Season 1983/84
Flop and I go
1983/84 was a crucial season for Newcastle. In the preceding season the sensational signing of Kevin Keegan had not provided the instant impact in results that everyone had hoped for. However, an excellent run of results at the end of the season ensured that United only finished 3 points behind promoted Leicester.
Keegan had only signed a one year contract and it was unclear whether or not he would stay. The fans had certainly done their bit with a tremendous show of support in the final home game of the season against Sheffield Wednesday. After the game Keegan declared that he was going to stay. But, for quite a while nothing happened.
When KK did eventually sign a further one year contract it was a great relief to everyone, but the contract he signed was a matter of controversy. In an interview with the Sun he revealed that the new contract would allow him "to leave before the season ends if I believe things aren't going as well as they should"
Keegan wanted new blood in; "I'm signing the new contract on the understanding that the recent transfer movements will be followed by others.I've been holding back on re-signing because I wanted to see where the club was going. I needed an indication that their ambitions were as urgent and demanding as mine".
But in typical Keegan fashion he went on to emphasise the positive declaring "this is going to be nine months to remember for football followers on Tyneside. Now the fans will get what they want and I don't think there will be a club in the country where the atmosphere will be better".
The players signed were: right-back Malcolm Brown from Huddersfield (£100,000), England Under 21 left back John Ryan from Oldham (£225,000) and goalkeeper Martin Thomas from Bristol Rovers (£20,000). Thomas having arrived on loan the previous season.
Nothing to get the pulses racing there, then an even greater shock when on the eve of the new season Imre Varadi (who had been the club's top scorer in each of the previous two seasons) was sold to promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday with David Mills moving in the opposite direction. Despite his unpredictability in front of goal he was a firm favourite on the terraces and the Toon Army was not impressed
Most people know that the established story is that this apparently bad bit of business was actually the prelude to the arrival of Peter Beardsley. This overlooks the fact that the first replacement Cox attempted to sign was a certain George O'Reilly whose purchase some 18 months later made him synonymous with the Jackie Charlton era.
Trading Places
August
The season did not start well. Before a ball was even kicked new signing Malcolm Brown (who had played 243 consecutive games for his previous club) was ruled out. In the first game United battled to a single goal victory at Leeds despite having to play "The Waddler" in goal for the last 41 minutes due to Kevin Carr suffering a shoulder injury. Carr would be ruled out until the New Year
Martin Thomas took over in goal and 29,140 fans turned up expectantly to see United dispose of Shrewsbury at SJP but they slumped to a single goal defeat
September
During September United's form remained disappointing. They recorded comfortable home victories over Oldham and Crystal Palace, but away from home they drew at Grimsby and Barnsley and lost in Smogsville to a late goal. The defeat at Boro led to Kenny Wharton replacing Neil Macdonald in midfield, Wharton remaining an ever present after that
At the end of the month Newcastle were in 7th, six points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
The match at Barnsley saw the debut of 22 year old Peter Beardsley as a substitute for the injured Jeff Clarke.
Beardsley was signed from Vancouver Whitecaps for £150,000 with Arthur Cox describing the deal as "a bigger steal than the Great Train Robbery"
Local Hero
October -
The arrival of Beardsley sparked United into life and October saw The Toon register five consecutive victories in the League. He made his home debut against Portsmouth replacing David Mills who dropped down to sub. Wes Saunders came in for his first game for 18 months to partner Steve Carney at centre-back; his first game in that position.
The fans were treated to a classic in rain-soaked conditions. Both sides had numerous chances but it was United who were more ruthless in front of goal. Two brilliant goals from Waddle (making his 100th appearance) and a Keegan penalty put United 3-0 up at the interval. Fans that saw Kevin Dillon playing for United in the Jim Smith years will not be surprised to hear that he shot straight at Thomas when clean through. Eight minutes into the second half and Wharton scored a fourth. Chances galore followed and the score was balanced out more by 2 Pompey goals in the last 11 minutes.
