Benson passed away at the weekend, aged 67. He joined the Blues from Stockport Schoolboys and signed professional forms in 1958 and the Arbroath-born half-back went on to play 52 times over a six-year period before joining Torquay in 1964.
He later played for Bournemouth, Exeter and Norwich before moving into management with Bournemouth in 1975. After leaving Dean Court in 1978, he joined John Bond’s coaching staff at Norwich in 1979 and when Bond quit Carrow Road for City a year later, Benson was offered the manager’s job.
He declined the position to instead become Bond’s assistant at Maine Road, a post he held until February 1983 when he became City manager following Bond’s departure.
Unfortunately, he inherited a team on the decline and the Blues were relegated on the final day of the season.
Just four months after taking the helm, Benson was replaced as manager by Billy McNeill.
He went on to hold various positions at Burnley, Wigan (twice), Norwich, Barnsley, Birmingham City and Sunderland.
