manchester city season season manchester city seventy sixth season league football second consecutive season football league division season management joe manchester city start season following mid table finish following signing forward francis lee club embarked unbeaten run saw club challenge table televised victory snowy conditions proved particularly notable known ballet ice going final match season manchester city led table win newcastle united clinched club second league title winning division clear points club rivals manchester united league championship trophy successful period manchester city history club won trophies following seasons background pre season season manchester city flight winning promotion second division fifteenth place finish consolidated club place division club captain johnny struggled injuries sold close season tony book succeeded captain club major start season tony wild field reputation arrived tail end season reservations signing convinced man described nightmare probation officer city attempted sign england international gordon banks city team travelled europe pre season playing standard returning england played portsmouth park winning finished preparations home win matches players followed fitness plan created athlete joe lancaster instruction training regime initially unpopular players severity session caused players football league division city season opened draw home liverpool city awarded penalty new captain tony book hit wide defeats followed southampton defeat led tactical switch mike played wide right start season moved centre forward change immediate playing leading role win southampton run straight wins manchester city caught league leaders run wins young stan league debut scoring twice win sheffield united manchester city transfer business season brought club county september deal involved city moving opposite direction harry kept goal match defeat arsenal finger prompting debut season manchester derby nervous match locked medical room bell scored opener minutes bobby goals meant win manchester united second half match exchanged punches brian man sent largely thanks intervention respective captains derby loss followed consecutive defeat couple days park defeat manchester city completed signing centre forward francis lee club record negotiations stated lee feel got start good player short think player lee debut win home start match unbeaten run including win leicester city ballet ice midway unbeaten run city faced home snowy conditions match televised match day teams came frozen pitch commentator kenneth called manchester city team exciting team england aided modification boots suggested tony book city produced best performances history spurs player quoted saying extraordinary city moved like olympic speed falling like patch took early lead jimmy bell half time second half city besieged scoring times win match city trailed league leaders single point match named match day match season match maine road season recorded television foremost recorded example team action unbeaten run came end christmas defeats matches west causing club fall fourth place team commenced seven match unbeaten run starting consecutive wins nottingham forest sheffield united culminating defeat table run came end defeat don leeds united meant city overtaken table local rivals manchester united visit united old ground followed united took early lead city rallied win late april city won sheffield wednesday title rivals manchester united lost west city position winning final games guarantee championship home match city won match featuring tony book league goal club white hart lane city took lead half time eventually winning title newcastle going final match city level points neighbours manchester united city holding advantage goal average teams finished level points needing win sure staying cross city rivals liverpool points game hand win title city united city faced tenth placed newcastle united james park united home half united slight favourites title mike opened scoring minutes newcastle soon young newcastle second strike young half time score straight half time young scored francis lee scored fourth minutes late newcastle goal set finish city held win secure title win compounded victory manchester united giving city title liverpool won remaining games lost missing chance united second point matches matches played matches won matches drawn matches lost goals goals points results summary points awarded win cup flight manchester city entered cup round drawn home reading division city unusually wearing change kit match finished tony missing penalty replay park sided affair city won mike scoring hat trick fourth round home tie finished time leicester city replay manchester city lead lost league cup manchester city league cup run saw notable debuts young players second round leicester city stan scored twice win round joe appearances club city progressed replay opponents fourth round meaning city visited cottage second time weeks replicate league win lost squad statistics squad appearances competitive matches transfers legacy league championship manchester city trophy cup triumph successful period club history club went win cup league cup european cup winners cup partnership changed october taking manager role came end june left charge city result title win manchester city entered european competition time prediction club europe proved inaccurate club losing round european cup


cup final cup final football match royal engineers march oval london seventh final world oldest football competition football association challenge cup known modern era cup won cup previous seasons previous occasions total including cup final defeated engineers engineers won cup having defeated old final considered firm favourites win cup consecutive season took lead minutes engineers quickly cup holders regained lead half time added goal interval secure victory original rules competition cup retired presented club permanent basis mark straight win returned cup football association condition won outright club route final reigning cup holders won tournament victories defeated royal engineers engineers won competition teams entered competition round stage allocated home tie easily defeated opponents proceeding second round paired high recorded high scoring victory winning opponents round barnes proved stronger opposition particularly key players arthur unavailable cup holders match ended draw necessitating replay strength won quarter finals defeated sheffield uneven number teams remaining competition team received bye final engineers scheduled round opponents union withdrew competition giving engineers victory royal engineers regiment traditionally nicknamed went defeat pilgrims hat tricks matches robert reach quarter finals opponents cup winners oxford_university initial match finished draw replay finished victor ending finally engineers emerged victorious second replay winning set semi final match old team pupils school match played oval engineers reached final defeating match summary considered firm favourites book makers won coin toss chose defend road end oval match drew crowd estimated spectators highest recorded cup final teams played backs half backs forwards team captains arthur robert cup holders immediately dominated game quickly unsuccessful shot goal minutes henry crossed ball wide position kicked ball past engineers friend lead approximately minutes later james suffered broken arm goal line managed ball goal went play remainder match despite injury 20th minute game engineers scored goal modern sources state william morris scored goal contemporary newspaper reports field sporting life bell life london state morris took throw led bully goal ball forced goal line end half awarded free kick took kick led second goal cup holders modern sources list contemporary reports suggest following free kick ensued engineers goal ball forced line shortly half time break engineers captain robert appeared scored goal infringement rule minutes second half scored second goal following play giving lead retained end game details match rules minutes normal time minutes extra time scores level captains discretion replay scores level post match norm winning team receive trophy stadium day match later year annual dinner original rules competition team won cup times succession retired absolute property secretary returned cup football association condition rule removed team permitted win cup outright team win cup successive seasons date won times row 1880s occasion club presented commemorative shield weeks cup final played scottish cup winners oval match unofficial championship britain crowd spectators turned regarded press sub standard performance defeated


cup cup inaugural edition cup held cup considered africa oldest football tournament involves teams central southern africa matches tournament played september september tournament originally cup contested nations kenya running east central african senior challenge cup shortened simply challenge cup competed years cup introduced hosts won cup beating final tournament lacked place play runners group stages kenya shared place drew group stages number points goals conceded goals scored play occurred won tournament expanded modern day tournament consists different teams south joined participants nations competed original teams cup plus teams group stages group stage began september ended september group play alternated group group week finishing group play end scheduled matches group level traditional listed decide team qualified final play arranged won


charity shield charity shield known charity shield sponsorship reasons charity shield annual football match contested reigning champions football league division holders cup held stadium august game played arsenal champions football league beat nottingham forest win cup final arsenal twelfth charity shield appearance sixth arsenal began match brighter teams dominating possession number chances created created best chance score half struggled find breakthrough second half hardly arsenal defence team able score minutes match ended draw meaning team held trophy months background arsenal qualified charity shield virtue winning football league division having lost match away entire campaign club eleventh charity shield appearance arsenal won seven previous shields lost previously qualified holders cup beating nottingham forest cup final appeared previous shields winning outright sharing losing meeting teams cup won semi final stadium league opponents avoid defeat arsenal scoring matches played manager peter noted importance match given north london derby stressed important objectives season london encounter year history shield time team share trophy new regulations brought year later allowed extra time subsequently penalty shootout draw occurred normal time match main arsenal having sustained knee injury duty swedish national team david started place injured steve david selected ahead michael thomas place left wing defender terry recovered double leg break replaced edinburgh paul injured cup final employed man sole summary arsenal began brightly crowd creating chance match 17th minute paul davis set kevin campbell hooked ball high goal minutes later smith headed ball goal net meeting cross paul ruled referee terry improved shortly heading ball directly arsenal david create chance match best opportunity score 36th minute set break past arsenal defence having ball past tony adams looked making cross head shot saved right foot early second half pat van den cautioned getting arsenal david spite indicating player elbow offence moments shown yellow card attempting van den player intent van den later booked wild challenge lee arsenal dominated possession second half opponent defence relying fashion goal scoring chances smith chance saved 75th minute ball passed penalty area steve final seconds match substitute andrew cole replaced campbell shot yards details statistics post match despite draw content team performance believed new formation deployed match system suits best admitted needed support arsenal manager george graham agreed team played usual standard half accepting team needed work finishing use territorial advantage