In typical Cox style he hauled Waddle off 5 minutes from the end because "he didn't show me that he was hungry for a hat-trick"
The win moved United up into fourth behind Sheff Wed, Man City and Chelsea; a quartet of clubs that would be in the race for the three available promotion places to the end of the season. The next game was at home to Charlton (6th place) and the MoD cameras turned up to see what progress was being made.
United struggled against a club looking for its first away win in a year; Carlton took the lead in the first half and the team was booed off at half-time.The fans got another soaking but eventually went home very happy after two late Special K goals gave United a 2-1 victory.
The next two games were both in South Wales and proved a major test of loyalty for the Toon Army travellers. The game at struggling Swansea (370 miles) was postponed for a day because of torrential rain resulting in United playing in competitive match for the first time on a Sunday. Fans had to either return home, find accommodation or sleep in their cars. United won 2-1 with another late goal; this time from substitute David Mills. Beardsley excelled again and Cox stated boldly that "by the time he is Kenny Dalglish's age I expect him to be as well-known"
Three days later and United were away at Cardiff (nnn miles). United turned in a scintillating display of attacking football that even had the partisan Welsh supporters applauding. United won 2-0, Beardsley scored his first goal and they moved into second place. Cox was delighted: "This should set us up nicely for the next home game against Manchester City" he declared.
By the time of the game, City had displaced the Magpies from 2nd place after winning their game in hand. Queues formed outside the ground long before kick off, the gates were locked and the atmosphere inside the ground was electric.
Prior to the second coming of Special K the 5-0 thrashing of their promotion rivals was regarded as one of the club's best ever performances. They took them apart and but for the agility of keeper Alex Williams United could have reached double figures.
It was a superb team performance though Beardsley grabbed the headlines with a great hat-trick (the first United player to achieve such a feat at SJP since Alan Gowling in January 1976). As Jackie Milburn said in his match report "their attacking play was so devastating the 33,675 crowd expected them to score in every attack"
Cox said "Very few teams in the country could have stood up to us today. In fact we would have given most sides a pasting". City manager Billy McNeill admitted "Newcastle were outstanding and may never play better". A lot of the fans there that day would probably have agreed with his sentiments.
Inexplicably in the middle of their great run United crashed out of the Milk (League) Cup after losing over two legs to Third Division Oxford. The Manor Road team were managed at the time by future Mag manager Jim Smith and also included former United keeper Steve Hardwick (one of the less popular players of that time) and future Toon "stars" Kevin Brock and Andy Thomas. United played poorly in both games and fully deserved to be knocked out. Despite the club's atrocious record in the competition United's attendance of 21,184 was the best of all the second round matches
Blue Monday
November
On Bonfire Night another 30,000 plus crowd were treated to another thrilling game against Fulham, managed by Malcolm Macdonald and coached by Ray Harford.
Fulham went 2-1 up on 61 minutes, but from then on United swarmed on urged on by an increasingly frantic and vociferous crowd. Chance after chance was spurned until 3 minutes before the end when David Mills grabbed the equaliser. Then amid scenes that could only be described as bedlam on the terraces Kenny Wharton grabbed a winner. Delirious fans celebrated with an impromptu fireworks display as they left the ground. United moved back into second place.
The next two games were both away against fellow promotion hopefuls, Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday. United went to Stamford Bridge on the back of six successive reasons with a side that had been unchanged for ten matches. An early injury to midfield lynch pin Mcreery seemed to knock them out of their stride and they were completely outplayed by the Pensioners who won 4-0. Cox said "they gave us a real kick in the pants"
Thousands of fans travelled down to Hillsborough for the game against Howard Wilkinson's leaders swelling the crowd to an impressive 41,134. Neil McDonald replaced Mcreery. It was another thriller. United played the better football with Mcdermott especially in superb form but it was The Owls who ran out 4-2 winners. Two of the Wednesday goals being scored by United reject Varadi. United dropped into 4th
There was some good news though. Keegan confirmed that he was "enjoying it and I shan't be leaving until the end of the season at least". And Chairman Stan Seymour was so impressed with the United fans at Hillsborough that he saw fit to praise them in the next programme. "We salute you and your exemplary behaviour at Hillsborough makes you all a credit to Newcastle United"
The next game was much easier, at home against rock bottom Cambridge who were on a run of nine successive defeats. United struggled but did just enough to secure a 2-1 victory which took them back into 3rd. The most vociferous crowd reaction was reserved for referee Trelford Mills (not the most popular man on Tyneside at the time).
