I don't need to look it up mate - I do know of and understand the pre PL history... however, the PL money changed the game and supercharged everything.
You had the best commercial team, the best manager and team on the pitch. City now have that - regardless of how they got it - and they're unlikely to disappear from the top, whatever happens with those charges - that's all I'm saying.
On the original point - the way the club is run - and I know
@Sucky loves this - is on a different scale to everyone else right now. Disregarding how they got there, and you have to, as the world will forget it before long and any sanctions they're hit with won't screw them long term - they're currently the best run club in the land. Commercially, on the pitch and in the transfer market.