Reddit reviews This Simple Game

Nice list, but I think there's some other books which I strongly recommend you getting your hands on:

Blue moon: Down among the dead men by Mark Hodkinson - An absolutely excellent account of our season in division 2 from a journalist who was asked to cover City that season. Shows just how messed up the club really was at that point, and if I remember rightly it contains a few interviews from people within the club as well.

Meredith to Mercer and the FA Cup by Eric Clayton - An absolutely surreal book, all about the history of city until the book was published (late 60's I think). This was one my Dad had as a kid and then dug out the loft for me when I was young and simultaneously getting into City and reading. Discusses events that you probably won't have read anywhere else ('recent events' for this book was the 1940's/50's). If I remember rightly the back 20 pages or so are filled with all the data on our seasons and cup runs, as a little kid who for some reason loved stats that was an absolute heaven. An absolute eye-opener into the true history of city.

3 autobiographies which are absolute must owns:

Please May I Have My Football Back: My Life at Manchester City by Eric Alexander - the Alexander family had been involved with City from pretty much the point of its existence until they sold it to Peter (fucking) Swales. An absolutely stellar account of the clubs history.

Maine Man: The Tony Book Story by Tony Book - Tony Book is an absolute legend, signed for us 60's as a (relatively) old footballer and went on to win us the FA cup. Stayed on with the club after retirement and had a couple of spells of managing us (as recently as the early 90's IIRC). Hero

This Simple Game: The Footballing Life of Ken Barnes by the obvious A superb account of what growing up as a footballer in the 40s and 50s was like, as well as a great discussion on our mid 50s triumphs and squad. Ken then went on to be city's scout (I think he was the one that screwed over by the Giggs deal) whilst his son played for City. Yet another fantastic book.


edit: Just seen you have Eric Alexanders book in your list (must have missed it the first time round), but I couldn't recommend the other 4 more than enough. (Also, I'd recommend reading Andy Morrisons autobiography as it's amazing - not so much about City but the guy has had a mental life. Also avoid Colin Bells and Shaun Goaters autobiographies at all costs - they've hardly led the most exciting lives.)