Pardoe played huge part in City’s four-trophy haul

GLYN Pardoe, who has died aged 73, was a key member of the Manchester City side that won four trophies, including the First Division title, in the space of three years from 1968 to 70.

He became the youngest player to represent the club when he made his debut at the age of 15 years 314 days in 1962 — a record that still stands.

A skilful and defensively excellent full-back, Pardoe remained a one-club man until his retirement in 1976, although his promising career never recovered from the effects of a horror tackle from George Best in 1970.

Pardoe suffered a double fracture of the leg in a heavy challenge from the Manchester United superstar, an injury which almost cost him the limb and sidelined him for two years.

Pardoe (right) was born on June 1, 1946 and raised in the Cheshire town of Winsford. He attracted interest from both Everton and City after representing England schoolboys.

He opted for City, signing as an apprentice in 1961, because his cousin Alan Oakes — who went on to set the club’s all-time appearances record — was already on the books.

He was fast-tracked into the team before turning 16, making his debut in a 4-1 defeat by Birmingham on April 11, 1962. “I don’t think I ever thought about my age,” he said. “To me it was just a great opportunity.”

His career took off after the arrival of the management team of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison in 1965. He was part of the backbone of the team that won the title in 1968, the FA Cup the following year and the League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970.

Pardoe’s grandson Tommy Doyle made his debut for City in a 3-1 League Cup win over Southampton in October last year.