Looking back through the history books for the events, signings and memorable matches that happened on this day in City’s history.

Wednesday 19th August 1992

Paul Lake plays his final game as injury brings a premature end to his career. Lake had struggled with injury for a long time but City’s first Premier League game of the season away to Middlesbrough was his last. Having ruptured his cruciate ligament two years earlier it snapped again on his return. The City players react badly and clearly upset, Niall Quinn is given his marching orders shortly after in what ends in a 2-0 defeat.

Wednesday 19^th August 1998

With City still trying to come to terms with life in the nation’s third tier, opening week wins over Blackpool and then Notts County in the League Cup were most welcome. A 3-0 reverse at Fulham, however, and the old doubts resurface and seeing Notts County off in the second leg became of paramount importance. The crowd of 10,063 may have been sparse, but those who turned up were glad they had as Joe Royle’s men go to town on the Magpies, banging seven goals in with Jim Whitley and Gary Mason grabbing their first (and only) goals for City and Paul Dickov and Shaun Goater each scoring twice. Lee Bradbury also nets.

Thursday 19^th August 2010

City play their first Europa League game against FC Timisoara of Romania. The competition, formerly known as the UEFA Cup, could mean as many as 21 games for the finalists and the Blues begin their journey with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Mario Balotelli’s 72^nd minute winner. A 2-0 return leg win ensures Roberto Mancini’s side progress to the group stages of the competition.