cup final cup final final match staging english football primary cup competition football association challenge cup better known cup match contested leicester city manchester city stadium london saturday april cup final place month april time winners manchester city appearing seventh final leicester city seeking win competition time having lost previous finals team won ties reach final overcame finalists west semi final stage manchester city reigning league champions leicester city battling avoid manchester club strong favourites match finished manchester city goal came 24th minute scored young victory manchester city fourth cup win route final leicester city manchester city division clubs entered competition round leicester city started cup run required replay overcome division opponents leicester goal controversial referee overruled foul penalty leicester quickly retook lead later second half leicester claimed goal referee ball crossed line win followed fifth round leicester city faced liverpool match postponed times eventually took place march draw meant replay andy gave lead minutes minutes later gave liverpool penalty peter saved tommy smith spot kick liverpool attacked second half leicester held win quarter final saw trip town knocked clubs different divisions pitch described times green resembling swamp leicester won goal cross semi final played stadium cup holders west game chances clarke scored andy minutes remaining leicester city gained fourth win competition reached final manchester city tie town division city won francis lee scorer fourth round club drawn away newcastle united flight clubs away draw match finished maine road manchester city won play match men mike sent like leicester fifth round tie manchester city match park delayed multiple times poor weather eventually played manchester city comfortable winners sixth round manchester city drawn home match closely contested autobiography city mike described hardest match cup run round city won thanks francis lee goal semi final played villa park renowned powerful ball harvey opted play defensively usual manchester city paid special attention area instructed david connor man mark ball mike suffered injury half spent minutes field city better game chances missed lee young little time remaining young forced corner young took corner teenager tommy booth scored game goal build manchester city appearing final seventh time won cup times previously beaten final times leicester city making fourth cup final appearance decade having lost previous occasions clubs met cup preceding seasons manchester city won fifth round tie replay won round season leicester finally prevailed draw maine road leicester city came street win manchester city manager joe named team final days advance missed training monday 21st leg injury fitness tony tested practice match passed fit leicester city named man squad travelling training camp tuesday manchester city travelled south thursday staying leicester fitness doubts dave gibson john initially expected available final practice match leave field groin injury place team taken club received tickets final football association match televised live bbc itv broadcasters devoted hours match build incorporating cup themed versions programmes cup final knockout previous season league champions manchester city strong favourites particularly leicester embroiled struggle avoid division times correspondent anticipated condition pitch influence match stating said good lush state manchester happy hand proves heavy suit leicester better day game joe criticised pitch patch match leicester david youngest captain cup finalist opposite number tony book oldest book missed large season injury returning impact great shared award year teams prepared leave dressing rooms manchester city deliberately delayed exit short period play nerves leicester city players manchester city coach permitted place bench serving ban instead sit stand kick players introduced guest honour princess anne fears contest proved leicester playing attacking manner anticipated observer hugh wrote suggestions leicester attempt talents concentration defensive exposed offering clarke thoughtful passes roberts gibson running proof skills young tony early scoring chances manchester city missed target leicester city run clarke ended shot saved shot cleared goal line defender manchester city scored midway half mike crossed ball wide right young hit left shot high peter net chances occurred half half time leicester city strongest scoring chance andy received headed clarke shot went high goal dominant period manchester city followed included chance bell free kick forced defence team pressure injured shortly afterward substituted defender came place poll journalists named clarke man match summary post match manchester city team returned manchester following evening travelled train undertook mile parade open topped bus people lined route people albert square parade finished days later team cup supporters match west united maine road good conduct supporters teams praised parliament mps tom manchester city cup fourth winning trophy joe person win league championship cup captain manager winning competition manchester city earned right compete european cup winners cup city went win cup winners cup beating final leicester city continued struggle remaining league matches relegated second division leicester second club reach cup final suffer season coincidence club manchester city subject fate


hull city hull city association football club professional association football club based hull east riding yorkshire england founded club premier league tier english football greatest achievement cup competitions came team reached final cup achieved promotion flight english football time history winning championship play final stadium highest league finish season finished 16th premier league table hull city play home games stadium previously played park moved current home park demolished replaced housing development traditionally play black amber striped shirt design nickname tigers club tiger sister amber history early history hull city association football club founded june previous attempts found football club proved difficult dominance city rugby league teams hull hull kingston club unable apply membership football league season instead played draw county september attendance early matches played boulevard home hull club competitive football match cup preliminary round drawing september eliminated losing replay september disputes boulevard hull city moved road cricket ground having played friendly fixtures previous season hull city finally admitted football league second division season teams competing league season included likes manchester united yorkshire rivals city leeds city hull defeated home game finished season fifth place hull city town professional teams official permission play league football christmas day demands fish trade tradition disappeared following dramatic reduction fleets recent years following season new ground built hull city road cricket ground hull continued finish consistently half table came close promotion season recording highest finish matched hull finished level points second placed athletic missing promotion goal average goal hull regularly finished half table world war war team finished half seven seasons culminating division north mid-20th century hull greatest achievement cup competitions reached cup semi finals cup run saw hull knock eventual champions second divisions plymouth respectively knocked manchester city meet newcastle united quarter finals game james park finished draw replay hull beat newcastle semi final match arsenal took place road leeds game ended taken replay birmingham arsenal knocked hull villa park game ending second world war club moved new ground park season managed england international carter hull won division north championship second tiers english football hull city promotion seasons second division winning division season hull team world cup competition penalties beaten manchester united semi final cup august early 1980s hull city fourth division financial collapse led don robinson took chairman appointed new manager previously held equivalent roles non league promotion division followed young team featuring likes future england international brian future england manager steve centre forward billy prolific goal scorer les hull city missed promotion goal following season left manage city decline late 20th century hull reached second division player manager brian remained years finally going time club manager terry hull finished 14th division season meaning competing new second division following season season division hull narrowly avoided board kept faith seasons achieved mid table finishes financial difficulties hampered city progress key players dean sold fend winding orders season hull relegated division club purchased tennis player david lloyd sacked manager replaced mark hull finish 17th place table hull league form steadily deteriorating point football conference looking real possibility lloyd sold club november south yorkshire based consortium retained ownership park departed november club foot table replaced year old veteran player warren steered club safety games spare hull city fans refer season great escape despite feat replaced april experienced brian little despite briefly locked park facing possibility hull qualified division play offs season losing semi finals orient takeover leeds united commercial director adam pearson eased club financial situation fears closure banished 21st century resurgence new chairman funds club allowing little rebuild team hull occupied division promotion play places season little departed months end season hull slipped 11th place successor jan hull began season number defeats saw look likely promotion sacked october hull fifth league peter taylor named hull new manager december months appointment hull relocated new stadium years park end season hull finished 13th hull division runners league runners promotions took championship second tier english football season club second tier saw hull finish 18th place points clear highest league finish years taylor left club manager job crystal palace united confirmed replacement sacked december hull zone despite having spent million players summer brown took manager took permanently january having taken hull zone brown brought veteran dean hometown club loan city goals helped secure hull championship status finished 21st place adam pearson sold club consortium led paul june stating taken club far relinquish control order attract significant finance club paul manager brown hull city improved greatly battle qualified play offs finishing season place beat aggregate semi finals played bristol city final hull won stadium hull native dean scoring winning goal ascent division football league division english football seasons fastest despite favourites season hull began life premier league beating opening day flight fixture defeat opening games including away wins arsenal hull city found temporarily joint premier league table points goal difference following victory west years previously fourth tier english football hull form replicated highs early autumn team winning games remainder season secured flight status day season results october chairman paul resigned position club replaced chairman adam pearson november march manager brown leave run defeats left hull zone brown replacement crystal palace boss appointment met disbelief supporters hoping bigger replacement hull city premier league confirmed draw athletic brown contracts terminated leicester city pearson confirmed new manager reported block player transfers club set place hull city board july transfers substantially reduce million year wage bill cast doubt new manager efforts build squad capable quick return premier league pearson brought transfers loan club bid strengthen squad season campaign team set new club record march away matches unbeaten breaking previous record held years match streak finally broken bristol city day season hull losing match november pearson left club return leicester nick appointed successor sacked publicly criticising club owners interview given local newspaper month