Paul Power
Player name in full: Paul Christopher Power
To/from dates:
1975-1986
Number of appearances: 436
Goals scored: 36
Biography:
Born in Openshaw, Manchester on 30th October 1953, Paul Power joined City as an amateur in 1973 signing as a professional in 1975 after completing a law degree. Power became City captain in 1979 until his departure. He was a versatile midfield player although throughout most of his time at City he was a left wingback. Fans never doubted Paul’s determination and passion for the team he loved.
Although not renowned for goals, he is remembered for two particularly important ones. His first was in November 1978 when Power scored in the San Siro against the then mighty AC Milan when City were 8 minutes away from being the English first team to win there. A late equaliser meant City had to settle for a significant draw.
Power’s most important goal though came in extra time of the 1981 FA Cup semi final against Ipswich. In the 100th minute of the match Steve Mackenzie tapped the ball to Paul who curled the ball from the corner of the penalty area into the top corner of the net to send City through to the 100th FA Cup Final. Paul captained the side in the final and the subsequent replay where unfortunately City lost 3-2.
More heartache followed as City were relegated from the old First Division in 1983. Two seasons later though he captained City to promotion back to the First Division.
Power became the first player to captain City in three Wembley finals in March 1986 as the team reached the now defunct and much maligned Full Members Cup final. Again, there was no winner’s medal as the Blues went down 5-4 to Chelsea. Power left the club for Everton at the end of that season.
Notable facts/stories:
During his time at Maine Road he also earned one cap for the England 'B' team. He was named player of the year for the team in both the 1980–81 season and in the 1984–85 season.
Non-City career (briefly):
Power joined Everton for £65,000, aged 32. He won the first medal of his professional career as he helped Everton win the First Division title. At Everton he also had a coaching role, before becoming a member of the PFA staff and later worked as a radio pundit.
He later returned to Manchester City working with the academy.
