We Were Really There: The Rebirth of Manchester City

We Were Really There is the story of how Manchester City was saved from oblivion and how chairman David Bernstein oversaw the rescue operation. City had just been relegated from the Premier League and were about to be relegated again when Bernstein succeeded Lee as chairman in 1998. Without his work, it is impossible to see how City would have been an attractive proposition to the investors from Abu Dhabi, whose takeover in 2008 paved the way for the Pep Guardiola era and unprecedented success.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2024
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

We Were Really There is a captivating account of Manchester City's remarkable journey from the brink of oblivion to historic triumph. It is a story intricately woven by the man who played a pivotal role in orchestrating the rescue operation.

Twenty-five years prior to City's historic Treble, the club had become a source of national laughter, relegated to the third tier of English football. Chairman Francis Lee had openly expressed his belief that the Citizens' sole chance of winning trophies would be through embarrassing mistakes. However, the arrival of David Bernstein in March 1998 marked a turning point for the club.

When Bernstein succeeded Lee as chairman, City had just been demoted from the Premier League and were on the verge of another relegation. During their season in the third tier, City fans sang choruses of "We're not really here!" in disbelief at the drastic decline of their beloved club.

Without Bernstein's tireless efforts and dedication over a period of five critical years, it is impossible to envision how City would have become an attractive proposition to the investors from Abu Dhabi, whose takeover in 2008 paved the way for the Pep Guardiola era and unprecedented success.

This is a tale of the rebirth of a football club, told from the inside. It explores the challenges faced by City, the strategic decisions made by Bernstein and his team, and the unwavering support of the City fans who remained loyal through thick and thin. The book delves into the intricate details of the club's financial struggles, player acquisitions, and the transformative impact of Guardiola's arrival.

We Were Really There is a testament to the power of determination, vision, and the unwavering support of a passionate community. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be realized, and football clubs can rise from the ashes to achieve greatness.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801506908