club agreement adam pearson terminated june steve bruce appointed manager club year deal guided hull premier league drawing league champions cardiff city final day season april club reached cup final defeating sheffield united semi final stadium place league regardless won cup confirmed failure win meant hull cup final opponents arsenal compete champions league hull city enter qualifying round european campaign cup final saw hull minutes losing extra time july hull debut european competition league qualifying round draw winning second leg week later error keeper gave loss away belgian outfit leg play tie august second leg east riding yorkshire ending victory away goals marked end hull foray european football march steve bruce signed year deal club hull relegated premier league season finishing eighteenth points draw manchester united newcastle united securing premier league status beating west united october hull beat leicester city penalty shootout quarter final appearance football league cup change initial application august owner announced club registered hull city tigers ltd team marketed hull city tigers removing association football club club formation vice chairman said remain club badge season removed response premier league spokesman said informed change actual club known hull city far premier league concerned results fixtures published according chairman club renamed hull tigers claimed marketing shorter powerful association football club long stated word city common identity associated clubs leicester city bristol city manchester city told david guardian years clubs follow change names interesting proved leader adding owner manchester city change manchester hunter justified intended change plans create additional sources revenue club hull city_council refused sell stadium develop stated sports park site council refused sell order stated preserve annual hull fair held adjacent car park collapse negotiations stated mind million spend infrastructure club increase stadium commercial activities stadium shops create income club future self financing relying asked dropped dead tomorrow supporters groups expressed opposition change bernard noble chairman hull city official supporters club said disappointed agreed saved club club blogger called change pointless exercise said assertion hull city irrelevant common use english language new club home match season august group supporters marched protest change banner read hull city club brand dismissed complaints fans stating questions decisions business comment published december independent response supporters chants banners city till sic die said die soon want long leave club majority want watch good football supporters responded chants hull city die want day home match liverpool manager steve bruce credited controversy creating fantastic atmosphere added got conversation don think understands means terms history tradition bruce said money invested club thinks hull tigers way forward respect december spokesman hull city announced club formally applied football association changed hull tigers season onwards council absolute discretion deciding approve plan stated day follow consultation process including club supporter groups resistance rejection brand marketing experts come support change director sports marketing agency brand stated process conducted badly supporters change pretty sound idea simon professor sport business strategy marketing university business school opined objective opening lucrative new markets shirt sales merchandise broadcast deals shows commercial vision bring benefits needs backed proper marketing strategy investment said use thinking changing colour shirt pay instant david stern commissioner national_basketball_association united_states warned wise owner sports club view ownership public trust addition profit motive want allow fans little bit input think allowed respect hull march membership committee advised change application rejected council meeting april response club published statement saying criticised committee consultation city till die opposition group following week club opened ballot season ticket holders change opponents change criticised loaded questions asked respondents choose yes hull tigers family continuing lead club hull tigers concerned continue support club way grounds voters given option reject keeping family owners season ticket holders voted voting favour change chose concerned option april council announced decision carried vote members reject club application change club responded stating appeal decision appeal process council decision final september confirmed appeal submitted court arbitration sport held news conference confirming club sale english decision april october interviewed bbc confirmed invest penny club allowed change club hull tigers interview said football fan football fan community fan application march independent panel appointed court arbitration sport ruled decision football association council block change stand account process having flawed july football supporters federation confirmed decision favour hull city changing vote chairman reportedly voted yes change colours crest club history hull worn black amber shirts black shorts black amber colours hull nickname tigers originated club match county white shirts worn black shorts black season league hull wore black amber striped shirts black shorts continued wear second world war exception season wore sky blue shirts following end second world war hull spent season wearing sky blue changed plain amber shirts wore early 1960s swapped stripes mid-1970s early 1980s strip constantly changing versions plain shirts stripes late 1980s red added kits duration went early 1990s featured tiger skin designs featured articles listing worst football kits season introduced kit cross fading amber white stripes experiment proved unpopular start 21st century club wore plain amber shirts club celebrated centenary wearing kit similar design worn years ago hull city shirt badge mirrored familiar crowns civic emblem kingston hull displayed sky blue shirts worn season following season team went wearing badge club crest depicted tiger head orange shaded badge worn changed tiger head worn years shirt featured emblem club returned showing tiger head shirt years club initials shown years logo tiger head club underneath logo remains club current logo features tiger head amber shield club club nickname tigers hull changed crest june english league teams club crest kit manufacturers sponsors stadium hull city played home games boulevard ground hull contract allowed use rugby league cost hull built ground road opened threat railway line road ground club convinced needed secure future owning ground negotiated deal land road north road financed loan club financial difficulties work took place years development stopped year proposal build new multi purpose sports stadium site temporarily halted club plans relocate plan failed club resolved continue stalled development site anticipation moving new stadium outbreak war meant redevelopment came halt site taken home guard second world war road damaged enemy bombing repair cost region cricket club served notice quit time officially ended hull forced return boulevard ground poor condition planned stadium road new stadium finally opened revised park august hull city city rugby league sides hull moved newly built stadium stadium named best ground football league awards finances club annual report month period july stated million gone club stadium company owner russell holding companies loans million club paid according stadium company holding companies management fees million owed personally salary warning gave club million loan brought money taken taking corporate entity owns football club hull city association football club tigers ltd currently owned limited private limited liability company share capital million october registered jersey beneficial owners limited established family score zero indicates complete complete secrecy company owns club rated christian aid hull city corporate accounts july million loss revenues million player management costs million club future tax losses available million company marine wholly owned limited revealed accounts tax losses group companies reduced tax liability million reported revenue customs process inquiry hull city british tax authorities targeting football clubs tax free payments players image rights deals provision benefits kind hull city provision benefits kind reported july growing july statistics records andy holds record hull city league appearances having played matches roberts comes second having played matches chris club goals competitions holds club record goals scored league cup league cup club widest victory margin league win united division north january biggest win flight achieved december victory heaviest defeat league heaviest flight defeat defeat liverpool september hull city record home attendance match manchester united february park highest attendance current stadium stadium set liverpool match season highest transfer fee received hull city player million southampton shane long highest transfer fee paid player italian fee reported approximately million european record notes qualifying round play round players july team squad note flags indicate national team defined eligibility rules players hold non loan note flags indicate national team defined eligibility rules players hold non player year managers june professional competitive matches counted manager temporary football management consultant current staff december related teams reserves hull city reserves play reserve league east division team plays home fixtures church road ground home north united hull city play football league youth alliance playing home fixtures rangers home stadium hull city women hull city women play northern combination women football league season team finished seventh table points rivalries according poll hull city fans consider main rival yorkshire neighbours leeds united club traditional rivalry sheffield united sheffield united won promotion hull city expense teams level points goal difference separated goals scored united goals scored hull city keith edwards city final game season rescheduled bad weather took place promotion rivals finished campaign hull went game knowing goal victory mean promotion crowd included number united fans manage win ensuring united went instead distant rivals include teams estuary lincolnshire united league club town promotion league championship season saw return derby additionally non league lincoln city league club york city said consider hull rivals club main firm appears hull city dating 1960s honours achievements football league championship predecessors level english football league system runners play winners football league predecessors level english football league system champions runners promoted football league predecessors level english football league system runners football league division north champions cup runners semi finalists football league cup quarter finalists football league trophy runners cup runners


