No More Heroes: The Ashton Gate Eight

By Steve Anglesey in Got Not Got

Published 21:46 20/11/09

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"People should never forget in this city that without those eight players there would not be a Bristol City Football Club here today. I don't think they've ever been given due recognition". - Jonathan Pearce                                                                                                    

The Robins’ fall from grace was bewilderingly swift. In the late 1970s they were hobnobbing with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool, but after four seasons in the top flight they were relegated to Division Two. The next season they were relegated again, and then again the season after that. It was the very definition of a plummet.

So in 1982 City, now in Division Four, found themselves in big financial trouble.

Several of their players were on lucrative contracts signed during the good times and the Ashton Gate club were on the brink of liquidation. The directors pleaded with the eight players on long-term contracts to walk away with half their money to save the club and, incredibly, they agreed.

The Roll of Honour reads: Peter Aitken, Julian Marshall, David Rodgers, Geoff Merrick, Gerry Sweeney, Trevor Tainton, Chris Garland and Jimmy Mann.

Without whom…

Blog Tags: 1980s, Cards, Bristol City, No More Heroes