During November the club made 500 more season tickets available; they were all snapped up within three hours. On a less happy note teenager Derek bell was forced to retire from the game because of injury
Glen or Glenda
December
Into December and a disastrous result at the Baseball ground against strugglers Derby. United were 2-0 up at half time and coasting. Then in the 53rd minute Mcreery - who had returned the side - suffered a recurrence of his ankle injury and Newcastle conceded 3 goals in 10 minutes (2 from South Shields born Bobby Davison) and lost.
The Toon bounced back in style in the next game at SJP against 5th place Huddersfield. It was 2-2 at half time against the hard-working Yorkshiremen managed by Mick Buxton but Newcastle eventually won 5-2 in a game that underlined the best and worst of the side. Brilliant going forward, very shaky at the back. One suffering more than most was left back John Ryan who after another nightmare performance was barracked by the crowd and substituted on the hour. Wharton reverted to left-back to replace him and "Bones" would retain the number 3 shirt for most of the rest of the season.
United recorded their first clean sheet in seven games when they secured a single goal victory at Brighton, but Cox had decided that the defence needed a Xmas present. After failing in a bid for Millwall's Mick McCarthy he turned to QPR centre-back Glenn Roeder (£120,000)
Roeder replaced Steve Carney for the Boxing Day home game against Blackburn (7th) to form a new look defence of Anderson, Roeder, Saunders and Wharton. It was a tight game against Bobby Saxton's team and United had to come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw.
Then they made the short journey to take on Carlisle at a windswept Brunton Park who were just outside the promotion chasing group. United were poor and conceded two late goals in a 1-3 defeat and once again dropped to 4th.
The Toon finished the year with a narrow 2-1 victory at Oldham
The Big Chill
January
In the first programme of 1984 Cox admitted that the defence (which had been widely criticised in the press) had "been found wanting" on some occasions. But in Keeganesque style he set out his stall. "But there is no way I will send out a team with the sole intention of playing for a clean sheet. I will not be associated with negative tactics". The 1980/81 season seemed a million years away.
United scraped through at home against Barnsley with a single goal from Waddle. Then with Kevin Carr and Jeff Clarke returning from injury they crashed 1-3 at lowly Crystal Palace after conceding three first half goals
The main focus this month was on the 3rd round FA Cup tie which saw Keegan and Mcdermott returning to Anfield to take on Liverpool who had been champions in the previous 2 seasons and were again leading the pack. Publicly they talked of their delight, but in private they feared that United were not ready to take on the Scousers.
The match was televised and Newcastle were swept aside contemptuously conceding four goals for the third time that season. As always Cox would later see a positive side to the result. "It did our younger players good in that it showed them at first hand just how to really compete"
A disappointing month, but spare a thought for Michael Jackson who was hospitalised after his hair caught fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial
February
Prior to the away game at Portsmouth the press printed stories suggesting Keegan was on his way to the South Coast. Keegan angrily denied the claims stating "there is not an atom of substance in this one". Then just to prove is point he scored twice and inspired the team to an excellent 4-1 victory at Fratton Park in front of the MoD cameras. The game remembered fondly for Beardsley's amazing "walk-in" goal.
