MANCHESTER City have a long and illustrious history - and there is never a dull moment with the Blues.

The same can be said about the various strikers that have donned the famous shirt down the years through glorious title victories and demoralising relegations.

Here, www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk looks at the 10 best strikers ever to have played for City. There are bound to be arguments about how the list is put together, but it is hopefully a combination of the player's actual ability, combined with their emotional attachment to City and their standing with the fans. 

Take a look at our selection, then have your say.

1. Francis Lee

Lee played a huge part in City's league title winning season of 1967/68, scoring 16 goals and netting in the final game of the season. He was then top scorer for five consecutive season from 1969-74 and broke the 30-goal barrier in 1971/72. He was criticised for his diving, scored 10 times against United and was an all round superstar as far as City fans were concerned. Later became chairman of the club.

2. Nicolas Anelka

A Rolls Royce striker who cost City £13m in 2002. He stayed for two years, scored 37 goals and somehow the Blues managed to sell him at a loss to Fenerbahce. Searing pace and silky skills are his trademark, and despite his image as "le Sulk" Anelka was a true professional at City. Belongs in the top echelon of world strikers to this day.

3. Neil Young

A true Manchester City local lad - Young grew up in Fallowfield close to City's old Maine Road stadium. Young was a key cog in the successful Mercer-Allinson spell and scored 21 goals in the league title winning 1967/68 season. He also scored in the 1969 FA Cup final as the Blues won the trophy, and in the 1970 Cup Winners' Cup final.

4. Shaun Goater

If ever there was a cult hero at City, Shaun Goater is the man. He scored a total of 103 goals for the Blues, and it would be fair to say not all of them were laced in at pace. If he had the ability to match his positional sense, the Goat would surely have been a Champions League regular, but as it was he helped City rise back up the leagues. Robbed Gary Neville for a memorable goal in the derby in 2002 and the subject of the famous chant, 'Feed the Goat and he will score'.

5. Niall Quinn

'Quininho', as the big Irishman was affectionately known, was the mainstay of City's front line from 1990-1996. Your classic "skilful for a big man" Quinn was as dangerous on the ground as in the air and ended up with 66 goals from is 204 City appearances. He also provided a classic moment at the other end of the pitch, saving a penalty from Dean Saunders when pressed into action as an emergency goalkeeper after Tony Coton had been sent off. He had earlier scored in that game as City won 2-1 and relegated Derby.

6. Paul Dickov

Scorer of arguably the most famous goal in City's history. His strike in the 95th minute against Gillingham in the Division Two play-off final was estimated to be worth about £40m all told, and it sent countless Blues fans across the globe delirious. Apart from the goal, Dickov was always a waspish presence up front and was usually the first name in the referee's book. A City legend.

7. Denis Law

Law made his name for City's arch rivals United, but he etched his name into the Blue history books with that famous back-heeled goal against the Reds. The arguments still rage as to whether the goal actually sent United down, but regardless, City fans love him for it.

8. Uwe Rosler

Rosler signed for City from Dynamo Dresden in 1994 and scored 65 goal in a four year spell with the club. He was never the most mobile of strikers, but he had the heart for a battle and the Blues fans took to him. Since leaving City Rosler showed his fighting qualities again in beating cancer and has moved into management.

9. Emmanuel Adebayor

Granted, Adebayor is only in the infancy of his City career, but in terms of quality there haven't been many better wearing the Blue shirt. He made his name at Arsenal, where he scored 46 goals in 104 appearances, and he already has four in eight for City. Tall, quick and skilful, Adebayor has the lot, and he is only going to get better.

10. Paul Stewart

Stewart was picked up for £200,000 from Blackpool but was a hit for City. He netted 24 goals in the 1987/1988 season including a hat-trick in the historic 10-1 thrashing of  Huddersfield. That form saw him move on to Tottenham and then Liverpool. He never regained the heights he hit at City though.

Do you agree with our top 10, and what would your selection be? Have your say.