A diligent and uncompromising left-back, David Connor may not have commanded the headlines, but he was an essential cog in the well-oiled machine that was Manchester City in the late 1960s.

PART ONE

Born in 1945, Connor emerged through the ranks at Manchester City, earning his first-team debut in a 2-1 Division Two defeat to Charlton Athletic at The Valley on the opening day of the 1964-65 campaign. During a time when football was as much about grit as it was about flair, he quickly established himself as a tenacious defender, unafraid of a challenge but also capable of pushing forward when needed. What’s more, his versatility allowed him to contribute effectively to City’s dynamic system, which was steadily developing under the visionary management of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison.

By the time the 1967–68 season rolled around, Manchester City were on the brink of greatness. Mercer’s men played exhilarating football, blending skill, speed, and a relentless work ethic. Although Connor was not an ever-present in the side, the strong-running full back notched up 13 league appearances that campaign, playing his part in what would be a historic First Division title triumph. In contrast to the attacking brilliance of Colin Bell, Francis Lee, and Mike Summerbee, Connor’s role was less glamorous but equally vital—keeping things solid at the back while supporting the forward surges when required.

Following that memorable title-winning season, the Citizens continued their rise, collecting silverware at a remarkable rate. In addition to his league contribution, Connor also featured in the 1968 FA Charity Shield, which added yet another medal to his collection. Nevertheless, competition for places at City was fierce to say the least, and as the squad evolved, Connor found first-team opportunities harder to come by.

PART TWO

In 1971, after making 154 appearances and netting 14 goals in all completions for Manchester City, Connor moved on in search of regular football, joining Preston North End. This transition marked a new phase in his career, one where he could bring experience and leadership to a team outside the top flight. At Deepdale, he slotted into a side that, while not boasting the same level of stardom as City, still required the steel and determination that had defined his game.

Despite being a strong presence in the squad, Connor’s time at Proud Preston was relatively short-lived. Like many footballers of his era, he faced the inevitable decline that comes with advancing years, and soon, a new and fresh opportunity presented itself at non-league side Macclesfield Town.

It was at Macclesfield where he ventured into the realm of player-management, taking on the dual responsibility of guiding the team from the touchline while still contributing on the pitch. This was no easy task since juggling tactical decisions with personal performance is a challenge few master.

Nonetheless, David Connor made 35 league appearances and even managed to get on the scoresheet once. However, football is an unforgiving profession, and results ultimately dictate managerial fortunes. A string of disappointing performances led to Connor stepping down as manager in February 1978, marking the end of his time in the dugout.