Between 1998 and 2002, Stoke City was a dominant force in the second division s they finished off the 1998 – 1999 campaign in a very strong eighth position finish. The 1999 – 2000 campaign saw the Potters finish off in sixth position as they gained a birth in to the play offs. The 1999 – 2000 campaign was most notable for Stoke City winning the associate members cup, defeating Bristol City in the final to win the trophy.
The 2000 – 2001 season saw Bristol City reach the last sixteen of the league cup, however they suffered a very embarrassing 8- 0 defeat against Liverpool in the competition. They gained promotion in the the first division at the end of the 2001 – 2002 season as they finished off the campaign in fifth position, gaining promotion via the play offs at the end of the season. They crashed out of the FA Cup in the third round as they suffered defeat against Everton.