Nora Mercer, wife of City’s greatest manager Joe Mercer, celebrated her 90th birthday in style this week.

The ‘First Lady’ of Manchester City enjoyed a birthday lunch at an Italian restaurant in Hoylake yesterday and was joined by several club legends as well as close family and friends.

Mike Summerbee, Tony Book and Colin Bell were in attendance to mark this very special landmark and Mrs Mercer was on great form, as ever.

When asked what she thought Joe would make of her turning 90 she said: “What would Joe say? I don’t think it’s printable, but he’d probably have called me and old so and so!!

“Obviously I just wish he was here to celebrate with me.”

Mrs Mercer is a regular at the City of Manchester Stadium and she has lost none of her passion for the Blues and will be cheering them on as usual at the next home game against Everton.

“I can’t jump up if we score, but I can clap as loudly as anyone,” she smiled.

Club ambassador Mike Summerbee, who first met Mrs Mercer in 1960 recalled: “Joe was trying to sign me for Aston Villa and I met him in the car park of the County Ground at Swindon and that was the first time I met Mrs Mercer.

“Joe left Villa shortly after but came back for me when he became City manager and the main reason I signed was because of him.

I’ve always called Nora ‘Mrs Mercer’ - she’s looked up to by the players and the fans love her because she’s a fantastic woman

...Mike Summerbee

“She’s like a second mother to me and she’s always looked out for me. She’s very resilient and is a very special woman.”

Tony Book added: “I first met Nora when I was still a Bath City player and I was invited for a trial at Nottingham Forest.

“Joe Mercer was in charge of the team I played for and that’s when I was introduced to his lovely wife. That was probably around 1960 and when I signed for City in 1966, our families became very close.

“She is just a wonderful lady Joe and Nora are two of nicest people I’ve ever met.”

Colin Bell still can’t believe Mrs Mercer is 90 and said: “She’s got a better memory than me! You have to pinch yourself to think that she’s 90 – she’s a wonderful lady and she’s in great health, too, which is fantastic.”

Happy birthday from everyone connected with Manchester City FC, Mrs Mercer! Watch our exclusive video of the celebrations.