The 2002 – 2003 campaign proved to be a great one for Cardiff City FC as they were in emphatic form in the second division, once again reaching the play offs as they finished of the campaign in sixth position. They won the play off final to gain promotion in to the first division, playing in the second tier of English football for the first time since 1985. The Bluebirds crashed out of the FA cup in the third round as they suffered defeat against Coventry city and suffered defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the second round of the league cup.
The bluebirds established themselves as a first division side during the 2003 – 2004 season as they finished it off in an impressive 13th position. They struggled to a 16th position finish at the end of the 2004 – 2005 campaign and saw renewed hope as they were impressive in the 2005 – 2006 season with an eleventh position finish.
Cardiff City had many fine players at their disposal at the start of the 21st century, including, Robert Earnshaw, Jason Koumas, John Robinson, Graham Kavanagh, Darren purse and Daniel (Danny) Gabbidon.