Manchester Citys odyssey from Dickov to the brink of immortality
The Guardian Dickovs delight at Wembley
A real sliding doors moment as Paul Dickovs last-minute equaliser in the 1999 Division Two play-off final helps City climb out of the third tier. Dickovs strike into the top corner to send the game to extra time and penalties (in which Nicky Weaver is the City hero) feels like the flap of a butterfly wing would City have become the behemoth they are now without the Scot burying his finish past Vince Bartram to break Gillingham hearts at Wembley?
Manchester City are promoted to Division One in 1999.
City return to the Premier League
- Shaun Goater celebrates scoring against Blackburn in May 2000 as City are promoted back to the Premier League. Photograph: Tom Jenkins
Shaun Goaters goals help City pip Ipswich Town in Division One and secure back-to-back promotions, with City returning to the Premier League after five years away. Are you even a real City fan if you cant name the midfield three of Kevin Horlock, Jeff Whitley and Mark Kennedy? This remains a City team, and the first season of Shaun Wright-Phillips career.
