On May 19, 2001, Manchester City left the pitch at Maine Road wondering when their ground would next host top-flight football.
After back-to-back promotions, their glorious return to the Premiership was not meant to end in this way, after just one season, with a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea an underwhelming way to finish off a season that had not met expectations.
A year earlier had seen the highs of Ewood Park as the jubilant Blues confirmed their second successive promotion on the back of that famous Wembley win over Gillingham, and the transfer activity over the summer had only looked to strengthen Joe Royle's squad.
Paulo Wanchope and Ballon d'Or winner George Weah was brought in to lead the line, Alf-Inge Haaland to lead from midfield and
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