Exclusive David Bernstein: The Man Behind Manchester City’s Rebirth
Few figures in football have left a legacy as transformative as David Bernstein. Chairman of Manchester City from 1998 to 2003, Bernstein steered the club through one of its most turbulent periods, laying the groundwork for the powerhouse it has become today.
Yes, there really was a time when Manchester City were consistently in the doldrums of English football. While the Gen Z generation of City fans may think the club’s dip this season earmarks unprecedented times, many will remember the club toiling in the third division.
“Typical City,” joked David Bernstein, “We always had that unfortunate tag line whenever things didn’t go our way just as Tottenham have the ‘Spursy’ tag.”
Bernstein reflects on that remarkable journey in his new book, We Were Really There: The Rebirth of Manchester City. In this exclusive interview with the Sports Gazette, he delves into the challenges, triumphs, and pivotal decisions that defined his tenure.
Few chairmen have walked into as dire a situation as the one David Bernstein inherited in 1998. City were 22nd in the league with eight games to go, and off the pitch it was arguably worse. The club had amassed a staggering £5.8m in financial losses of since start of the season, and were also in danger of losing their kit supplier Kappa.
David Bernstein admitted that when he arrived, even he could not envisage City overcoming such adversities. He believes his tenure gave the club the roots it needed to grow.
Reversal of Fortune
Monday 30th May 1999 is the date that marked the turning point in Manchester City’s revival. Trailing 2-0 to Gillingham in the Division Two Play Off Final, Manchester City needed a miracle to save their promotion aspirations. As the clock struck 89.25, City clawed their way back with strikes by Kevin Horlock and Paul Dickov to level the contest. Neither team buckled in extra time, and the dreaded penalties loomed. Were ‘Typical City’ going to strike again?
But not this time as goalkeeper Nicky Weaver saved Guy Butter’s spot kick to send the travelling Citizens into bedlam. It was one of the most iconic comebacks in English football history. Aguero’s 93.20 QPR strike is an all-time great, but 89.25 is up there.
Bernstein is firmly of the view that this win persuaded the Council to agree the stadium move from Maine Road to the City of Manchester Stadium in 2003.
“To get that promotion in such a dramatic way, was such an infusion of confidence and success. It is undoubtedly the most essential moment in the club’s history.”
The Secret to Effective Leadership as Chairman
Bernstein had defied the odds. The stadium move secured City’s long-term future, and in 2008 made it an attractive investment for the Abu Dhabi consortium spearheaded by Sheikh Mansour. Under Joe Royle and the enigmatic Kevin Keegan, City twice returned to the top-flight in 2000 and 2003 respectively. Alongside Jim Cassell, Bernstein established an academy (now churning out the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden), and built the new training facility in Carrington.
I asked him how he turned the improbable to the possible.
Bernstein credits his knowledge of the club and rapport with the fans as being key factors.
“I saw the need for radical surgery early on. We did things that people said couldn’t be done. We got rid of people and made tough decisions for the club’s benefit.”
Unsung Hero?
Recruitment under Bernstein’s tenure needed to have a pragmatic approach, chiefly due to the club’s monetary shackles. I asked him about his greatest signing and his answer surprised me.
I assumed it would be sharpshooter ‘Feed the Goat’ Shaun Goater. Once a Manchester United outcast, he netted 84 goals in 184 appearances, including a play-off semi-final winner against Wigan to take City to the infamous Gillingham bout.
Instead, he chose Scottish defensive stalwart Andy Morrison, an £80,000 signing from Huddersfield side-lined by them from first-team duties.
“Morrison was a clever deal. He…. was incredibly tough. Joe Royle used to say in the lower divisions, first of all, you have to win the battle, then you have to win the match. Andy Morrison always helped him win the battle.”
Thoughts on Manchester City’s 115 charges
Aside from this season’s struggles, Manchester City have been relentless, their players steamrolling England and Europe’s elite to countless trophies.
Premier League followers have got used to witnessing City’s consistent victories under arguably this century’s greatest ever manager, Pep Guardiola.
However, the judgement on City’s 115 financial charges are expected in spring 2025. Their domination and legacy could be tarnished in an instant.
On this, David Bernstein is clear, “Spending caps are anticompetitive and entrench the power of big clubs making it more difficult to do what City have done.”
He added, if they are found guilty: “it will undermine the fantastic work done by the club and Pep Guardiola…. there’s a lot at stake for City and the Premier League.”
Legacy
A club that had fallen on tough times, deteriorating in the shadow of its eminent neighbours, was rediscovered. Undoubtedly, Bernstein’s stability, paved City’s path for future success.
