UNILAD.CO.UK & FOOTBALL PUNDETTE PRESENTS...

THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH AMBITION, SO WHY ARE PEOPLE CONDEMNING FABIAN DELPH?

It was the biggest U-turn since Stevie G handed in a transfer request, flirted with Jose and decided to remain loyal to the Anfield cause. Rumours had been rumbling for months linking Aston Villa captain Fabian Delph with a move to Manchester City, but for the best part that’s all it had been, rumours.

Such rumours came to a head a few weeks ago after the social media hills were alive with the sound of whispers that the 25 year old had passed a medical at City. This prompted Delph to make a very public display of affection towards the claret and blue club he captained. Quotes consisted of words such as ‘set the record straight,’ ‘I’m not leaving,’ ‘I’m staying’ and ‘this great football club’.

All strong words that left City fans reeling and Villans punching the air with delight; who said loyalty was dead? Here was a 25 year old England international that had resisted the lure of Arab money for the pull of captaining this great club with a wealth of tradition and finishing mid-table. Ish. Even Tim Sherwood spoke about his ‘delight’ that the midfielder was staying, stating it was a ‘measure of the guy that he is, showing loyalty to the fans, the football club and the chairman.’ There was only one winner here. Morals 1, Delph 0.

So imagine everyone’s surprise when just six days later, Delph was unveiled as City’s latest signing. Pleased as punch, holding the sky blue threads next to club ambassador Mike Summerbee, Fabian seemed blissfully unaware that Villa’s media team had actually published his commitment statement onto their website. It was a done deal: £8 million had secured the services of the footballer who had bigger balls than Ron Jeremy. 

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Remember Kazimierz Deyna? No? Read all about him...

 ONCE A BLUE: KAZIMIERZ DEYNA

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.