Manchester City Football Club, commonly known as Man City, has a rich and varied history that spans over a century. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark’s (West Gorton) by members of St. Mark’s Church in Manchester, the club underwent several name changes, becoming Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and finally adopting the name Manchester City in 1894.
Early Years and Initial Successes
The club joined the Football League in 1892 and secured its first major honor by winning the FA Cup in 1904, marking the first time a Manchester-based team won a significant trophy. In 1923, after a fire destroyed the main stand at their Hyde Road ground, City moved to the purpose-built Maine Road stadium in Moss Side, which would serve as their home for the next 80 years.
The 1930s: A Decade of Highs and Lows
The 1930s were a period of both triumph and tribulation for Manchester City. The club reached consecutive FA Cup finals, losing to Everton in 1933 but clinching the trophy in 1934 by defeating Portsmouth. During the 1934 cup run, a record-breaking crowd of 84,569 fans packed Maine Road for a sixth-round tie against Stoke City, a record that still stands today. In 1937, City won their first First Division title but faced an unexpected relegation the following season, despite being the league’s top scorers.
Post-War Era and the Revie Plan
In the 1950s, under the innovative “Revie Plan,” named after player Don Revie, City reached the FA Cup final in consecutive years. They were runners-up in 1955 but triumphed in 1956, defeating Birmingham City 3–1. The 1956 final is particularly memorable for goalkeeper Bert Trautmann playing the last 17 minutes with a broken neck, showcasing remarkable bravery.
The Mercer-Allison Era: A Golden Period
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a golden era for Manchester City under the management duo of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison. The team secured the First Division title in 1968, narrowly edging out local rivals Manchester United. They continued their success by winning the FA Cup in 1969 and achieving a double in 1970 with victories in both the League Cup and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Decline and Challenges: The 1980s and 1990s
Following this period of success, the club experienced a decline. The 1980s were marked by relegations and managerial changes. In 1981, City reached the FA Cup final but lost to Tottenham Hotspur in a replay. The nadir came in 1998 when the club was relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in its history. Despite interest from major clubs, star player Georgi Kinkladze remained with City during this challenging period, citing his love for the club and its supporters.
Resurgence and the Abu Dhabi Era
The early 2000s saw a resurgence, with City returning to the Premier League in the 2002–03 season. A transformative moment occurred in 2008 when the club was purchased by the Abu Dhabi United Group, leading to significant financial investment. This ushered in a new era of success, with City winning the FA Cup in 2011 and their first Premier League title in 2012, their first top-flight championship in 44 years.
The Guardiola Era and Unprecedented Success
In 2016, Pep Guardiola, former manager of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, took the helm at Manchester City. Under his leadership, the club has achieved unprecedented success. In the 2017–18 season, City became the first Premier League team to amass 100 points in a single season. The following year, they completed an unprecedented domestic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. The pinnacle of their achievements came in the 2022–23 season when City won their first UEFA Champions League title, completing a historic continental treble alongside their Premier League and FA Cup victories.
Recent Developments
In January 2025, the club mourned the passing of Tony Book, a legendary figure who captained City during their successful period in the late 1960s and later managed the team. His contributions to the club are fondly remembered by fans and the football community alike.
Throughout its history, Manchester City has experienced the full spectrum of footballing fortunes, from early successes and mid-century triumphs to periods of decline and a remarkable resurgence in the modern era. Today, the club stands as a powerhouse in both English and European football, with a legacy built on resilience, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.