Steve McManaman
	Personalia: Born: 11/2 1972 Birthplace: Lverpool Nationality: England (36/2) Height: 5`10" (180cm) Weight: 10st. 0lb (73kg) Position: Left Winger League Appearances: Season: Club: Games: Goals: 1992-1999 Liverpool 274 46 1999-2003 Real Madrid (SPA) 94 8 2003-2004 Manchester City 35 0 2004-2005 Manchester City 0 0 Total: 403 54

Born in the Liverpool suburb of Bootle on February 11, 1972, Steve McManama went to Campion High, a school with a reputation for producing professional footballers, situated about a mile and a half from both Anfield and Goodison. He played for Liverpool schools at all levels and attracted interest from a variety of clubs. Although both he and his father were Evertonians they made a career decision that Liverpool's more patient passing style was more suited to his game.

Kenny Dalglish brought him to the club and he came through the youth ranks signing professional forms on his 18th birthday in February 1990. Lawrie McMenemy chose him for his England Under-21 debut against Wales at Tranmere in December 1990 before he had played for the Liverpool first-team and later commented about the spindly teenager that there was more fat on a chip. Steve made his debut as a substitute against Sheffield United ten days later, he was thrown in at the deep end by Graeme Souness at the beginning of the 1991-92 season, scoring at Manchester City in only his second full appearance. He played 32 League games in that season, more than any other forward. He scored 11 goals (all competitions) in the season of which the most important was the extra-time winner in the "Reds" 3-2 FA Cup fifth round replay win at Ipswich. He ended his first full season by playing in the Liverpool side that beat Sunderland 2-0 in the FA Cup final.

In December 1994 Steve received his first England call-up for the game against Nigeria and came on as a 25th minute substitute for the injured Robert Lee. His full debut came against Colombia in September 1995. Arguably his finest performance thus far was his Man of the Match display against Bolton in Liverpool's 2-1 victory in the 1995 Coca-Cola Cup final where he scored both Liverpool goals. His dazzling dribbling skills would seem to ensure his future at both club and international level. The 95/96 season was Steve's best for Liverpool, he made the right slot in the midfield his own, and he was nearly an ever present.Steve also enjoyed an outstanding Euro 96 for England, until the penalty shoot-out defeat to Germany. He had another excellent season in 96/97 just missing one Premiership game and scoring seven goals in the top-flight.

In 1999 he left Liverpool on a free transfer for a high profile life with Spanish Champions Real Madrid. Steve enjoyed four successful years with the Spanish side, scoring in the 2000 Champions League final win over Valencia. He was a regular in a side consisiting of Ronaldo, Raul, Zidane and Figo. However the £25m arrival of David Beckham in Madrid during the summer 2004, signalled a sharp downturn in his first-team prospects and made a departure almost inevitable. Everton was the favourite to get the former England winger, but in the end Kevin Keegan managed to lure Steve to the City of Manchester Stadium instead.

Steve claimed he did not have to think twice about deciding to join Manchester City. He signed a two-year contract with the Blues, which will see him link up with old friend and former Liverpool team-mate Robbie Fowler in a squad manager Kevin Keegan believes is now capable of challenging for honours. "I know a lot of the players here, I have worked with Kevin Keegan before and I am really looking forward to working with him again. Manchester City is an exciting place to be and they are a team really on the up."

Provided by: Svenn A. Hanssen, svenn@hanssen.priv.no