west regional league west regional league english association football competition semi professional amateur teams based west county southern divisions highest premier division sits step national_league system tenth level overall english football league system league formed birmingham district league cater teams birmingham surrounding area soon established strongest leagues outside football league teams far bristol wales taking second world war absorbed rival birmingham combination firmly established leading league area gradual decline status began late 1950s operates lower level league currently acts midland football league premier division team promoted season approximately teams compete league season new members regularly joining number lower local leagues history early years late 1880s birmingham surrounding region boasted country strongest football teams region leading clubs joined national leagues set england football league football alliance teams area keen participate league play meeting took place birmingham grand hotel view forming birmingham district league total clubs invited attended selected form new league commence play season club sent representative meeting invited league unknown reasons worcester clubs competing league inaugural season victoria great bridge unity town olympic green victoria town carriage works unity gas department wellington george olympic topped final table championship awarded number fixtures completed situation repeated subsequent seasons hill alliance joined league second season topped table win title early years league saw new teams joining existing ones dropping season league structure settled came regarded strongest leagues outside football league southern league midland league despite league years prior world war came include teams far bristol including reserve teams local football league clubs number clubs enjoyed success birmingham combination joined league seen step better standard football league large coverage area began create problems 1930s clubs found long costly journeys away matches difficult began drop favour playing leagues covered smaller areas city worcester city wellington town reserve teams cardiff city resigned league reducing numbers instead usual format organising committee decided run separate competitions lasting half season named keys cup second league cup time competitive football abandoned outbreak second world war rival birmingham combination chosen accept teams wide area consolidated come regarded region league post war years league lost clubs combination quicker restart war years league regained position pre region increasing twice pre war size season league committee proposed merger competitions combination rejected idea combination best teams resigned joined league combination committee attempted open merger talks having bolstered ranks new members league interested year later combination remaining clubs exception west team left join league effectively absorbed rival member clubs split northern southern divisions year later arranged divisions promotion taking place end season burton borough left join expanding southern league followed year later athletic attempt consolidate league decided expel remaining reserve teams reducing single division clubs years later changed west regional league accurately reflect area included teams birmingham immediate season league able revert division structure existing single division premier division added new division steady flow teams joining smaller regional leagues led division split divisions revised year later divisions modern era alliance premier league formed pushing regional league english football league system successful regional league clubs town town town began applying accepted southern league reducing regional league status league departures continued offset flow new members lower level leagues reflecting demographics west area number british asian teams joined league including hunters england team time areas regional league midland football combination increasingly early 1990s standard play geographical coverage competitions considered identical new competition formed cater best clubs previously split leagues regional league lost member clubs new midland football alliance reducing status reduction numbers forced league revert division structure seasons numbers grown extent division split divisions north south season format retained division ones organised division division league operates level occupied continues survive holds distinction jointly northern league second oldest football league existence football league structure league currently title sponsor previously sponsored sport based express star newspaper black country brewery banks season teams competing league comprising premier division division division teams lower divisions reserve teams clubs playing higher level division contested double round robin basis team playing teams division home away points awarded win increased effect season draw zero defeat goal difference separate teams points having replaced goal average start season season regional league midland football combination served official midland football alliance highest placed team meets alliance entry requirements promoted alliance teams relegated regional league alliance depending number clubs remaining league prior season league defined step league national_league system fed alliance graded step regional league graded football association step league teams divisions eligible cup long grounds meet required standards formation midland alliance regional league accepted applications membership successful teams smaller local leagues area leagues clubs joined regional league include county league league combination district league ambitious local sunday league teams switched saturday play entered league town town rangers joined county leagues subsequently gone gain promotion premier division regional league teams theoretically relegated local leagues practice happens teams recent history drop county league town town dropped league respectively clubs resigned voluntarily favour playing local league opposed relegated finishing table attendance time league attracted large crowds matches spectators watching match city town early 1960s despite league decline status able attract crowds fans home matches modern era crowds smaller season averaged fans home games team away matches drew crowds attendance figures currently published league fixtures season home regional league teams averaged wellington match midland alliance drawing spectators current member clubs member clubs league season follows premier division league champions birmingham district league initially league consisted single division competition suspended world war number teams having dropped dramatically season consisted separate half season leagues keys cup contested christmas league cup remainder season season abandoned outbreak second world war league resume operations season league split regional sections season league organised division division league reverted single division format season west regional league season league reverted division format comprising premier division division season division split sections season division division organised division division season division discontinued season division split regional sections season division north division south organised division division


season season season competitive association football season football league played football club professional football club based results final day season meant relegated league spend season league time promotion august football association chief executive player mark wife took controlling interest club outgoing chairman peter johnson rob edwards appointed new manager replacing moore suspended middle february rules summer transfer window saw players join club including experienced ryan left club shortly handed player season award edwards sacked months following home loss plymouth saw league days later adams announced new manager brief improvement results saw reach round cup zone followed disastrous spring form resulting adams leaving mutual consent games end season club table assistant manager rogers took charge april defeated plymouth confirmed national_league round prior end season ninety year presence football league ended season saw players appearance nationally organised team competition including players joining loan max power participated matches missing game finished leading scorer thirteen goals background pre season ended previous season john mcmahon manager manager moore suspended club middle february rules betting competitions club involved year old jamaican international ended year stay park appearances won player season times experienced forward jean louis released day club offered new contracts players finally veteran jason agreed sign new year deal jason defender ash taylor james wallace steve left club players including choice williams player season ryan contracts upcoming season despite request sign longer contract refused club transferred division rivals bury undisclosed fee year old welsh international rob edwards appointed new manager john mcmahon staying club assistant manager managerial experience edwards assistant exeter city previously day signing year old welsh richards signed year contract followed bristol teammate matthew gill previously gill spent seasons exeter winning promotions conference national league edwards edwards young central defender michael united year old defender marcus burton scottish released united year old defender cancelled contract mutual consent return town spent end previous season loan august player joe thompson signed bury sidelined november diagnosed rare form cancer june given clear completing course contacted negotiate new contract new home kits traditional white design revealed upcoming season existing away kits retained pre season matches review august started season home previous season play semi finalists york city ninety fourth minute james goal earned draw keith opened scoring middle second half players earned competitive caps jason took place york starting line august football association chief executive player mark wife took controlling interest club outgoing chairman peter johnson executive chairman club vice chairman johnson honorary president ended johnson year spell owner counts successful period club history consecutive division play finishes early 90s football league cup final day assistant manager john mcmahon left club mutual agreement rob edwards wanted change coaching department alex russell familiar edwards playing exeter joined club new team coach august knocked league cup home defeat championship nottingham forest single half goal played numerical advantage second half michael sent games defeated town late goals earned win clean sheet scoring goal half time august edwards added squad loan signing season bringing young saint defender villa january defeated home town despite leading half time month season concluded victory man goals scored cole extended contract earlier week till summer september final day summer transfer window signed peter bought george undisclosed fee defender hill signed permanent deal successful contribution non contract basis shortly suffered injury ruled months defeated stanley time season losing game taking lead september year old matthew gill named assistant manager draws united newport county defeated exeter city united david scoring decisive goal october losing streak resumed october loss league leaders bury finally scored goal second seven games league trophy second round clash united game went shoot won patrick missed sixth shot guests october fourth consecutive league defeat plymouth reached league table points games days later manager rob edwards sacked november port manager adams announced replacement team prepared game assistant managers adams took charge fifth straight league defeat announced return club chris assistant manager alex russell left club double loan signing order strengthen attack line joined johnson signed cardiff city steve signed adams port summer rejoined loan january game adams ended losing streak draw town followed draw goals scored november november started draw row scoring goal game comeback ahead game bronze statue successful manager johnny king unveiled outside park near entrance main stand statue funded supporters sculpted liverpool artist tom murphy november assistant manager matthew gill left club mutual consent defeated bristol round cup thanks max power goal 54th minute days later upheld good cup form football league trophy away victory bury narrow defeats town united finally achieved league victory adams november portsmouth win injury young fractured collision teammate holmes year old defender appearance senior team town second half substitute following injury thompson picked injury debut december december earned cup second round home replay draw oxford united thanks late jason goal league trophy area semifinal ended draw league opponents shot victory penalties misses cost place northern section final max power strike earned victory league game climb zone cup replay brought victory place round thanks max power goals hit consecutive league victory versus cambridge united man rivals managed final minutes unbeaten run finally came end away defeat promotion