Dylan Bettencourt
Several former Manchester City players are finally set to receive their league winners’ medals for a title they won 53 years ago.
Stan Horne, Paul Hince, Bobby Kennedy and the late Harry Dowd did not receive a winner’s medal for being a part of Manchester City’s first division-winning team over half a century ago.
However, recent rule changes have meant they have finally become eligible to receive their medals for the 1967/68 season.
The number of appearances required to receive a winner’s medal has dropped tremendously since their league win all those years ago.
The new rules mean that the four players played enough games in the 67/68 season to secure winning medals along with the rest of the side.
That year, Stan Horne became the first black player to win the English Football League (EFL) but had nothing to show for his historic achievement.
Despite playing a part, the player suffered an injury that prevented him from meeting the required number of appearances that season.
Earlier this year, Manchester City put in a request to the EFL for their former players to receive a medal to remember their achievement.
“We are all absolutely ecstatic. When the letter came that I was going to receive this medal, I was absolutely overjoyed, over the blue moon as you might say,” Horne said after the request was accepted.
Now 76, Horne added he was very lucky to be a part of the title winning team and is delighted to receive the medal that he will treasure for the rest of his life.
“It was a fantastic time, playing with some of the best players of that era. The families of the four of us are so proud, you cannot describe it. I cannot dream of anything better,” he said.
Current City manager Pep Guardiola said recognising the club’s history is of high importance and emphasised the need for the club to honour the four players.
“I always say this club’s history is so important. Without all the amazing people in the past who made this football club what it is today, we would not be here right now,” he said.
Horne and Kennedy received their medals at City’s 2-0 home victory over Burnley on Saturday afternoon.
Image source: @SkySports
