From humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest modern-day football teams, Manchester City stands tall above the rest! With many highs and lows, Manchester City has had a significant impact on English Football. Continue reading to learn more about the Citizens!

About the Club

Manchester City’s roots date all the way back to 1880 when they were initially under the name of St. Mark’s. The team later became Ardwick Association FC, Gorton FC, and finally Manchester City in 1894. The name change to Manchester City coincided with financial troubles that also led the club to move stadiums five times. With the final name change and a move to Hyde Park, Manchester City became the most popular club in the city with an enthusiastic fan base. Their new rise to fame and stature led them on to be promoted to First Division in 1899.

The club first played at the top-tier level in 1899 and won their first FA Cup in 1904. Shortly after the big win, seventeen of their players were suspended due to allegations of financial misconduct; this led to the team’s star player, Billy Meredith, to be transferred to a new club, where he later won two league championships. In 1934, the club returned to their path to success, winning their second FA Cup and breaking the record for the highest attendance of any English Football team. With 84,569 spectators, this record for Manchester City still stands to this day. Still holding onto glory three years later, the team took home a First Division trophy in style by scoring over 100 goals during the course of the season. However, they were relegated the very next season and became the first reigning champion team to ever be demoted.

From 1937 to 2008 Manchester City saw themselves regularly playing in the upper tiers of English football while consistently suffering relegation and promotion. There was a three-decade long period after the 1930’s where spectator numbers declined, and the club only managed to snag one single FA Cup. This decline in performance proved that the club was in need of a big change. In 1965, the club entered a hot streak when Joe Mercer was appointed manager for six years. Under his management, the team was able to win a First Division title, both English Cups, and Cup Winners’ Cup. Notable players from this era included goalkeeper Bert Trautmann, and midfielders Alan Oakes and Colin Bell.

After many ups, downs and stand stills, it was about time in 2008 that Manchester City got the chance to become a cutting-edge team. Thanks to the takeover by the Abu Dhabi billionaire Sheikh Mansour, the club began their triumphant era. They quickly became one of the wealthiest clubs in the world and got busy in the transfer market as fast as they could. The five years following Mansour’s takeover saw the team’s performance levels raise, big-name signings, and the club spent over 500 million euros on players. With the shopping spree of big-name players and new coaches, Manchester City was back and better than ever. Winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three FA Community Shields, and the League Cup six years in a row, they finally proved that they were the team to beat!

Highlights and Fun Facts

Today, Manchester City is a fan favorite whose newborn success has truly put them on the map. With a wide fan base, dedicated players, and coaches, it’s no surprise that the following facts exist:

• They’re the only club to ever be relegated in the same season that they finished with a positive goal difference (3+, in the 1937/38 season)
• In 2022, Manchester City was named the 24^th most expensive sports club in the world by Forbes at $4.25 billion US.
• In 2018-19, they won 4 trophies, completing a sweep of all domestic titles in England and becoming the first English men's team to win the domestic treble.
• The club adopted the Red and Black away kit colors after past assistant manager Malcolm Allison thought the AC Milan colors would inspire the team to Glory.
• In the 2017/18 season, they became the first Premier League team to collect 100 points in one season.
• They hold the record for the least number of goals scored at home in a regular Premier League season (10 goals during the 2006/07 season).

Notable Players

Some of the biggest City legends of all time include those from the triumphant 1960-70 era. Players including Alan Oakes, Mike Summerbee, Mike Doyle, Francis Lee, and Colin Bell led the club to their First Division titles, League cups, and some even went on to manage the club after retirement. Now despite the amazing players that had the community cheering for them, let’s not forget about Bert Trautmann who could be considered City’s best goalkeeper. Trautmann was a paratrooper in WWII who was captured and brought to a POW camp. Upon release he played as a goalkeeper in friendly local games. In 1949, he signed with City and became one of the most beloved goalkeepers to hit the pitch. He earned standing ovations from players and supporters alike, and his reputation grew from there!

Some notable players that joined the club after their 2008 expansion include midfielders Yaya Toure, David Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne, centre back Vincent Kompany, and forward Sergio Aguero. Aguero who is known to many, is considered to be one of the greatest strikers in the world. He holds the record for the most goals scored for Manchester City with 260, and is the top fourth scorer for the Premier League. He, along with Kompany and Silva, each have their own statue in their honor at Etihad stadium. Even years after the 2008 expansion of the team, City has not slowed down with their signings. With modern-day players like Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Jack Grealish, the team has a fantastic future ahead of them!

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