contenders burton sent following foul penalty box middle half game notable second chris debut months officially ended career year ended home victory rivals town good december form resulted adams nominated league manager month january started cup defeat premier league team city round conceding goals steve signing winter transfer window returning permanent basis signing month deal followed northern irish joined loan city end season time adams announced players transfer listed richards james bell george day defender rogers joined club coaching staff defender marcus suffered knee damage january ruled end season january youth senior debut late substitute kept good league form end january defeating stanley exeter city losing league game loan nominated named football league player month scoring goals january january climbed 17th place highest august zone points adams continued refreshing squad signing canadian international returned years rob taylor lee defender adam february started february home loss united charlie second half goals days later scored fourth goal newport county hosts late goal denied victory defeated rivals second time matches time york city scored goal half time february unexpectedly beat league leaders town park scored fifth goal conceded late goals portsmouth away goal lead lose game followed defeat close rivals town march worries took turn worse suffered fourth straight defeat sink home encounter saw zone march loss town single ryan goal fifth straight defeat days later broke losing run away victory cambridge city thanks dan max power goals later burton park game marked senior debut year old ben young george green goal scored ninety fourth minute cancelled half goal earn point end march zone point survival april paired easter games saw second draw season narrow home defeat town defeats followed failed score finally april adams left mutual consent team table chance avoid games plymouth bury played assistant manager rogers academy manager took temporary charge team max power conceded penalty scored early penultimate game season plymouth score inside half soon plymouth regained lead holmes dennis minutes remaining hosts doubled lead scored final minutes defeat united december led manager moore won home game exeter city lost chance remain football league final game season rogers gave teenager opportunity football league debut bury won game single tom goal win promotion league league league table updated source football league official site results updated source away home result draw loss win postponed matches cup football league cup football league trophy players transfers contract extensions loans listed day previous season till final day season transfers contract extensions loans season statistics mentioned youth academy players senior contract players signed non contract basis loan dates joined left mentioned players changed club season updated source


arsenal season season season competitive football played arsenal club ended campaign second premier league points reigning champions manchester united arsenal reached cup final millennium stadium cardiff spite dominating liverpool conceded late goals scored michael owen europe arsenal quarter finals champions league time eliminated away goals rule eventual finalists transfer window arsenal sold barcelona combined fee million defender signed direct replacement signed free transfer west united french robert purchased respectively arrival broke club transfer record patrick sent arsenal league games season team absence went unbeaten september october arsenal past phase champions league november continued perform premier league away home lost leeds united liverpool space month defeat manchester united february prompted rule chances winning league team finished second points fewer previous season different players represented club competitions different henry arsenal season scored goals appearances background season arsenal participated premier league despite loss real madrid club significantly strengthened summer signing defenders forwards henry inconsistent performances league opposition meant arsenal posed title challenge ending campaign runners points manchester united club poor season champions league finishing group won place cup arsenal managed way final faced copenhagen match ended draw chances score went penalties arsenal lost patrick missed spot kicks transfers arsenal signing transfer window international mayer estimated fee million robert moved arsenal july later joined brazilian players transferred respectively guy signed arsenal month later weeks transfer speculation joined club record fee believed million defenders purchased season forward impressed trial spell years building career arsenal defender moved west united free transfer described professional shown remarkable commitment arsenal proven excellent joined signed west joined barcelona combined fee million notable departures included christopher club teenage jay city million premier league august october arsenal opened league season away august second half quinn earn home team victory match arsenal wasted numerous chances patrick sent defender williams injury time involved altercation fourth official paul taylor stadium tunnel later charged alleged threatening behaviour physical intimidation found guilty disciplinary commission right scored debut arsenal liverpool days dismissed pitch second successive game liverpool reduced men shown red cards final match match suspension scored goals athletic win arsenal earned point away week september drew city team beat city needed late goal scored dennis draw away promoted town spectacular goal henry manchester united october inflicted champions league defeat season scored receiving pass 30th minute goal ball strike ball henry scored winning goal villa following week league victory away west united moved arsenal level points manchester united month ended win manchester city november february penalty scored henry ensured fifth successive league win arsenal held stalemate derby county followed defeat park away called team performance acceptable arsenal lost second consecutive league match leeds united free kick went past alex net win southampton came victory home newcastle united ray scored hat trick christmas period began draw local rivals defeat away liverpool concerned noted lack goals problematic problem season rarely score match makes life difficult henry scored hat trick win home leicester city boxing day draw having half time meant arsenal ended calendar year second place points manchester united athletic recorded victory arsenal years new years day scored winning goal half draws leicester city preceded win city scored winning goal city club away win november victory home town february moved club points clear liverpool arsenal faced manchester united old needing win chance winning league dwight scored second minute home team henry conceded seconds played ball past completed hat trick roy scored compound loss arsenal biggest defeat premier league performance saying naive gave freedom united communicated march scored hat trick arsenal win west united march scoreless draw villa followed win clubs observed minute silence game honour arsenal david died age arsenal rested trip manchester city won match defeat days handed league championship manchester united consecutive season refuted criticism team league performance said arsenal responsibility push manchester united teams potential quality arsenal following exit champions league arsenal beat april moved points clear second win time away derby county scored winning goal leeds united secure champions league place arsenal draw newcastle united confirmed club runners season running arsenal ended league campaign southampton final match played score minute matthew ball inside penalty box alex win match home team match details classification source rules classification points goal difference number goals scored champion relegated promoted eliminated play winner advances round applicable season finished qualified phase tournament indicated qualified tournament particular phase indicated qualified tournament indicated disqualified tournament results summary source results round source ground away home result draw loss win postponed cup arsenal entered cup round receiving bye premier league club opening match victory united scored winning goal 22nd minute road away win queens park rangers fourth round represented best win arsenal manager club best away win cup years started match substitute came bench score twice second half sent arsenal quarter finals enjoyed comfortable win division arsenal drawn semi final rivals taken lead 14th minute players continued chances minutes remaining match scored tap secure arsenal passage final final final liverpool played millennium stadium cardiff arsenal began brighter teams denied penalty shouts involving cleared henry shot hand minute arsenal took deserved lead played clean round shoot liverpool minutes free kick cleared properly arsenal michael owen waited loose ball come drilling rebound right corner owen scored minute adams shoot ball right corner defeat prompted admit new players brought transfer window football league cup clubs playing european football arsenal entered football league cup round drawn home fellow premier league club town despite dominating territorial advantage arsenal team beaten winning goal scored late substitute james champions league group stage arsenal won matches group prague club secured qualification second group stage draw away win prague defeat end group stage points arsenal finished group better head head record second group stage arsenal succumbed defeat opening match moscow biggest loss inflicted club years team let slip goal lead munich december winning aspirations qualifying quarter finals reverse fixture scored minute normal time prompted fatigue absence captain adams arsenal defeated moscow solitary goal spite losing munich march draw moscow meant arsenal qualified quarter finals head head rule knockout stage quarter finals arsenal faced spanish club won leg goals scored henry team beaten knocked away goals player statistics numbers denote appearances substitute players struck marked left club playing season source


commonly referred pronounced professional italian football club based naples club plays flight italian football currently competing season successful clubs italian football won domestic trophies twice runners times won times runners times twice european stage won cup successful football club southern italy 4th supported football club italy clubs milan club ranked 5th valuable football club milan terms annual revenue generating million financial year associate members european club association organisation replaced previous consists major football clubs europe according football money league ranked 15th richest football club world ranked 8th best club european football 2nd best club italy according rankings january passing clubs like paris saint huge improvement season ranked best club europe club highest largest world named seventeenth valuable association football club world forbes valued million valuable clubs world debt annual turnover million 3rd highest 16th highest turnover world football club club famous world club diego played football greatest time club world cup winner started career home great players including official anthem club history club founded naples foot ball cricket club english sailor william associate involved club president original kit club sky blue navy blue striped shirt black shorts naples match win english crew boat goals club shortened naples foot ball club early existence italian football championship limited northern clubs southern clubs competed sailors cups thomas challenge cup cup competed naples naples won finals foreign contingent club broke form time club debut italian championship sides keen rivalry section successful outside years world war merged foot ball club naples known presidency club changed august poor start sole point entire championship forerunner national division italian began improve thanks born fully fledged hero fans capable goal scorer eventually set time goal scoring record stands today entered era management william year stint club dramatically