The legendary City side from the most successful period in the club’s history were honoured at a glittering ceremony in Manchester on Thursday night.

The Blues side that won the Championship, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winner’s Cup between 1968 and 1970 were inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame at the Hilton Hotel in the city centre, with many of the squad in attendance.

Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison, masterminds of that golden era, were also inducted and although Malcolm could not attend, the former players were joined by Nora Mercer, Joe’s widow. On a proud night for Manchester, former City goalkeeper Frank Swift, killed in the Munich air disaster, was also inducted alongside the Busby Babes.

City boss Mark Hughes made the presentation on stage to announce the 68-70 squad’s award, and he told mcfc.co.uk, “It’s absolutely fitting that this great team has been put into the Hall of Fame. They are still revered by everybody connected to the club, and it’s important that we look back to the success they brought to the club as we try to do the same in what is a very exciting period for Manchester City.”

Keep tabs on MCFC.co.uk next week for video highlights from the ceremony and interviews with several star names from the 1968-1970 squad.

We are sad to report the sudden death on Thursday night of John Riley, the hard-working and much respected secretary of the Former Players’ Association. He was 75-years-old.

Having been a star right winger for Manchester Boys and the Manchester County FA youth team, John was a regular in the Blues reserve team though lost a chunk of his career to National Service.

He later became a printer with Co-op Press and established himself as a county standard Crown Green bowler. He lived in Sale and is survived by four children.