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David Cross had the misfortune to sign for City as a replacement for the
million pound and Sampdoria-bound Trevor Francis. Described perhaps
harshly by many as a journeyman footballer, Cross's main claim to fame
prior to his arrival at Maine Road on July 31st 1982 from West Ham
United was a career that had already taken in five clubs in thirteen
years. It had also taken in the small matter of 166 goals in 439 League
games during that time. It was certainly fair to say that Cross knew
where the net was, a fact confirmed to City supporters after just two
minutes of his debut.
In that 2-1 win at Norwich on the opening day of
the 1982/83 season, Cross became the scorer of the first goal in the
entire League that season and it is believed that he still holds the
record for the fastest goal ever scored by a City player in any game. In
the next game (against Stoke) Cross once again scored as the Blues ran
out 1-0 winners and fans began to think that the loss of Francis was not
that great after all.
As if to confirm that point, Cross scored twelve
times in the League that season, exactly the same number as the more
illustrious Francis had done the last time out. October proved David's
most prolific month during his short Maine Road career. He scored in
each of four consecutive League matches (against Coventry, Everton,
Sunderland and Manchester United) and proved his fondness again for
Norwich when he scored twice against them in a 4-2 win at Maine Road in
January. Unfortunately, though, Cross's time at Maine Road coincided
with too many poor team performances, John Bond's dismissal (to be
replaced by his assistant John Benson) and ultimately relegation thanks
to that dreadful game against Luton Town.
By the time of that game,
Cross had left Maine Road and was trying his luck in the NASL with
Vancouver Whitecaps whom he joined on April 26th 1983. He scored 13
times in 38 League and Cup appearances for City. On returning to the UK
he played for Oldham, West Bromwich Albion, Bolton and his hometown club
Bury.
(Ian Penney - author of The Legends of Manchester City)
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