Manchester City former coach Bond passes away

John Bond, the former Manchester City manager who played more than 400 games for West Ham United, has died aged 79. Bond is best remembered as the man who took an attractive Manchester City side to the 1981 FA Cup final against Tottenham Hostspur. The Londoners went on to win a replay 3-1 in a game featuring a classic goal by the Argentine Ricky Villa. City had to wait until the Roberto Mancini era before making another Cup final. Bond also coached Norwich City, Burnley, Swansea City, Birmingham City and Shrewsbury Town after his 16-year stint as a defender with West Ham. He is survived by his son Kevin Bond, who played under him at Manchester City. Bond began his managerial career with Bournemouth and led them to promotion from the old fourth division at the end of his first season in charge. However, it was at the Norfolk club during the mid-1970s where Bond developed into one of the game’s most colourful characters, taking Norwich back up into the top flight and on to the 1975 League Cup final, which they lost to Aston Villa.