The 1998-99 season was pivotal in Manchester City’s history, culminating in the dramatic penalty shootout victory against Gillingham in the Second Division playoff final – but with Christmas approaching, they were facing the prospect of another year in the third tier.
The nadir came 25 years ago to the day of their Club World Cup semi-final against Urawa Reds in Jeddah, 19 December 1998, more than 4,000 miles away literally – and millions metaphorically – at York City’s Bootham Crescent. City had not won in four before their trip to the little ground near the station and 7,527, although most of east Manchester claim they were in attendance, witnessed another defeat thanks to goals from Gordon Connelly and Andy Dawson, while City’s consolation came from the much-lamented Craig Russell.
