Manchester City has been a staple of the Premier League for several seasons now. But it hasn't always been this way.
There was a time where the club was the laughing stock next to the city's more successful club Manchester United. But that all changed in 2008 when Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan took over the club under the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) banner. This would change the fate of the club forever, and the landscape of English football.
The team had been jumping between division from 1996 to 2003, getting promoted some seasons only to see themselves relegated again. It wasn't until 2007, when former Thai Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, bought that club, that some light at the end of the tunnel could be seen. However, this hope was short lived.
Shinawatra appointed Sven-Goran Eriksson as the manager, and the Swede went on a £60 million shopping spree around Europe. He brought it great talent, but failed to produce any results. Finishing the season 9th and with an 8-1 loss against Middlesbrough in the final game of the season. Eriksson was sacked at the end of the season. But that was the least of City's worries.
Because of corruption allegations in his home country, Shinawatra's assets where all frozen and he could no longer control the future of the club. And for a brief period, there was uncertainty revolving the club, and if they could even continue to exist.
This is when Cook, the chief-executive at the time found the Sheikh.
Sheikh Mansour & ADUG
With a new owner at the helm of the club, there was hope once more. And the owner was keen to keep his promises. Although it took some time to get there.
Under Mark Hughes, the appointed manager after the firing of Eriksson, failed to live up to expectations. They finished the season in 10th, worse than Eriksson himself had done. Hughes was promptly sacked and replaced by Roberto Mancini. Hughes failures where made even more clear when he still failed even after spending £270 million on players.
The Mancini era was the beginning of what would become the clubs current status. The Italian tightened up the defence, making them an almost impenetrable wall and let the team play a very exciting style. It installed a winning mentality in the team and brought them home the FA cup, the first piece of silverware in 35 years. Beating their city rivals Man United in the process.
The Following Years
After Mancini failed to deliver a second title, the club appointed Manuel Pellegrini. The Chilean was able to bring is calm nature to the locker room and brought home another title. Since then, the team has continued to improve, signing managers such as Pep Guardiola, who won 21 titles in 7 seasons. And it looks like their success is here to stay.
Sports Betting Canada
If you are looking to make a sure bet, then bet on Manchester City with Sports Betting Canada and win big. The best odds on the best bets. This is your chance to make it big.