Manchester City

Originally known as St Mark’s, Manchester City was formed in 1880. They changed their name to Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887, before turning to their current name in 1894, making it 115 years that they have played under the ‘City’ banner.

They have tasted success on both the domestic and European front, having won the English First Division (now Premier League) trophy in 1937 and 1968, the prestigious FA Cup in 1904, 1934, 1956 and 1969, the English League Cup (now Carling Cup) in 1970 and 1976, as well as the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1970.

The 1960s and 70s were without doubt the most successful period in the club’s history, but there is a hope that a return to the glory days are just around the corner.

Having been bought by Abu Dhabi based Sheikh Mansour on September 1, 2008; the club has been able to invest heavily in new players.
First to arrive was Brazilian playmaker Robinho from Real Madrid for a club record £32.5-million (R450-million), but they have also spent £18-million (R240-million) on another Brazilian striker in Jo, £14-million (R182-million) on Welsh forward Craig Bellamy, £12-million (R150-million) on English left-back Wayne Bridge and £9-million (R117-million) on English winger Shaun Wright-Phillips.

In total they have invested well over a billion Rand in fresh talent during the course of this season, and manager Mark Hughes is likely to dip into the coffers for more ahead of the 2009/10 English Premier League campaign.

The team also have a world-class ground, having moved to the City of Manchester Stadium in 2003, which was the focal point of the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Nickname: The Blues or The Citizens
Previous Names: St. Mark's, Ardwick AFC.
Formed: 1880
Slogan: Superbia in Proelio (Pride in Battle)

Physical Address: City of Manchester Stadium, Sport City, Manchester, M11 3FF, England
Tel: +44 870 062 1894
Fax: +44 161 438 7999
Website: www.mcfc.co.uk
Email: mcfc@mcfc.co.uk

Home Ground: City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester

Main Sponsor: Etihad
Kit Manufacturer: Umbro
Technical Supplier: le coq sportif
Home Kit: Sky Blue with white pin stripes
Away Kit: Black and maroon stripes
Third Kit: Orange with blue sleeves

TECHNICAL STAFF
First Team Manager: Mark Hughes
Assistant Manager: Mark Bowen
First Team Coach: Eddie Niedzwiecki
Goalkeeping Coach: Kevin Hitchcock
Head Physio: Ally Beattie

CLUB RECORDS
Most Appearances: Alan Oakes 672
Most Goals: Eric Brook 178
Most Capped Player: Colin Bell 48 (England)
Most Goals in a Season: Tommy Johnson 38 (1928/29)
Record Win: 12-0 v Liverpool (English FA Cup, 4/10/1890)

VODACOM CHALLENGE HISTORY
First Appearance

OTHER HONOURS
English First Division/Premier League Champions: 1937, 1968
English Second Division Champions: 1899, 1903, 1910, 1928, 1947, 1966, 2002
FA Cup Winners: 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969
League Cup Winners: 1970, 1976
European Cup Winners' Cup Winners: 1970