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City and the Vicar's Wife

Manchester City Football Club has unusual roots in that it's formation was down to a woman.

In 1879, when Arthur Connell was appointed curate of St Mark's church in West Gorton, Manchester, his wife, Anna Connell, decided to form an association to encourage the young men of the parish to take up sport.

Her persistence led to the formation of a cricket team, and this proved so successful that in 1880 the members formed St. Mark's (West Gorton) FC.

Gorton to Ardwick to Manchester City

The club became West Gorton in 1882 and then Gorton AFC in 1884. In 1887, they moved to Hyde Road, Manchester and became Ardwick FC.

In 1891, Ardwick joined the Football Alliance and, a year later, Football League Division Two. In 1894, the club became a limited company and changed their name again, this time to Manchester City.

Promotions, Relegations and FA Cups

In 1899, City won promotion to the First Division for the first time, and spent three seasons in the top flight before being relegated. They won promotion again in 1903 and, in 1904, won the FA Cup and finished as runners-up in Division One.

In 1926 City lost to Bolton Wanderers in the Cup Final and were relegated to Division Two. They were promoted again in 1928 and reached another FA Cup final in 1933.

Relegation as League Champions

The following year they went one better and won the competition for a second time. In 1937, City were League Champions, only to be relegated the following season.

Ups and Downs

After the war their somewhat erratic form continued. They were promoted in 1947, relegated in 1950 and promoted again in 1951.

In 1955 they lost the FA Cup final to Newcastle, and the following year returned to Wembley to beat Birmingham City.

A Second League Title

In 1965, with City back in Division Two, Joe Mercer was appointed manager. Mercer won the Second Division title in 1966 and followed that with the League title in 1968.

Winners in Europe

The FA Cup was won in 1969 and both the European Cup Winners Cup and League Cup in 1970. Another League Cup was won in 1976, under Tony Book.

Same old City

The 1980s brought a return to the inconsistent form of the past. City were relegated twice (1983, 1987) and won promotion twice (1985, 1989).

In 1994 former player, Francis Lee took control of the club, but the optimism around Lee's appointment soon turned into disaster, as City were relegated from the Premier League to Division One.

City in League One

In 1998, with the club in disarray, Lee resigned. The same year saw a new low in the history of Manchester City Football Club as they were relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in their history.

Despite starting out as firm promotion favourites City struggled in Division Two and in the end just sneaked into the play-offs. They then beat Gillingham (via a penalty shootout) in the play-off final.

The following season, City won automatic promotion to return to the Premiership. A year later, they were relegated again and manager Joe Royle was sacked.

Back in the Top Flight

The new manager was former England boss, Kevin Keegan, who led the Blues back to the Premiership at the first attempt.

Move to the City of Manchester Stadium

The following season, City finished in ninth place. That season they also left Maine Road, their home since 1922, and moved to the brand new City of Manchester Stadium.

The Thaksin Shinawatra Takeover

In 2007, the club were bought by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and appointed Sven Goran Eriksson as manager. Eriksson left after just one season and was replaced by Mark Hughes.

Takeover by the Abu Dhabi Group

Shortly after Hughes appointment the football world was rocked by the takeover of Manchester City Football Club by the Abu Dhabi Group Investment and Development.

The funds made available sparked a rash of transfer rumours and on transfer deadline day City signed Robinho from Real Madrid for a British record 32 million pounds.

Despite the investment, they endured a frustrating 2008/09 season, finishing outside the UEFA Cup places.

Mark Hughes was replaced by Roberto Manchini in December 2009, but City failed in their quest for Champions League football finishing the season in 5th place.

They went one better a year later - 3rd place securing them a Champions League spot. They also ended their 34 year wait for a trophy - beating Stoke City 1-0 in the FA Cup Final.

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