The next League game brought more heartache as United failed to score in a League game for only the third time, losing 0-1 at home to Grimsby who climbed above Newcastle leaving us in 5th. Keegan was lucky not to get sent-off after verbally abusing the referee who had disallowed a Wharton goal because KK had taken a free kick before he had blown his whistle
On Valentines day came the news that all the Toon Army had been dreading. Keegan announced he would retire at the end of the season. The game at Anfield had convinced him that he could no longer live with the elite players. "I don't think honestly I could play another year at my age trying to do the things that I could do five or six years ago".
The next match was against Man City at Maine Road and it was vital that United got a result. It was an all ticket game with United allocated 6000 tickets. The game marked the first appearance in 18 months for forgotten man John Trewick (who at £250,000 was still the club's record signing) who had just returned from a loan spell at Oxford.
United stormed into a two goal lead, but then conceded a sloppy goal early in the second half which resulted in a nervous last forty minutes. The score remained 2-1 and it provided the impetus for a nine game unbeaten run that just about secured promotion
February finished with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Cardiff
Relax
March
United were back on MoD for the game at a beach like Craven Cottage. Beardsley's overhead kick put The Toon in front with only a couple of minutes gone, but in typical fashion they conceded directly from the restart. The teams eventually shared four goals in an entertaining game. Newcastle moved up to 3rd for the first time since the turn of the year.
The second week in March and the miners strike was just about to begin. Chelsea were the next visitors to SJP with the attendance topping the 35,000 mark for the first time. The atmosphere was fantastic but the game itself was tense. United never really got going until everybody's most hated player, David Speedie, gave Chelsea the lead. Mcdermott equalised and The Toon almost won it at the death, but Waddle shot into the side netting from a good position
The local Tyne-Tees derby followed. The Smoggies shocked the Toon supporters by taking the lead with barely 2 minutes on the clock, but United hit back to win 3-1 with three classic goals
Two points were dropped at Shrewsbury when a late equaliser denied United the victory they should have made sure of
Leeds, managed at the time by Eddie Gray, were the next visitors. A poor away record meant they were languishing in mid table. United dominated the match with their free flowing attacking football keeping the Tykes penned in their own half, but in the end only an own-goal by youngster Dennis Irwin separated the teams. The result opened up a four point gap over Carlisle and Man City who were 4th and 5th respectively
United rounded off the month with a 2-0 victory at home to basement club Swansea, but the crowd had to wait until the 75th minute for the breakthrough with United struggling to get their passing game going on the heavy pitch.
Not even on our long list
April
A tricky match followed at The Valley against a Charlton side with a home record of W12 D4 L1. Charlton were the better team but two late goals secured a vital 3-1 victory. The result meant that the post war record of eight away wins had been equalled
Meanwhile it was reported in the tabloids that Arthur Cox, whose contract expired in November, would only be offered a new contract if promotion was achieved. It was rumoured that if he failed the board would turn to Malcolm Macdonald, Jackie Charlton or Malcolm Allison
Leaders Sheff Wed were next in Toon in front of the biggest League gate of the day (an all-ticket 36,725). Wednesday negative offside tactics infuriated the crowd and United's front runners failed to escape the attentions of the well-drilled and packed defence. Then on the 77th minute came the sucker punch as a Shelton bicycle kick all but assured promotion for Wilkinson's men
Tensions were rising; United players surrounded Mick Lyons after he clashed with Kevin Carr, Kenny Wharton was booked after the match for comments he made to the referee and Keegan got involved in a scuffle with a United fan who ran on to the pitch and tried to join in with the game!
There were now six games left and a lead of four points had been established over 4th and 5th placed Manchester City and Grimsby
A week later United travelled to Ewood Park and fought out a tense 1-1 draw; John Trewick scoring sixteen minutes from time to equalise after Derek Fazackerley had put the home side ahead from the penalty spot. It was a poor game as John Donoghue described in the Express: (the first half was) "about as anaemic as Newcastle's slate grey away strip and the big noises on the pitch couldn't hold a candle to those on the terraces". Man City also drew away from home so The Toon retained their advantage.
