One of eight men suing Manchester City after complaining of being abused by paedophile former scout Barry Bennell had been an excellent schoolboy player who attracted the interest of Manchester United, Aston Villa and Sheffield United, a High Court judge has heard.
Ian Ackley, now 53, had also played for non-league Cheadle Town and Rochdale, as a youngster, but had failed to fulfil the promise he had shown and walked away from football, Mr Justice Johnson heard.
He told the judge that Bennell's abuse had made him "emotionally stunted". Mr Justice Johnson had ruled that none of the men making claims against City could be identified in media reports of the case.
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