 | Left winger David Wagstaffe joined Manchester City as a 15-year-old straight from school, and played in the Central League before he had signed as a professional.
His league bow was made at Maine Road against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1960 and his first goal came the following week.
A gifted, skilful player, David was often the victim of wild tackling from frustrated opponents, and sometimes he showed that he operated on a short fuse. Many of the bookings he received were for retaliation, something that today would occasion an early bath.
He survived the appearance of the emerging Neil Young, holding down his No 11 spot and forcing the tall youngster to play on the right wing. He also survived the demands of certain members of the City hierarchy who wanted him to be transferred. Until Boxing Day 1962, that is. Wolves came in with a strong bid to tempt manager Les McDowell to sell him, and he spent 12 seasons in the Midlands, playing against the Blues at Wembley in 1974.
Before hanging up his boots, David played for both Blackburn and Blackpool. From an article by John Maddocks published in the City programme 22nd February 1995 City Appearances
League, 143 – goals scored 8
Cup 17 |
Dave was a great mate of davie jones who he helped in Davies dark days