On the same weekend Supermac resigned as Fulham manager "for personal reasons"
Easter Monday, and Newcastle entertained Carlisle who had climbed up to 6th position due to the soundness of their defence. They were managed at the time by Bob Stokoe and included ex-Toon stars Alan Shoulder and Tommy Craig. The Bank Holiday crowd were treated to a sunshine spectacular with the home side finishing up 5-1 winners. The turning point and the most memorable incident being the goal Keegan scored following a missed Carlisle penalty. Man City crashed 2-3 at home to Huddersfield to open up a seven point gap with only four games remaining
Iit was being reported in the papers that managerless Spurs were interested in Keegan. Keegan stated that he could be interested, but not as a manager or coach; "I want nothing to do with coaching or anything like that". But he went on to say that he would only be interested "if it involved Arthur Cox".
A Spurs spokesman later denied the link saying that Keegan was "not even on our long list"
We'll take the bus next time
May
It looked all set for promotion to be confirmed a week later at the Abbey stadium Cambridge; after all they had just equalled the League record of 31 games without a win. Thousands of Geordies descended on the tiny Abbey Stadium taking over three quarters of the ground. Unbelievably Cambridge won, luckily Man City lost again.
Thankfully, the lads bounced back in the next game at home to Derby who were on their way to Division 3. A crowd of 35,850 created a carnival atmosphere as the team them turned on a dazzling display of football to roger the Rams 4-0. With only 2 games left they held a six point lead over Grimsby who had moved into 3rd. It was still mathematically possible for them to be caught, but in reality they were up
Fifteen minutes before the end a vast army of police lined all four sides of the ground to prevent the crowd encroaching on the pitch; but the fans refused to leave until the players went on a lap of honour.
The crowd behaved impeccably, but the Sunday Sun gave column inches to an incident involving half a dozen fans. The group arrived at the Printers Pie pub at 5.30pm (opening time) then proceeded to force open the lock on the upstairs bar and helped themselves to bottles of spirits. They then went back downstairs to the open public bar and "proceeded to drink most of them"
Chairman Seymour described it as his "proudest moment" with the club. Keegan claimed to have "never felt so emotional after a victory" and teetotal Cox said "I might just have a glass of champagne later. And I'll probably go to bed at 11.30pm instead of 11.00!"
Amid all the celebrations there was still some doubt over Arthur Cox's future. He felt that he would be cheating the fans if three or four new players were not brought in to ensure the club survived in the First Division. Cox also felt he deserved a long term contract, but it was suggested that some board members felt that he should only have a one-year deal until he "proved himself".
When asked about whether Cox would stay as manager, chairman Seymour said "without a doubt" and claimed to have "backed him all the way". Seymour also stated that "our sights are raised high" though there were no promises about money being made available for new players.
Two days later and an estimated 12,000 strong Toon Army (roughly half the crowd) travelled down to Huddersfield to continue the promotion celebrations. Mcdermott captained the side in the absence of Keegan who was still recovering from a blow to the head received while scoring against Derby.
In an open game The Terriers shocked The Mags by opening up a two goal lead with an unhelpful contribution from Steve Carney, but United fought back to equalise by half time. No more goals followed and United were Going Up, officially
The celebrations were marred by significant crowd trouble. After the match about 1000 Toon supporters invaded the pitch. When they refused to leave hundreds of police, many on horseback made a charge whereupon the supporters retreated to the main stand. Then they went on the rampage. Between 300 and 400 seats were ripped out, several windows were smashed and even a broadcasting unit was attacked. Police made 70 arrests and several fans were taken to hospital. Several pubs were also damaged. Although the Toon fans were roundly condemned it was claimed that the brutality from the local police incited the trouble
The Huddersfield supporters were not blameless either. On the "special" trains fans were told to get "under t' table" as we passed through an embankment as it was known for Terriers louts to throw stones from on high. Sure enough a window was smashed and a Toon supporter was injured by flying glass.