transformed frequently finishing half table included place finishes seasons added years leading world war went decline surviving goal average lost closely contested battle end relegated moved stayed war play continued earned right compete relegated seasons scandal club bounced ensure flight football start 1950s moved new home ground san despite erratic league form highs lows period including promotion cup success beat lift goals fourth cut celebrations short following season rise era club changed june began rise gaining promotion management player won elite consistent finishes came close winning league finishing milan second place popular players period hometown eventually break appearance records stands today trend performing league continued 1970s place spots coaching player gained entry early cup competitions reached round knocking way season finished second points champions solid performances locally born players relied period coupled goals beating southampton aggregate lift anglo italian league cup entered cup winners cup reached semi finals losing aggregate club won second trophy knocking milan route beating rivals final terms italian league consistent late 1970s earliest seasons 1980s club performing place finish slipped dramatically involved battles broke world transfer record fee turning diego million deal barcelona june squad gradually built likes filling ranks rise tables gradual place finish belts better come season landmark history won double securing title points beating lift mainland southern italian team won league turned diego cultural social borderline religious icon stretched realms football club unsuccessful european cup following season finished runners entered cup won major european title munich defeated way final beat aggregate goals added second title beating milan points title race surrounded circumstances awarded points game fan threw coin head controversial set events set world cup comments pertaining north south inequality country asking root argentina semi finals italy naples san stadium competition argentine national anthem wasn fans end country went reach final final italian football federation forced test failed testing positive cocaine staff later claimed revenge plot events world cup banned months play club club managed win year record victory major trophy years european cup went second round decline rebirth club finished fourth season gradually went decline season financially field players daniel departed nonetheless manage qualify cup reaching round appeared final lost league form dropped lower came end recorded wins season club returned gaining promotion season closely contested battle relegated immediately following season failed gain promotion following slipped failed campaign costly cost production million fewer heavily high player asset value production excluding player profit net loss season net asset june including million club quoted law february lower expense extending period contract length players year ruled italian special law club use standards causing crisis players contract total accounting value special way rest cost production exceed value production august declared bankrupt debts estimated million secure football city film producer club soccer allowed use old placed missed promotion losing play offs local rivals despite fact playing low division retained higher average clubs breaking attendance record game following season secured promotion bought club history restoring season promoted final day fellow sleeping giants genoa finished season placed eighth secure place cup round season saw qualify cup cup team eliminated round portuguese team domestic level impressive start proposing main candidates champions league spot results performances quickly declined mid season causing fall 11th place league table led dismissal manager march italy manager appointed replacement despite reinforcements summer transfer window began season number poor results loss october relieved duties replaced manager walter climbed table finishing sixth place qualify league spot guide reinforced players spent season second place finishing qualifying directly group phase champions league season ended fifth place managed defeat unbeaten champions win fourth time club history years cup win star scored penalty kick 63rd minute decided game minute successful season champions league participation european cup season team finished second group munich ahead manchester city progressing round knocked eventual winners finished second place club best performance winning finished scorer division goals resulted sold paris saint club record fee million close season walter left coach replaced club foreign coach money selling went signing real madrid players players including finished season winning final fifth title tournament win goals qualifying champions league finishing 3rd according international federation football history statistics rated best club world despite failing qualify champions league group stages december season home win league leaders inter milan sent time years january away victory champion half season time season thanks win inter milan players team squad july note flags indicate national team defined eligibility rules players hold non loan july note flags indicate national team defined eligibility rules players hold non squad retired numbers diego second summer retired jersey number belonged club legend diego played club tribute class significant contribution seven seasons shirt order players wear number player play score goal number shirt regulatory reasons number reissued blue shirts tournament old numbering player wear sign goals shirt official match home match valid final leg belongs appearance championship home race regards exclusively championship goes argentine distinction wear san time score match april notable players current coaching technical administrative staff updated august source presidents official presidential history took club present day managers trainers seasons managers running team chronological list onwards managers statistics records holds official appearance record having course years holds record league appearances course years time leading diego league goals scored finished season league known italy season goals record goals league including tournaments belongs goals maximum scorer goals record goals single tournament maximum number belongs goals scored season biggest victory recorded pro season heaviest championship defeat came season eventual champions beat july player highest football transfer time highest transfer italian club signed million appearance records pertaining players time active players bold colours badge nicknames naples coastal city colours club derived blue waters gulf naples originally naples colours club implemented shades blue 1920s singular blue tone form share nickname italian national shade blue sky blue instances nicknames means little local dialect given particularly poor performance season originally meant symbol rampant black horse club adopted mascot called displaying pride club badge famous large placed circle crest traced similar design shirts club officially adopted badge representative altered slightly times features club main difference badge shade blue usually white occasionally gold popular nickname club people city naples general derived greek mythology tried ship story men tie ship mast able resist song result unable live rejection love drowned body washed shore naples social commitment company active social field stood support provided multiple charities direct participation members blue club sponsored initiatives support hospitals towns initiatives raise awareness violence sport child poverty support association town operates juvenile prison naples supports projects aimed social young offenders granted punishment fundraising supported directly indirectly members naples provided support institutions robert kennedy foundation san foundation foundation club undertook initiatives support victims earthquake transfer proceeds games raise funds construction sports center capital sponsors manufacturers supporters rivalries fourth supported football club italy italian football fans supporting club like clubs country fanbase goes italian border estimated club million fans worldwide reputed biggest clubs europe highest average home attendance europe rivalries fans bad relations especially teams north italy historical rivalries later second half 1980s rivalry inter milan milan born defied north title champions italy hostility fans comes old friendship fans fans fans cousins friendship broke umbrella gesture october came strong rivalry remain rivalries minor rivalry unlike italian cities genoa milan rome major football club city derby strict sense term fans star particular italy regional teams derby generally refers rivalry regional clubs mainly teams largely played lower divisions meetings largely limited derby sun called derby south height popularity starring friendships supporters clubs genoa football club oldest italian football started following draw naples teams final day season result allowed escape genoa condemned milan second time history history friendship got stronger teams day season season teams finished draw genoa ensuring teams promotion genoa seen holding banners saying meaning welcome brother historic partnership groups supporters honoured supported marketing initiatives strong supporter friendship good relations fans sympathy good friendship born supporters romanian football team following elimination rivals league hands long standing friendship bulgarian fans gave birth friendship arose company expelled professional league thanks article sports title transferred soccer later new year old eve bankruptcy club deep financial trouble achieve positive operating income excluding profit players trading time clubs cash plus player swap boost short term profit season increased long term cost purchasing players second season bankruptcy club partially saved non standard accounting practice owner milan prime minister italy introduced italian law article dramatically reduced asset player contract deferred year installments instead varying years length player contract practice unable save club financial aid sugar daddy owner withdrew sustainable management strategy club thee largest supporting group italy fourth milan teams main source income terms gate revenue rights seasons aggregate profit successive years season net loss profit season new born net profit followed net profit income european matches offset increase cost season heavily invested players season net profit returned right track net profit new collective rights qualified league equity june negative club started million capital capitalized million june equity increased net loss backup million previous net loss june equity increased net profit share capital june equity increased capital increase net income contributed increase equity june june equity june equity increased million equity contribution total achieved self good management large fans base honours national titles winners winners winners european titles cup league winners minor titles winners southern italy champions runners winners anglo italian league cup winners winners


