Bristol City are in uncharted territory after ending 17-year wait to reach Championship play-offs

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Nobody expected Bristol City to be in the conversation for the top six, let alone finish in a Championship play-off place.

It’s been a remarkable season for Liam Manning’s side, who will now face Sheffield United across two legs for a place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 24 May.

Bristol City finished sixth in the end and will be competing in the play-offs for the first time in 17 years.

This will only be the second time in history that the Robins have competed in the second tier play-offs and their fourth altogether.

However, if history is to repeat itself, then it will end in disappointment once again.

• READ MORE: Championship play-off dates, fixtures, and teams in Premier League promotion mix

Bristol City have never been promoted via the play-offs

Form goes out of the window in the play-offs but there is always a sense of fear when clubs look back at their previous record.

In Bristol City’s case, it’s an unhappy feeling as they have never been promoted via the play-offs.

They aren’t the only ones though, with Sheffield United also never getting promoted through the play-offs.

Over eight games, the Robins have reached the final twice and failed at the final hurdle so they will be hoping it’s third time lucky in this edition.

Bristol City’s four play-off attempts and how they failed

2002/03 – Second Division

Bristol City’s first foray into the play-offs was against rivals Cardiff City but sadly ended in defeat by a single goal to nil.

Cardiff’s first leg winner at Ninian Park was enough to split the two teams and hand the Robins hearbreak

2003/04 – Second Division

One year on from their semi-final heartbreak, Bristol City one step further, this time losing in the final.

Their route to it wasn’t without drama as they looked to be minutes away from crashing out, only for two goals in two minutes – including a 90th minute winner – flipped the game on it’s head and the Robins reached the final.

It wasn’t to be though as they lost to Brighton at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff in a heartbreaking finale.

2003/04 – Championship

It was a familiar tale for the Robins as they reached the final, only to lose by a single goal to nil.

This time it was at the hands of Hull City after Dean Windass’ wonder strike. Before that, they were taken to extra time by Crystal Palace at Ashton Gate, winning thanks to Michael McIndoe’s 110th minute finish.

That would be the last time the Robins reached the play-offs, until this season where they have a huge chance to become a Premier League club.