11 Facts About Mike Summerbee

1.

Michael George Summerbee was born on 15 December 1942 and is an English former footballer, who played in the successful Manchester City side of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

2.

Mike Summerbee was born in Preston, Lancashire, and raised in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, he attended Naunton Park Secondary Modern School where he was influenced by sports teacher, Arnold Wills, with whom he was publicly reunited 50 years later when Mike Summerbee was Guest of Honour at the 150th anniversary celebrations of Cheltenham YMCA, to which both had belonged in their youth.

3.

Mike Summerbee made his league debut playing for Swindon Town in 1959 at the age of 16.

4.

Mike Summerbee made more than 200 appearances for the Wiltshire club, scoring 38 goals.

5.

Something of a practical joker, Mike Summerbee was known for a fiery temperament, a trait described by teammate Francis Lee as "retaliating first".

6.

Mike Summerbee later admitted that he should not have joined the club.

7.

Mike Summerbee made just three League appearances for the Seasiders.

8.

Over a five-year period, which encompassed the 1970 World Cup Mike Summerbee played for England eight times.

9.

Mike Summerbee starred in the cult film Escape to Victory alongside Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and Pele.

10.

Mike Summerbee's son, Nicky, was a professional footballer, who followed in his father's footsteps by playing for both Swindon Town and Manchester City before joining Sunderland.

11.

Mike Summerbee was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to association football and charity.