bristol bristol football club professional association football club based city bristol england compete league tier english football team plays home matches memorial stadium suburb bristol affiliated gloucestershire county club founded black arabs known bristol finally changing bristol club official nickname pirates reflecting maritime history bristol local nickname club gas home stadium started term fans main rival bristol city adopted team according survey conducted december cardiff city town considered second biggest rivals admitted football league played apart spending season conference premier previously came close losing league status elected finishing division south team finished league position away football conference highest finishing positions occasions ending season 6th place division second tier english football football league trophy finalists history early years club formed following meeting restaurant bristol september initially called black arabs arabs rugby team predominantly black kits played lasted season bid draw fans local area club renamed club played friendly games season took gloucestershire cup time club founder member bristol district league years later renamed western league joined birmingham district league seasons played league western league beginning season club turned professional changed bristol february officially changed bristol bristol joined newly formed southern league remained winning league title way football league season southern league teams moved new division football league division south following season remained division years winning league promotion season team won promotion occasions division second division division champions football league league conference premier club relegated times recently end season highest position football ladder achieved end season sixth place second tier twice closest came flight ended season points promotion positions lowest league position achieved club teams fourth tier occurred twice season football league narrowly avoided counts firstly ended league position zone secondly rules changed following season increase number places meaning finished position year later relegated position matched end season time saw relegated conference time returned league end conference season penalty shootout victory town play final cup competitions major cup competition won bristol cup beat sheffield united final club won division south cup winning sharing gloucestershire cup occasions team played european competition closest came missed reaching international stage anglo italian cup season coin toss held phone west united cup reached quarter final stage occasions time faced newcastle united james park crowd record highest attendance bristol match second time reached quarter final lost recent appearance stage competition season faced west division team win cup tie away premier league beat derby county pride park stadium twice reached final football league trophy finished runners occasions second occasion allow single goal competition route final conceded lead minute final kicked rivalries bristol main rivals city neighbours bristol city contest bristol derby rivalry deemed 8th rivalry english football depth report football pools recent encounter clubs took place september saw beaten city football league trophy tie gate stadium rivals mainly teams west country town plymouth exeter city town conference rivalry emerged forest green past rivalries emerged rivals cardiff city known derby recent meeting cardiff league cup match august cardiff went win game took place new cardiff city stadium goal game came steve time cardiff bristol league season bristol plymouth played times football league national cup competitions better record belonging pilgrims wins compared recent encounter plymouth occurred january won half time defeat plymouth resulted plymouth manager saw john ward register win second spell manager time encountered football league trophy match played october won penalty shoot recent encounter teams football league match august won harrison scoring late winner close proximity players represented clubs example adam williams tom colours badge bristol known distinctive blue white shirts worn history current home kit consists light blue white shirt white shorts away kit black gold colours trim season special strip black gold reproduction original black arab shirt single match celebrate anniversary club team began playing black shirts yellow foundation black arabs time called fourteen years team wore blue white shirts replaced black white striped shirts admitted football league wore white shirts blue shorts remained team colours colours reversed blue shirts white shorts season blue white quarters worn introduced try players look larger intimidating continued wear quarters years replaced blue white background years went wear blue white stripes blue blue shirts white shorts returning blue white quarters remained colours season wore unpopular striped design prompting fans refer bag shirts similarity design company carrier bags change design prompted times change quarters black gold shirts away kit season club anniversary ran april joke official website stating team new away strip pink intended joke number fans petitioned club kit real suggested funds raised sale pink shirts donated breast cancer charity pink shirts competitive fixture worn pre season friendly plymouth pirate features club badge badge supporters club reflecting club nickname pirates previous club featured blue white design based design team kit suppliers sponsors official kit supplier club official kit sponsor followed longest running kit supplier supplied club kits years club longest running kit sponsorship local company construction sponsored club total years ending deal deal came end recession faced prospect having shirt sponsor season club came idea raise funds required tickets sold available sold meaning club raised season shirt sponsorship premier league clubs prize draw went local training recruitment company logo appeared season home kit second prize went bristol based stevens logo appeared away kit proved successful club replicated season smart computers new home kit sponsors away sponsors despite initially planning return tradition form sponsorship club ran sponsorship season continues day plans stadium hope attract major sponsor future stadium grounds acres cricket ground stadium park memorial stadium present history play home games memorial stadium ground shared bristol rugby club team moved known informally beginning season initially tenants purchased years later bristol known black arabs played home games following year moved acres precise location known believed area bristol remained seven years followed brief stays cricket ground majority history bristol played home games stadium remained period years financial problems led team forced leave found temporary home park home bath city stayed bath seasons returning bristol played home games gate stadium home rivals bristol city following fire destroyed south stand stadium night august returned october world war friendly matches played early history games played street january planning permission granted new capacity stadium built site memorial stadium building work originally intended begin late number delays set project summer summer delays meant club begun exploring different options regards future club stadium june club announced intention relocate club new stadium built land university west england campus fund project current site memorial stadium sold supermarket september planning permission proposed stadium granted south gloucestershire council january subsequent planning permission granted bristol city_council building supermarket site memorial stadium disputes local protest group delayed project followed attempting withdraw support project submitted writ hearing heard february announced stake club bought family member jordan football association president club owned sports ltd shares bristol supporters club owning remaining supporter culture team traditionally draws majority support north east bristol south gloucestershire towns villages surrounding area home significant pockets supporters nickname given bristol supporters gas originally coined term supporters bristol rivals bristol city reference large gas works adjacent old bristol stadium bristol town gas crowd adopted splinter group supporters mid-1980s early 1990s chant proud spread regular fans produced called term universally accepted english media football fraternity referring bristol supporters club football league club designated squad number club 12th man recognition loyal support retired conservative terry bristol fan mentioned club parliament debating labour fan tony banks notable fan mercury prize winning size bristol print currently active entitled saturday night fan run blog called club song song synonymous written lead belly opinions differ came thought popular 1950s version song british charts line great notion jump river particularly lost bristol flows alongside old ground theory sung fireworks display stadium night home game plymouth 1950s game following day winning comfortably supporters present began leave early prompting chorus supporters tune stuck club song popular bristol song end boys written sung ben end boys derives section stood end terrace old home stadium fans good relations spanish club initially began fans noticing club colours plans pre season friendly clubs july players current squad player declared international allegiance nation determined place birth shirt number represent fans 12th man recent transfers bristol season notable players list noted players bristol football club stating period player spent club reason listed included list player league appearances club scored league goals hold club record note details jay stated club staff current manager bristol clarke joined june assistant manager took control team months later march games season remaining previous manager john ward changed roles director football club managerial history march men appointed manager bristol football club excluding managers bobby francis john ward men given job permanent basis twice thompson separate spell manager later appointed permanently manager separate occasions youth academy bristol academy currently operates city academy bristol sir bernard school matches played centre golden hill current team squad members ryan clarke harrison tyler tom jay preston graduated academy earn professional contract chris lines graduated academy moving sheffield wednesday lines recently returned successful member academy scott signed initial fee payments club possible depending performance currently plays premier league club villa recent academy players appeared premier league football league include richards sean women team club successful women team formed bristol following merger cable merger came bristol girls teams age group level girls reached age forced leave club merger cable meant bristol senior squad club changed bristol academy reflect increased investment bristol academy sport referred nickname gas girls bristol academy longer affiliated bristol honours bristol football club won following honours southern football league division football league division south football league division football league play offs conference premier play offs football league trophy runners football league division south cup cup gloucestershire cup records biggest league win brighton division south november city division october town division march town conference premier april biggest cup win competition proper cup round november qualifying cup qualifying round november biggest league defeat town division south april players league appearances stuart taylor goals club goals season highest transfer fee paid andy queens park rangers november highest transfer fee received barry november record home attendance preston north end cup january


