I'm not certain if you came to my talk at the Dancehouse in April but I spent a lot of time talking about the blip - let's not forget that in the early to mid-90s we finished 5th twice and believed we would win either the FA Cup or the PL before the 1996 shock relegation - These facts were just a small part of what I discussed at The Dancehouse. Most Blues would have enjoyed it that night (feedback has been extremely good) and it certainly gave people ammunition and a better understanding of our history. These facts are rather cold - the context is needed - but hopefully they make sense and help demonstrate the stature of MCFC.
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The club’s position on ‘shock’ relegation day, 1983
Only Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool had enjoyed more consecutive seasons in the top flight than City
From first promotion in 1899 to 1983, the Blues had only spent 10 seasons outside the top flight (As a comparison from the Blues’ establishment as Manchester City in 1894 United had spent seven seasons fewer in the top division of English football).
The only teams that had enjoyed more seasons in the top flight during the period 1894-1983 were Everton (74), Liverpool (68), Villa (67) and Arsenal (66). City had enjoyed 63 seasons in the top flight.
In terms of trophy success the Blues had won nine major trophies, only three behind Manchester United on relegation day.
In the decade before the 1983 relegation City were regarded as one of the Big Four – City, Everton, United and Liverpool. Occasionally Spurs or Arsenal would be added to make it a Big Five or Six, but City were always included prior to relegation.
City’s average attendances were impressive for the period. In 1977 it was claimed the Blues had more season ticket holders than any other club and from 1975 to 1983 they finished the season as third best supported club every year apart from 1976 (4th), 1979 (4th), 1981 (4th), 1982 (4th) & 1983 (4th).
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If you use them please state where they came from. Thanks. There's more like this in my MCFC Folklore book too:
or
https://www.conkereditions.co.uk/product/manchester-city-folklore-what-every-blue-needs-to-know/