Tony Coton
Tony Coton, a goalkeeper known for his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the penalty area, had a career that spanned several clubs in the English game including spells at both Manchester United and Manchester City.
Coton began his career at Birmingham City and later joined Watford before earning a move to Manchester City in 1990 – becoming one of the most expensive goalkeepers in British football at the time.
He went on to win the City Player of the Year award in both the 1991–92 and 1993–94 seasons and was first choice goalkeeper for a large portion of his time there.
After injuries curtailed the end of his career at Maine Road, Coton made one of the most rare moves in football when he left Manchester City to join Manchester United directly in a £500,000 move to played a backup role to the legendary Peter Schmeichel (another player who played for both Manchester sides).
Coton never played a first team game for United and made the substitutes bench only once although during a time where only three substitutes could be named, but was praised by Sir Alex Ferguson as helping keep Schmeichel on his toes by his mere presence at the club.
After one season at Old Trafford, Coton was sold to Sunderland where he left one more season before calling time on his career.
