time.

What makes items like this so appealing is their genuine connection to the past. These are not modern reproductions or signatures obtained decades later at organised memorabilia events, but original autographs preserved within a programme from one of Manchester City’s most memorable testimonial occasions.

This particular programme comes directly from Mark McCarthy’s own personal collection and represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a unique piece of City history.

The programme will be supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity from Mark McCarthy, providing confidence in the history of this special item.

For supporters who remember Tommy Booth, the great City sides of 1969 and 1981, or simply appreciate genuine football memorabilia, this is an outstanding addition to any Manchester City programme or autograph collection.

Original 1981 testimonial programme. Multiple historic signatures. Two generations of Manchester City legends. One remarkable piece of club history.