Former Man City, Norwich boss dies - FOXSports.com

Former Manchester City and Norwich manager John Bond, who managed the former in the memorable 1981 FA Cup final against Tottenham, has died aged 79.

Bond took over at Manchester City in 1980 and led them to their Wembley meeting with Spurs. After a 1-1 draw in the final, the Londoners won a thrilling replay 3-2 with Ricky Villa claiming a famous winner.

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.

He went on to manage Norwich, Manchester City, Burnley, Swansea, Birmingham and Shrewsbury. Bond led Norwich to the 1975 League Cup final which they lost 1-0 to Aston Villa.

He spent much of his playing career with West Ham and also played for Torquay.

Norwich will pay tribute to Bond before Wednesday night's Capital One Cup home tie against Doncaster.

Bond remains the second longest-serving manager at Carrow Road and the Canaries said in a statement: "Norwich City Football Club is saddened to learn of the death of former manager John Bond at the age of 79.

"During his tenure he brought players such as World Cup winner Martin Peters to Norwich City, which helped trigger an exciting brand of attacking football at Carrow Road.

"Everybody at Norwich City Football Club would like to send their sincere condolences to John's family and friends.

"There will be an opportunity for Canary fans to remember John at Carrow Road at tonight's match with Doncaster Rovers, where his considerable contribution to Norwich City Football Club will be acknowledged prior to kick-off.

"Both teams will also wear black armbands as a mark of respect."

Manchester City also paid tribute to Bond.

Manchester City club ambassador and former player Mike Summerbee told BBC Radio Manchester: "I knew John from when I was 16 years old. I played for Swindon against him when he was at West Ham. We had some wonderful times off the field.

"He was such a lovely man and it's a very sad day. John was a football man, he knew the game inside out. As a person outside of football, he was a wonderful man.

"You could talk forever about his contribution to the game of football because he was so dedicated to the game and he loved the game so very much."

Howard Wilkinson, chairman of the League Managers' Association, paid tribute to Bond.

He said: "It is an extremely sad day for all his family, who have lost one of the few remaining people who spent their lives working mostly in the old Football League.

"John was a real character with a great sense of humor and presence. He will be sadly missed."

The LMA added in a statement: "The LMA is saddened to learn of the death of former Norwich, Burnley and Manchester City manager John Bond at the age of 79.

"The thoughts of everyone at the LMA are with John's family and friends at this sad time."

Bond, born in Colchester, Essex, played some 444 first-team games for the Hammers after coming through their Academy, and was an ever-present as Ron Greenwood's side won the 1964 FA Cup with victory over Preston at Wembley.

Ken Brown played alongside Bond in the Irons defense and would later be his assistant at both Bournemouth and Norwich, before taking charge at Carrow Road himself and winning the Milk Cup in 1985.

Brown paid tribute to his "special friend".

Speaking to West Ham's official website: "John was a great character. He said what he thought and, at times, he riled people, but he was honest and felt he had to say what he felt had to be said, you always knew where you were with him.

"As a player, he was strong and I loved playing alongside him - but my memories are not just of a great team-mate, but as a special friend.

"We all knew he had been ill for a while - I checked in on him to see how he was doing, so it is very sad that he has now gone. I will miss him."

Former England international and Manchester City chairman Francis Lee added his condolences.

Writing on Twitter, Lee said: "Sorry to hear the sad news about John Bond. Top player, manager and coach. A sad day for Jan, Kevin and Toni. A great guy!"

Bond's son Kevin played under his father at Bournemouth, Norwich and Manchester City, as well as a spell at Southampton. He was recently coach at Tottenham as assistant manager to Harry Redknapp.