When City supporters turn the
conversation to choosing their best loved players, there’s always a wide
variety of names proposed and no shortage of favourites. The most recognised
names are familiar, celebrated and remembered fondly, along with their background
stories.
However, the generation gap means
that certain players are not as readily brought to mind and their stories, if
not forgotten, are often consigned to the further reaches of the collective
conscience. With that in mind, perhaps it’s time to introduce the younger City
fans to Kazimierz Deyna – and to remind his past and present admirers of what
the man also known as Kaziu or, affectionately, ‘Kazzy’ was all about.
Elegant, composed and blessed
with wonderful vision and football brain, Deyna’s brief stay at City earned him
countless admirers both within the club and on the terraces. He was born in
Starogard Gdanski in northern Poland, on October 23 1947. He was the son of a
dairy worker and was one of nine siblings in a big family. Football was in the
bloodline as two of his brothers also played the game; Henryk for Wlokniarz
Starogard Gdanski and Franciszek for Starogardzki KS.
Kaziu began his career playing
youth football at the age of 11 for his local side, Wloknairz Starogard
Gdanski. When he turned 19 he moved to LKS Lodz before heading to Legia Warsaw.
Deyna had been called up into the Polish army and at the time Legia were known
as an army club. It was during his time at the club when the midfielder really
made his name.
