|
In 1972/73 Willie Donachie confirmed his status and importance to the
City side by playing in a combined total of 49 League and Cup games.
This was a figure that bettered his previous personal best (from the
previous season) and one equalled only by Colin Bell. It was also a
season that saw him score his first senior goal for the club; the
solitary strike against Birmingham at Maine Road in January. Although
undoubtedly an out and out defender, that goal was to prove somewhat
remarkably just 50% of his entire total in the best part of ten seasons
with the Blues. Under three different managers (Johnny Hart, Ron
Saunders and finally Tony Book) City finished 14th in Division One in
1973/74 with Donachie proving to be the only man to start each and every
one of City's 56 League and Cup games.
This time he managed to beat the
super-fit Colin Bell (even if it was just by one appearance) and came
closest yet to collecting his first medal as the Blues lost 2-1 to
Wolves in the League Cup Final. Denis Law returned to Maine Road this
season and would score a memorable goal against United on the last day
to provide Donachie with fond memories of (his own words) 'a fantastic
day'. When West Ham were beaten 4-0 on the opening day of the 1974/75
campaign, Donachie was still only 23 and was almost a 'veteran', having
taken part in more than 150 first team games. He missed just two
(successive matches in October against Chelsea and Burnley) League games
throughout the whole of 1974/75, ironically being replaced on both
occasions by Glyn Pardoe. It was also the season when he scored his
second and last goal for the Blues.
Along with Alan Oakes, Donachie
helped secure a point for City in a 2-2 draw at Elland Road on March
1st. Furthermore it was the first time professionally he joined up with a
certain Joe Royle. Next time out, 1975/76, almost mirrored 1974/75
exactly. On both occasions City finished 8th in Division One, separated
by a difference of three points and yet again Willie was a model of
consistency, missing only two more League games. This time though a
major difference was in the League Cup. Having been knocked out in the
Third Round last time, City now went on to success against Newcastle at
Wembley thanks to goals by Peter Barnes and Dennis Tueart. At last the
popular Scottish full-back had something to show for all his efforts in a
sky-blue shirt. (Ian Penney - author of The Legends of Manchester City)
|