The 1905–06 season was Manchester City F.C.'s fifteenth season of league football and third consecutive season in the top flight of English football. At the end of the season, Manchester City were investigated by the FA for allegations of awarding players bonuses, which was at the time against FA regulations. Consequently, the club were found guilty and seventeen players were fined, suspended from football until 1 January 1907 and were banned from representing Man City in future. The club was forced to shed most of its players, including its best performers and early club legends such as Billy Meredith, Sandy Turnbull and Billie Gillespie. Though several players followed guidance and moved to Manchester United (then not a rival but a fellow community club) or other league clubs, Gillespie