Biography and City Career:

Rodney William Marsh was born on 11th October 1944 in Hatfield.  A forward, he won nine caps for England between 1971 and 1973, scoring one international goal.

Brought up in the East End of London, Rodney played youth football for West Ham United before he made his professional debut with Fulham in March 1963. He was transferred to Queens Park Rangers in March 1966 where he helped the club to the 1967 League Cup and to consecutive promotions through the Third and Second Divisions.

On 8th March 1972, Rodney Marsh was signed from QPR by Malcolm Allison for a then club record of £200,000.

The fans had mixed reactions about the £200,000 new arrival and whilst no-one doubted his obvious skill and talent with the ball, many felt  the way he played the game would upset the free-flowing, simple and direct way City played at the time.

He scored four times in his debut season, including the third in a memorable 3-1 win at Old Trafford and a superb solo effort against Derby in the final game.

However, by the end of his first full season at Maine Road,1972/73, City fans knew exactly why Malcolm Allison had been so determined to bring Rodney to Maine Road. With 19 goals he finished top scorer and finally won over the crowd with his dazzling exhibitions of ball skills and showmanship. It was a disappointing season for City, however, with an 11th place finish in the league and no runs in any of the cup competitions.

By the beginning of the 1973/74 season Rodney had become arguably the star player in a City team that would reach the final of the League Cup against Wolves which sadly ended in a 2-1 defeat at Wembley. It was not the best season for either club or player though as City stuttered to a final League position of 14th. Rodney could only manage nine goals.

Rodney played his last game for City at home against Burnley in October 1975 and subsequently left the UK to play for American Soccer League club Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Notable facts/stories:

In 1994 Rodney made it into Manchester music history by appearing in a framed photograph, set on the hearth of a fireplace, on the cover of the first Oasis album, Definitely Maybe. Rodney was obviously well thought of by the lead band members Noel and Liam Gallagher who are huge City fans.

Non-City career:

Rodney retired from playing in 1979 and subsequently had a successful coaching career with New York United, Carolina Lightnin’ and returned to the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

Rodney has become a media personality since the 1990s, working for Sky Sports for many years, including an amusing episode involving an exchange with Bradford City supporters regarding their chances of survival in the Premier League. Rodney offered to shave his hair off if the club stayed up, he duly honoured his bet in the centre circle of Valley Parade.