The "specials" arrived back at Central Station hours late whereupon the hundreds departing the train burst into a rendition of "We'll take the bus next time, British Rail, British Rail" The acoustics of the grand old building helping to create a surreal atmosphere. A fabulous end to a memorable day
Speaking in Tongues
Arthur Cox's programme notes for the last game at home to Brighton revealed the uncertainty over his future. After thanking and raising the supporters (as he did in every programme that season) he went on to say: "At this moment I don't know where my future lies. I know where I would like it to lie, but I also know my responsibilities to the aforesaid public and my family"
The game itself marked the end of King Kev's professional playing career and his 500th League game. Keegan got a goal and heir apparent Peter Beardsley scored with a stunning chip over the lumbering Joe Corrigan. Another lap of honour followed and Keegan shed a tear or two as he said his goodbye's
The manager's position was still unclear "The situation is as it was, the ball is still in the court of the Chairman and Directors".
The party finally ended with Keegan's "testimonial" against Champions Liverpool (the record match receipts actually going to the club) . The match was, of course, an irrelevance. The memories are of a final lap of honour, the "spectacular" Topshop sponsored fireworks display and the departure of Keegan into the night sky in a helicopter. As he disappeared across the horizon many must have wondered if he would ever return.
Power, Corruption and Lies?
Arthur resigns
Only days after the season ended Cox announced his resignation. His message to the press was somewhat garbled and despite all he had achieved opinion was divided.
Some agreed that he had been unfairly treated although the board had allegedly offered him a three year contract worth £100,000 which was only one less than the one he accepted to take over at Derby at a much reduced salary
But something that everybody appeared to be agreed on (except perhaps the Directors) was that the team did need strengthening
The search was on for a new manager; the fans feared that the club would appoint a "yes man". What they got was Big Jack.
Men in Black and White
Cox had put together a useful side with a good mix of experience and youth. It was a side containing players of genuine class and others of doubtful ability. In some ways it was a rather lopsided side with the attack being much better than the defence.
Cox was fortunate that the first eleven remained largely injury free (only Kevin Carr and Jeff Clarke had lengthy absences, eight of the side played over 30 games) as there was not much depth to the squad. There was also a healthy local contingent; nine of the eighteen players used that season were born locally
Custodians
Kevin Carr [19 appearances] - Ashington born Carr was the only survivor from the relegation side of 1977/78. His season started disastrously as he broke a bone in his arm during the first game at Leeds. He returned at the end of January and retained his place to the end of the season. An agile keeper but had a propensity to make ill-timed excursions from his six-yard box which often led to goals being conceded
Martin Thomas [26 Appearences] Taffy Thomas got an extended run in the side due to Carr's absence. He only managed four clean sheets but that probably said more about the defence in front of him
Right Backs
John Anderson [44 appearances - 1 goal] Not the classiest of full-backs, but Ando was a crowd favourite due to his 100% commitment and bone crunching challenges. His position had been under threat with the arrival of Malcolm Brown from Huddersfield; but Brown's pre-season injury resulted in the Irishman only missing one match all season
Peter Haddock [1/2 appearances] Another disappointing season for Haddock who - as in the previous two seasons - failed to find himself a place in the side.
Left Backs
John Ryan [25 appearances - 1 goal] At £225,000 Ryan was the second most expensive signing in United's history. An England U21 international he was tipped for great things. Allegedly, comfortable on the ball and a potent attacking force but actually **** at defending. Took the brunt of the supporters abuse when things were not going well. Substituted during the home game against Huddersfield in December he only managed another couple of appearances.
