- Man City were relegated to the third tier in 1998
- They they gained back-to-back promotions
- City have been in the Premier League since 2002
Manchester City’s relegation to the third tier of English football was confirmed on this day in 1998, but have come an incredible way since then.
It’s hard to imagine, given their incredible recent success, but Man City have not always been the all-conquering juggernaut they now are.
As recently as this century, the Carabao Cup winners were relegated from the Premier League, and spent a season in the third tier less than 30 years ago.
On this day in 1998, the lowest point in City’s history was confirmed, with relegation to Division Two (now League One).
With the club going on such an incredible journey since that dark time, we’re taking a look at how the Sky Blues found themselves relegated twice in two season, and how they climbed back to the top of English football.
Manchester City relegated to third tier in 1998
Following relegation from the Premier League in 1996, City finished 14th in Division One (now the Championship) a year later.
However, hopes of a return to the top flight would vanish, when 1998 saw a second relegation, this time to Division Two.
#ManCity were RELEGATED to the third tier of English football, #OnThisDay in 1998.
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) May 2, 2026
An incredible, and truly unique, journey. 🥹🩵 pic.twitter.com/qTrTWUuDmK
That would mark the lowest level the club had played at since it joined the English Football League system in 1892.
The club would spend just one season in the third tier, though, gaining instant promotion back to Division One, before returning to the Premier League
New owners restored Man City to glory
In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, City were something of a yo-yo club. They were either relegated or promoted in six seasons from seven between 1996 and 2002.
But after a few years back in the Premier League’s mid-table, the club was purchased by the Abu Dhabi United Group, led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in September 2008.
That £200 million deal would changhe everything, and shape the ENglish football landscape for years to come.
The new ownership broke the British transfer record to sign Robinho from Real Madrid, and ended a 32-year trophy drought with FA Cup victory in 2011, starting an incredible period of success.
Pep Guardiola has built a dynasty at Manchester City
Despite the 2008 takeover making City one of the richest clubs in the world, success was never guaranteed.
Even the most optimistic of fans could never have imagined how much the club has dominated in recent years.
With eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, seven League Cups, the UEFA Champions League and the Club World Cup, City have been without equals in England for the last 15 years.
Ten of those have been spent under Pep Guardiola, who has established himself as perhaps the greatest coach of all time.
He narrowly trails former Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson’s 49 career trophies. However, with City still on for a domestic treble, the gap could be closed further still by the end of this season.
