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 refused to play his fine and instead moved to America.

In addition to this, manager Tom Maley was banned from football for life, and left the club.