Kenny Wharton [41/3 appearances - 4 goals] Displaced from the side by the arrival of Ryan Wharton started the season as the 12th man; but after a handful of games he was drafted into midfield. He then took over at left back and retained his place for the rest of the season. "Bones" was another player who made up for his lack of ability with tremendous enthusiasm. Made a number of telling goal line clearances during the season
Centre Backs
Jeff Clarke [14 appearances] Jeff Clarke had been Uniteds player of the year in the previous season and carried on his excellent form in the early matches. He picked up a serious injury in September that ruled him out for four months. He returned in February, but he was soon injured again. Without his steadying influence the United defence struggled
Steve Carney [34/1 appearances] Not the biggest or most subtle of defenders, but Carney was quick and determined. First choice alongside Clarke at the start of the season his position was put under threat by the signing of Roeder. Clarke's injury allowed him to retain his place
Wes Saunders [19 appearances] Saunders was drafted in at centre-back to replace Clarke after not being in the first team for almost a year. Previously a left-back, Saunders did his best in his unfamiliar role but lost his place again as soon as Clarke returned from injury.
Midfielders
David Mcreery [43 appearances] While everybody else swarmed forward it was Davey Mac who held things together at the back. A firm favourite with the fans who appreciated his "never-say-die attitude"
Terry Mcdermott [45 appearances - 7 goals] Terry Mac struggled to find his form in the early part of the season and suffered abuse from the terraces. In the New Year he rediscovered his touch and popped up with a number of important goals. Played in every match.
John Trewick [14/2 appearances - 1 goal] Stakeford born Trewick - United's record signing at the time - had been out of the first team picture for 18 months as a result of recurrent injury problems and loss of form. He enjoyed a successful loan spell at Oxford and on his return he made a surprise comeback into the side. He retained his position on the left of the midfield for most of the season's remainder before rather surprisingly being shipped out on a free transfer to Oxford
Neil McDonald [10/3 appearances] - Eighteen year old McDonald had broken into the first team during the previous season and retained his position in the side as this campaign opened. However he struggled and lost his place to Wharton
Attackers
Kevin Keegan [44 appearances - 28 goals] It was a season of constant speculation as far as Keegan was concerned. Would he be playing on, would he retire, would he sign for another club? But Keegan only missed one game all season and maintained his enthusiasm and very high standards throughout.
Peter Beardsley [37/1 appearances - 20 goals] Beardsley, who had almost signed for United at the beginning of the decade was snapped up by Cox and proved to be the catalyst for the promotion season . He ended up with 20 goals, many of them were top class. As Keegan rightly noted: "the world is his oyster".
Chris Waddle [45 appearances - 18 goals] Waddler came out of the shadow of Keegan and performed brilliantly all season. His gallops up the field and weaving runs destroyed opposition defences. Waddle was another ever present";
David Mills [10/8 appearances - 5 goals] 33 year old David Mills - once the most expensive player in the country arrived in the summer in the deal that took Varadi to Hillsborough. He started as first choice but lost his place in the side when Beardsley arrived. He was still a useful player and never let the side down when he played. He was allowed to leave at the end of the season to take up a player coach role at former club Middlesborough.
1983/1984
Charlton came within 25 minutes of being wound-up; they were saved by sponsorship from the council and a local consortium
Liverpool won the championship for the third season in a row and also triumphed in the European Cup
Hooliganism was rife with English supporters causing trouble at home and abroad. Pitch invasions became a popular tactic (West Ham) fans tried the trick twice while the Hammers were being beaten in the FA Cup against Birmingham. England fans went on the rampage in Luxembourg following the country's failure to qualify for the European Championships
Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen won the Scottish double.
Oxford owner Robert Maxwell tried unsuccessfully to merge his team with Reading to create the Thames Valley Royals. League rules forbade him from having an interest in more than one club, but he was not going to be foiled. Maxwell turned his attention to Manchester United but he couldn't strike a deal with the chairman Martin Edwards. Finally he "took over" at Derby where he installed his son as Chairman
Host nation France won the European Championships, beating Spain in the final to win their first trophy
David Basset resigned as Wimbledon manager to take over at Crystal Palace but returned four days later stating that he had "made a mistake"