As we welcome in the New Year, we look back on the one that has passed and remember so many great football moments from 2013. From heroic underdog stories in Wales through to triumphant - and then transitional - times in Manchester, last year was an unforgettable one for the sport, from Cardiff to the continent. We had the return of a 'special one' and the departure of a legend, unlikely cup winners and a world record deal in the summer transfer window, and here, we bring to you the Top 13 Football Moments That Defined 2013.
13. Malky Mackay & The Managerial Merry Go-Round
One of the most shocking and regrettable footballing stories of 2013 was the recent shameful sacking of Malky Mackay at Cardiff City. The likeable boss was a huge hit with fans having guided the Bluebirds into the Premier League for the first time in their history, but a rift with club owner Vincent Tan meant he wouldn't be around to oversee the entirety of their debut season in the topflight. When Mackay suggested he wanted to bring in new signings in January, Tan reacted furiously, as claims of an overspend in the previous windows surfaced. The mad Malaysian subsequently offered a swift ultimatum - resign or be sacked - and with the Cardfiff coach refusing to walk away, he was eventually axed in December, becoming the sixth Premier League boss to lose his job this season as the managerial merry go-round span faster than ever in 2013.