City legend wants Shield glory

Manchester City legend Mike Summerbee feels that a Community Shield win on Sunday could kick-start their season.

The former City and England winger twice won the then-titled Charity Shield in 1968 and 1972, and says the trophy is still important.

“Every footballer wants to be involved in winning something, and the Community Shield as it is now known is something very special,” Summerbee told the club’s website ahead of the derby clash against Manchester United.

“It means you can kick the season off with a trophy in the bag before even starting the league programme, and that’s what it’s all about.”

“And if you can get one trophy early on then it can give you the confidence to go on and win more.”

“Winning the derby at Wembley would act as a major boost ahead of the season.”

Summerbee, who is now an ambassador for the club, says the atmosphere created by City’s overhauling of rivals United in last season’s FA Cup semi-final and subsequent victory in the final was a driving force for the team.

“I honestly believe that if we’d had a couple more games last season then we could have gone on to win the Premier League,” Summerbee said.

“We looked brighter, fitter, and more confident, and it all seemed to come together in those last few games.”

“To start the season in that way would be huge for us.”

“The Cup final showed what real football support is all about.”

“The atmosphere was unbelievable, and Stoke’s fans really contributed to that.”

“Our fans will turn up to the Community Shield in the same spirit as they did the FA Cup and they’ll re-create that atmosphere.”

“Hopefully we’ll show people just how important the Shield is.”

United are the current holders of the Community Shield after beating Chelsea last year.