Manchester City are a club on an upward trajectory.
Since being purchased in 2008 by the Abu Dhabi United Group, their owners have poured in millions with the aim of making City a genuine power in the world game.
The Arabs' first move was to sign Brazil forward Robinho from Real Madrid in a deal that smashed the club's previous transfer record. Many big names have arrived since, as City look to rid themselves of the traditional tag of underachievers, a club living in the shadow of their more illustrious neighbors Manchester United.
Quick Facts:
- Founded: 1880
- Home Ground (Capacity): City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester (47,405)
- Nicknames: The Citizens, The Blues, City
- Home Colors: Blue and White
- Top Goalscorer All-Time: Eric Brook (177 from 1928 to 1940)
- First Division/Premier League Titles: (2): 1936-37, 1967-68
- FA Cup Titles: (5): 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969, 2011
- League Cup Titles: (2): 1969-70, 1975-76
- European Cup Winners' Cup: (1) 1969-70
The Team:
- Current Manager: Roberto Mancini
- Top Goalscorer 2010-2011: Carlos Tevez (23 in all competitions)
- Captain: Carlos Tevez
- 2010-2011 League Finish: 3rd
Manchester City Roster:
2 Richards · 4 Kompany (c)· 5 Zabaleta · 6 Lescott · 7 Milner · 8 Pizarro · 10 Džeko · 11 A. Johnson · 12 Taylor · 13 Kolarov · 15 Savić · 16 Kun Aguero · 18 Barry · 19 Nasri · 20 Hargreaves · 21 Silva · 22 Clichy · 25 Hart · 28 K Touré · 30 Pantilimon · 32 Tévez · 34 De Jong · 37 Nielsen · 42 Touré Yaya · 45 Balotelli
A Little History:
City became the first Manchester side to win a trophy in 1904 when they beat Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup final.
A first league title in 1937 arrived three years after another FA Cup triumph, but the club's most successful period was the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In 1968 the Blues beat Newcastle 4-3 on the last day of the season to win the title, and there was success in the FA Cup the following season as Leicester City were beaten in the final at Wembley.
In 1970 the club won the European Cup Winners Cup and League Cup double, beating Górnik Zabrze and West Brom respectively.
Despite intermittent success, City have suffered numerous relegations in their history, the clichéd term 'roller coaster ride' an apt description for the travails of their loyal supporter base.
