'A true legend': Bristol City pay tribute to Chris Garland
He was one of the Ashton Gate 8 - who tore up their contracts back in 1988 to save the club from financial ruin
He has been called a 'true legend of Bristol City' - and today, The Robins say they are 'deeply saddened' to confirm the death of Chris Garland, who has passed away at the age of 74.
He was one of the Ashton Gate 8 - who tore up their contracts back in 1988 to save the club from financial ruin, with the marksman noted for not only his superb performances off the pitch - but his sacrifices when off it.
They've called his, and the rest of the Ashton Gate 8's sacrifices as something that will 'never be forgotten'.
The Bristol-born forward made a total of 248 appearances in Bristol City colours, registering more than a half-century of goals (54).
Bristol City Club President, Marina Dolman MBE said: “We are all heartbroken. Chris was a wonderful player and a person. He was a Bristol boy through and through and we all loved him very much.”
Garland's legendary career
Speaking about his career, Paul Gainey said: "England Under-23 striker Chris Garland was a key figure as Bristol City reached the League Cup semi-finals in 1970/71. He signed professional from apprentice in May 1966 and partnered John Galley in attack prior to joining Chelsea for a record £100,000 in September 1971.
"The well-built fair-haired Chris Garland cut a striking figure, and as a striker he figured often. He had three spells with City, during which time he appeared in all four divisions of the League.
"Garland was first signed as an apprentice in May 1966 and Alan Dicks introduced him to the first team. Garland stuck up an understanding with John Galley and was soon attracting the attention of First Division scouts.
"In 1970, he was capped for the England Under-23 side, coming on a substitute early in the game against Bulgaria. In September 1971, Garland moved to Chelsea for a fee of £100,000 and in the same month Chelsea paid £170,000 for Steve Kember, suggesting Garland would be destined for good service and a few medals.
"Six months later he was playing at Wembley in the League Cup Final which Chelsea lost 2-1 to Stoke. In 1975, Garland moved to Leicester City and regained his scoring touch - eight goals in ten games. Leicester stayed up. Chelsea went down.
"In December 1976, the prodigal son returned to Bristol. City were in the First Division and they needed a striker of First Division class. A fee of £110,000 was paid to Leicester. Again he helped keep a team in the First Division. Five goals in his last seven games of the season made it an inspired signing.
"They included the winner against Leeds and two against Liverpool. A knee injury restricted his appearances the next season, but he stayed with the club during the financial crises of the early 1980s, until his contract was cancelled as he became one of the ‘Ashton Gate Eight’ in February 1982.
"However, Garland spent a third spell with City, on a match-by-match basis, helping them in the difficult Fourth Division days of 1982-3. He scored 42 goals in 207 League games before spells at Yeovil Town and Minehead."