football club known reds scottish professional football club based scotland compete scottish relegated division scottish football league system promoted won scottish league titles seven scottish cups scottish league cups scottish team won european trophies having won european cup winners cup european super cup formed result amalgamation clubs rarely challenged honours post war decade won major scottish trophies manager dave level success surpassed 1980s management alex won league titles scottish cups scottish league cup alongside european trophies club outside old firm win league title scottish team win european trophy team enjoyed success golden era year wait major trophy ended winning scottish league cup played stadium inception ground currently capacity seated covered stadium united_kingdom football stadium feature invention player coach club colours primarily red white played black gold vertical stripes attract support city surrounding areas senior team wide area geographically close rivals nearest neighbours level city history formation early years current formed following merger clubs based city victoria united new club played match august draw season produced win cup place finish northern league club applied membership scottish league following season elected second division club managed jimmy philip end season despite having finished seventh teams elected new expanded division remained tier scottish football record shared celtic club steady progress scottish cup semi final appearance season recorded victories old firm led league time finished season second place wartime affected club despite spending cuts economies situation dropped competitive football senior football returned august resumed fixture philip charge continued oversee team capable isolated good results able sustain challenge long win trophy drawn scottish cup posted record score victory philip retired year later replaced manager presided team scottish cup final trainer team coach modern player regarded brilliant innovative football conceived dug covered area set slightly level playing surface better aid observations visited soon introduction exported idea english leagues spread football playing world left manager clyde replaced dave went club queen south sign inside forward george hamilton signing barely begun work second world war halted competitive football united_kingdom place hall_of_fame secured war manager bring national trophies playing red won southern league cup season defeating rangers reached scottish cup final defeating inspirational hamilton scoring gain club major trophy early success reached scottish cup finals lost team denied following season won scottish league title league winners club participate european cup competition scotland place awarded took special invitation hamilton left end championship winning season replaced won league cup guidance beating reached scottish cup final stepped aside favourite player tommy pearson pearson time charge coincided high turnover players yielded trophies retired making way eddie led scottish cup finals celtic loss played europe cup winner cup qualifying runners celtic scottish cup final tie aggregate victory lost second round tie standard aggregate years later cup tie recorded goals career help team scottish cup scoring winning goals semi final final scottish cup holders qualified competition eliminated round following aggregate tie tie level extra time level away goals decided penalty shoot competition history winning shootout 1970s regularly challenged domestic honours rarely won trophies exception cup jimmy league cup ally decade managers eddie jimmy ally billy alex reached national cup finals scottish cup billy league cup following season new manager alex alex era guidance club won league championships scottish cups european cup winner cup european super cup league cup cup space seven years players jim miller alex gordon backbone team second league title won initial success built scottish cup wins successive seasons league titles european cup winners cup beat face german cup winners munich game won draw germany john winning goal faced defunct belgian club semi final beat home lost time tournament away resulting aggregate victory sent final beat real madrid extra time win cup scottish win european trophy club released song european song coincide appearance final followed capture european super cup december beaten legs reached semi finals european cup winners cup losing aggregate round european champion club cup lost east berlin penalty shoot following aggregate regular times today clubs enjoy friendly relations post moved south border manage manchester united november struggled compete celtic rangers signed new managers pairing alex smith scott number foreign players signed including dutch club won scottish cup scottish league cup lost game season league title rangers player miller took presided seasons came close winning title sacked bad season club rely play victory athletic retain premier league status replaced roy despite scottish league cup success beating club continued struggle alex miller paul spells charge late 1990s financial burden new stand putting club debt time history directors turned stewart local businessman firm built stand bring business running club brown date non scottish manager appointed time charge coincided heaviest defeats club history low point club history came season finished premier division expanded teams team play stadium meet requirements retained status flight subsequent club debt time following construction new stand end ground policy trying live means meant club approached heights 1980s steve appointed replace lasted seasons tenure marred abuse alcohol march failed attend home game night drinking prior match jimmy took posted consistent results previous seasons season club finished place league entered final qualifying round cup defeated away goals rule progress time won away goals european football years went beat copenhagen biggest margin victory biggest crowds 1980s set meeting german giants munich lost aggregate draw saw lead twice leg sacked hours took club fourth place finish europe poor domestic cup performances thought reason dismissal mark appointed replacement june dismissed legend coach jim august replaced suffered defeat celtic november heaviest defeat assistants eventually sacked december approached brown working contract replace brown initially rebuffed offer december discussions club brown resigned manager announced manager december act new management team brown jim failed produce better results brown tenure march announced retirement non executive director role club board recent years present announced successor brown march season manager won scottish league cup defeating penalties trophy years finished scottish began season coming early rounds league beating dutch club eventually eliminated spanish real club ended season second place best league position following season league defeated round time following title challenge celtic team finished league runners second year running colours crest season club existence team played predominantly white strip variously reported white white shirts blue shorts colour scheme direct descendant colours worn precursor club lasted season replaced season adopted black gold striped shirt led team nicknamed strip minor variations worn start second world war blue shorts lasted replaced white ones black gold trim stripes solid bar march changed black gold colours red white reflecting silver red colours official city arms red strips worn white shorts red white season adopted red shorts making official kit red similar liverpool similar change time arrangement continued present day variations design common senior clubs replica shirt market expanded late 1970s admiral strip featured vertical white stripes left shirt shorts early 1980s shirts worn european cup winners cup final featured white vertical later design changes included significant amounts blue season white shorts red scheme returned season reverted wearing white shorts red kit reintroduced shirt sponsorship began initial shirt sponsor club making fewer appearances international stage shirt sponsors tended local included local commercial radio stations based oil service companies current shirt sponsor energy away colours tended white black shorts combination yellow black referring black gold strips pre war era time 1970s sported blue change strip white season change strip white kit yellow black halves available needed european games event clash involving red white club official crest variations letters time time featured shirt usually kind font november club unveiled official crest logo designed graphic designer design represented capital letter view football goal ball forming letter ball way depict inside net signifying scoring goal logo completed letters smaller type level ball element badge shirts significant alterations mid-1980s words football club added circular border date club founding added goal element current version crest retains elements unified design introduced start season stars signifying winning european trophies introduced badge season kit manufacturers shirt sponsors stadium played existence stadium comes place ground original win merged teams new club took old ground august spectators turned watch new draw game played amalgamated tenants club initially rented ground subsequently bought stadium currently seats record attendance scottish cup match hearts march stadium consists stands main stand houses club offices players facilities road family stand south stand opposite main stand holds largest spectators richard stand east completed contains named chairman dick quarter south stand accommodate travelling supporters covered stadium britain new stadium examining new stadium plans new stadium began club indicated development stadium possible age ground restrictions surrounding land city_council approved initial project situated near south city subject planning permission august planning application new stadium submitted council approved following february delayed year problems land ownership suffered setback following august council rejected joint application cove rangers build community sports centre nearby park announced november new plans instead build training facilities land owned university project ultimately scrapped following july plans develop new stadium training facilities near close newly developed western peripheral route announced site training facilities scheduled operational stadium ready ahead season new stadium expected similar capacity stadium supporters nicknames supporters supporters known red army listed team squad list wearing number shirt group supporters founded red group express aim improving atmosphere decided particular group beginning organised chants choreography place centre block tier richard stand fans home away games senior team largest city scotland city relatively remote geographically large population centres result large area potential supporters average attendance scottish currently 1980s minority club supporters reputation britain prominent groups soccer rise coincided successful period club history chronicled published account whilst numbers steadily declined introduction football banning orders preventing travelling games appear big fixtures away home league clashes fixtures arrests violent clashes united fans game december rivalries rarely played division geographically closest rivals city city athletic rivalries tended come currently minor rivalry fact largest settlements north scotland known north derby arisen promoted early 1980s owing success domestically europe united pair known new firm united city neighbours close rivals degree situation applies rivalry rangers rangers older known old firm rivalry celtic rivalry rangers arose number incidents matches clubs 1980s stamp john neck scottish league cup simpson tackle dominance scottish football decade violent clashes sets supporters stadium day emergence teams scotland rivalry celtic increased supporters minor incidents games mainly relating political disturbances celtic supporters games clubs including disruption minute display banners showing support irish hunger strike nicknames known use origin nickname unclear theory derives word don meaning teacher given history university town reference nearby river don popular adoption team variously known black names reference yellow black striped shirts time teams play red called reds referred supporters rival clubs occasionally refer sheep supporters sheep term eventually accepted club fans started singing sheep fire games song originally sung away fans fun fan set fire train sheep costume turn led specialised merchandise sold club local businesses honours domestic scottish league champions runners scottish cup winners runners scottish league cup winners runners european cup winners cup winners super cup winners ranking june club officials players current squad july note flags indicate national team defined eligibility rules players hold non loan note flags indicate national team defined eligibility rules players hold non notable players hall_of_fame inaugurated hall_of_fame club centenary celebrations players inducted following initial dinner march included november manager alex inducted launch event november greatest team november supporters cast votes determine greatest team jim stuart kennedy miller alex russell anderson gordon jim simpson joe harper duncan records individual players scotland stated managers list time managers december competitive matches counted managers listed