‘I didn’t want to go’ - Ex-City star Reeves reflects on his spell in Norfolk

Kevin Reeves, centre, earned an England cap at Norwich before his £1m switch to Manchester City Picture: Archant library

Reeves joined City from AFC Bournemouth in 1977 and quickly established himself as a fans favourite in NR1, becoming only the second City player to represent England whilst at the club.

The striker enjoyed a close relationship with ex-City boss John Bond throughout his career, working with him at Bournemouth, Manchester City and Burnley alongside a three year association with the Canaries.

At present, the ex-City star is working as Everton's chief scout, a post he has held since Roberto Martinez arrived as manager in 2013.

Reeves insists his memories of wearing the yellow and green of City are positive, citing his strong relationship with supporters as one of the reasons as to why.

"I haven't been back many times but when I have I've sat in the River End and someone once came up to me to say 'we still call that the Reeves stand,' which was a lovely touch. Somebody else recently said some of the older supporters still call it that as well.

"I've got a picture on my wall at home of me playing against Brighton & Hove Albion on the last day of the season and fans coming up to me as I'm walking off the pitch."

His departure from the club was met with fury from some supporters despite Reeves earning City their first ever fee of £1million.

That sale began a concerning trend throughout the 80s and 90s as a plethora of talent including Dave Watson, Justin Fashanu and Andy Townsend commanded similar transfer fees.

"It was a strange situation because I'd had the chance to go to Man City earlier in the season, but I didn't want to go," Reeves told the clubs official website. "When they came back with a big offer it was probably right for everybody."

Reeves time in Norfolk overlapped with that of club legend Duncan Forbes, who sadly passed away at the end of October and the ex-England man remembers City's former captain with fondness.

"He was such a jovial character. He used to give everybody nicknames and he decided that my nickname was Rocky because he tried to make out that I was ugly! He was the same in training as he was on the football pitch.

"He used to come flying through you from behind and I remember Bondy saying 'Duncan, what are you doing?' His classic response was 'I was going for the ball!' That got him out of everything, it didn't matter that your legs were in between him and the ball! He was a great character with one of the loudest voices ever. A great fella."