Manchester City started off the 1990-91 campaign in strong fashion, setting the pace early on during their campaign. City finished the season off in fifth position, David White was inspirational through out the season, his strike rate was prolific and his partnership up front with Niall Quinn was deadly. Peter Reid was also installed player manager in November 1990 due to the departure of Howard Kendall and he did a marvellous job in charge. Their new goal keeper, Tony Coton was also consistent in goal through out their campaign. City finished in the fifth round of the FA Cup, losing to Notts County. City commenced the 1991-92 season in great form and was top of the league until the end of September. City were consistent through out and with outstanding displays by the likes of Gary Flitcroft, Colin Hendry and David White, City ended the season strongly in fifth position. City faired worse in the domestic cup competitions as they lost against Middlesbrough in both the league cup and FA Cup in the third and forth rounds respectively. City played well through out the 1992-93 season and they finished off in a respectable ninth position in the table. Manchester City reached the last eight of the FA Cup; however they stumbled at the hands of Spurs, losing 4-2.
After a poor start to the 1993-94 campaign, Manchester city bafflingly decided to part terms with Peter Reid and this decision caused a gradual decline in City’s fortunes. City ended the season off in poor fashion, only managing to finish 16th place in the premiership, they faired little better in the cup competitions as they humiliatingly crashed out of the forth round of the FA Cup losing to Cardiff City.