Read City fans’ heartfelt tributes to Tony Book | OneFootball

Almost 1,500 City fans have left personal tributes to Tony Book.

Following the sad news of Tony's passing on 13 January 2025, we opened an online book of condolences which allowed fans to send their memories and pay their respects for our former player, captain and manager...

It has been an overwhelming response by our supporters, with the respect and love towards Tony shining through in your messages.

We'd love to publish them all, but here is a selection from the many moving tributes received so far...

Jeffrey Paton: Rest in peace Tony, thank you for all the memories. Mr Manchester City legend.

Mike George: Glorious memories of Skip leading the team to victory. Remember especially how he teed up his right boot to make a killer pass. He was a fine and fair player and manager. I have only the greatest respect for a man who led this team to great things and will remain one of the legends of Manchester City.

Michael Cottle: The passing of a true gentleman as a player and a manager. He will eb sadly missed by the football community and family. Watched Tony at Bath City and he was the best sport and right-back in the area. We never thought he could achieve the success that came in later years. Rest in peace, Tony and may he join that great football team in the sky.

Charles White: My friend and I used to hitch a lift in the 1960s from Yew Tree Lane to the game. One day, a car pulled up and to our amazement it was club captain Tony Book and he said: 'Hop in lads, I'll take you to the game.' We've never forgotten that day! I always remember that his boots were on the back seat between us! We were absolutely star-struck. What a lovely guy and a true legend.

WATCH: An icon, a legend - and Mr Manchester City: Tony Book tribute video

Gary Ellis: Fond memories of your time at Bath City where I was the tea boy!

Bob Skelly: I was in my teenage years when Tony Book arrived at Argyle. What a solid, dependable full-back he was. Nobody could get past Tony in those days. He played with some Argyle legends and they were a great team to watch in those days. He was one of those players that stick in one’s memory. A one off! Players like him are few and far between nowadays. R.I..P. Tony (Skip).

John Flanagan: Thanks Tony for everything you gave to Manchester City. Inspirational and humble legend. Rest easy now. You will always be remembered and mentioned.

John Barber: Tony Book’s quiet commitment and leadership skills were perhaps the key element in that star-studded team. The fact that he was able to extend this to managerial skills and become a club icon speaks volumes about the man. For all City fans of this era the passing of Tony Book has got to be a sad and evocative moment. His memory will be cherished.

Andrea Alexander: A true legend. Thank you for everything you have done at Manchester City. Rest in peace, Tony. Good night and God bless.

Jed Griffiths: As a Plymouth Argyle supporter of over 70 years,  I remember Tony Book as the best left full back that ever played for my club. I was so proud of his successes with City. RIP.

Chad Doveton: I have very fond memories of Tony's time at City (Bath City, that is). As a 10-year-old I would run onto the pitch after games to pat him on the back. Thank you for all the joy you gave me at Twerton Park with your amazing talent Tony.

Mark Goggins: Club captain when I first started going to Maine Road. You were an inspiration to a generation of City fans. Your legacy is permanent. RIP 🩵

Theresa Rawcliffe: So very sad and sorry to hear about Tony Book’s passing. He was Manager when I started watching City in 1978. I can still see 14-yea- old me standing on the Kippax chanting ‘Tony Book’s Blue and White Army!’ with everyone else!  A lovely, humble man and amazing ambassador of the club. RIP ‘Skip’. Condolences to his family xx

Shirley Clayton: One of the most wonderful men I ever met at Manchester City. So kind, so loving and warm, he always greeted me with a big smile when I worked at the Club in the late 1970s. Who couldn't love this gentle man?

Linda Field: Tony, in the late sixties ,gave  a lift in his car to my husband Brendan Field, from the bus stop to the match. True gentleman.

Beverly Leckenby: Such great memories of watching Tony Book, I started watching City in 1965 aged three, and I don't remember that game - but I remember the early 70s standing on the Kippax with my dad and him telling me to 'watch that player intently' - it was Tony, of course. You're a legend, RIP and condolences to your family , friends and supporters.

WATCH: Tony Book at 90: Mr Manchester City

Harry: Tony was just going into the City job when I was young and just really getting into football. Dignity, integrity and a gentleman have always been the first words I think of when Tony comes to mind. R.I.P Skip, one of a very rare breed and my sincere condolences to all his loved ones.

Simon Curtis: Goodbye Skip and rest in peace. You were the embodiment of the working class man's football player. Always humble but also confident with people in and out of football. It was a pleasure meeting you as part of your role in the OSC and we will miss your presence.

Thank you to all the people who took time to leave messages, all of which will be passed on to Tony's family.