Previous Managers:
Now State-side, Adrian Heath (pictured) managed Burnley. Taking over as player-manager for the 1996-97 season he guided Burnley to 9th in the third tier of English football.
Playing for Manchester City between 1990 and 1992 he pulled on the shirt over 70 times.
Managers for both sides date back deep into both our histories. Ernest Mangnall was manager of Burnley in 1900. He suffered relegation and couldn’t bring them back before leaving in 1903.
Joining Manchester United, then in the second tier, he got them promoted, winning two titles and an FA Cup during his time. His last game in charge of United was a Manchester derby in September 1912. At that point it was already known that he would be joining the Blues and so, when City won 1-0, his celebrations were unrestrained.
Two Johns, Benson and Bond, have also managed both sides. Benson, who started his playing career at City, was in the City side who suffered the last Burnley win at City’s ground. Leaving in 1964 he returned as Manager almost two decades later, replacing Bond. Although, he only lasted 17 games, winning just three and seeing us relegated.
Next: Things to know before City host Burnley
He lasted a little longer at Burnley, where he went the full season in 1984-85. Ending with a 26% win rate it was an improvement over the, almost, 18% at City.
Bond came to us from Norwich, bringing his son, eventually, with him. Joining in 1980, he took us to the League Cup Semi Final against Liverpool, losing 2-1 over the two legs. We actually tied at their place and lost at Maine Road. Also there was that Final against Tottenham in the FA Cup.
The next season we managed mid table before eventually departing in January 1983. Maybe, in hindsight, we should have kept Bond and his 41% wins. Bond went on to Burnley, where he dropped into the third tier, and we hired Benson!