The 1994-95 season proved to be a disappointing period for Man City as their league performances were way below par, ultimately condemning the club to 17th position in the league. They had a decent run in the league cup, reaching the quarter final, however they were humiliated 4-0 against Newcastle.
City faired even worse the following season, they were simply awful in the league, the only bright spark of the team being Kinkladze. The departure of Gary Flitcroft to Blackburn did not help matters and Manchester City was tortured to finish in 18th position, in turn relegating the club to the first division.
The 96-97 season proved to be a debacle for Manchester City as they were awful in the first division, they struggled through out the season, and despite going in to the season as favourites for a quick come back, they finished off the campaign in 14th place.
Just as everything appeared as if they could not become any worse off, they really did by the end of the 97-98 campaign. City was simply not in touch with the entire first division and their attitude cost them a place in the second tier of English soccer. City finished the season off in 22nd place, in turn relegating them once again, this time to the second division. City were also poor in the domestic cup competitions, they most notably crashed out the first round of the league cup, losing on penalties to Blackpool.