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Cardiff City Football Club was founded by members of the Riverside Cricket Club in 1899.

The club was originally called Riverside FC, and after a season playing friendly fixtures, they joined the Cardiff & District League in 1900.

Name Change to Cardiff City Football Club

In 1905 they applied to change their name but the FA of Wales denied permission. Three years later, in 1908, the FAW relented and the name was changed to Cardiff City FC.

In 1910, Cardiff were elected to the Southern League Second Division, and were promoted to the First Division two years later.

Elected to the Football League

Then, in 1920, when the Southern League was incorporated into the Football League, Cardiff City were placed in Division Two. The following season they gained promotion to Division One.

League and Cup Disappointment

In 1924 Cardiff were runners-up in the League, finishing equal on points with Huddersfield Town but losing out on the narrowest of goal average margins - 0.024. Under the current system Cardiff would have been crowned champions on goals scored.

The following year, they reached the FA Cup final but lost to Sheffield United.

FA Cup Winners

Then, in 1927, they became the only non-English club to win the FA Cup, after beating Arsenal 1-0.

Two years later Cardiff were relegated and in 1931, the club dropped into Division Three (South) where they were to stay until after the Second World War.

In 1947, Cardiff won the Third Division South Championship and in 1952, they gained promotion back to Division One.

They stayed at the top level for five years, spent three seasons in Division Two, and in 1960 returned to Division One.

In 1962 they were again relegated to Division Two where they would remain for the next 13 years.

Promotions and Relegations

In 1975 City dropped into Division Three and over the next two decades they were relegated and promoted with monotonous regularity.

They had spells in Division Two (1977-82), Division Three (1982-83), Division Two (1983-85), Division Three (1985-86), Division Four (1986-1988), Division Three (1988-1990) and Division Four (1990-93).

In 2000, Sam Hammam, previously owner of Wimbledon FC, bought the club, and after promotions in 2001 and 2003, Cardiff returned to the second tier (The Championship).

Hammam sold out to a consortium led by Peter Ridsdale in 2006.

Wembley Heartbreak

2008 saw Cardiff reach their first F.A. Cup final in 81 years, beating Premier League Middlesbrough on route.

However, there was to be no fairy tale ending as the Bluebirds lost 1-0 to Portsmouth at Wembley.

And more Wembley heartbreak was to follow in the 2009/10 playoff final as Cardif lost a thrilling game 3-2 to Blackpool.

The following year Cardiff again made the play-offs but lost to Reading.

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