From what we've been told recently in different podcasts that side failed because of a lack of professionalism including a shocking attitude to pre-season training. We played relatively well each year which suggests we weren't the only side in Championship with lax attitudes but, assuming premier league was already more advanced, that edition of City would have been beaten badly if had managed promotion. Next time someone is interviewing Hudson or Purse they should ask why no one knocked some heads together until Bellamy arrived?
Warnock with a slightly more forward thinking coaching staff would probably have had the best bet - we conceded so many goals that year because he refused to adjust to the better quality of opposition.