The 1986âÂÂ87 season was the 107th season of competitive football in England.
1 July 1986 â After one season at Everton, Gary Lineker departs to Barcelona of Spain in a ã2.75 million deal, where he will play alongside former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes in a side managed by Terry Venables. Ian Rush agrees a ã3.2 million transfer to Juventus of Italy in a record fee for a British player, but will remain at Liverpool on loan for a season.
2 July 1986 â Rangers sign Norwich City goalkeeper Chris Woods for ã600,000.
3 July 1986 â Coventry City sign striker Keith Houchen from Scunthorpe United for ã60,000.
7 July 1986 â Two big First Division clubs buy young players from smaller clubs as they prepare to build for the future. Everton sign 20-year-old winger Neil Adams from Stoke City for ã150,000, while Tottenham Hotspur sign 21-year-old defender Mitchell Thomas from Luton Town for ã233,000.
18 July 1986 â Sir Stanley Rous, chairman of The Football Association from 1934 to 1961, dies aged 91.
25 July 1986 â Ipswich Town, relegated to the Second Division at the end of last season, sell England international defender Terry Butcher to Rangers, managed by former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness, in a ã700,000 deal â a record for a Scottish club.
29 July 1986 â Middlesbrough are wound up in the High Court due to debts in excess of ã1million, but have yet to be expelled from the Football League and may yet be included in the first round draw for the Football League Cup.
30 July 1986 â Wolverhampton Wanderers win a High Court appeal against their winding-up order, enabling them to compete in the Fourth Division campaign â the first time they have played at this level. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are also reprieved, but the bailiffs have locked them out of Ayresome Park and they are expected to play at least one home game at Hartlepool United's ground.
31 July 1986 â Liverpool pay ã200,000 for Sunderland defender Barry Venison.
1 August 1986 â Aston Villa sign midfielder Neale Cooper from Aberdeen for ã350,000.
5 August 1986 â Wolverhampton Wanderers are saved from bankruptcy after Wolverhampton Council and the Asda supermarket chain agree to pay off the club's ã3million debts.
7 August 1986 â David Seaman, goalkeeper at relegated Birmingham City, opts to remain in the First Division and signs for Queens Park Rangers for ã225,000.
8 August 1986 â Rival gangs of Manchester United and West Ham United hooligans are involved in violence on a Sealink ferry bound for Amsterdam, resulting in dozens of arrests, sparking fears that the ongoing ban on English football clubs in European competition could be extended to friendlies between English and foreign clubs.
11 August 1986 â Sheffield Wednesday pay ã200,000 for 18-year-old Barnsley striker David Hirst.
16 August 1986 â The first Merseyside derby of the season finishes honours even, in the 1986 FA Charity Shield at Wembley Stadium.
20 August 1986 â Tottenham Hotspur sign Dundee United and Scotland defender Richard Gough for ã700,000.
21 August 1986 â Everton pay a club record ã1million to sign the 24-year-old Norwich City defender Dave Watson.
23 August 1986 â On the first day of the First Division season, Wimbledon's first match in the top division ends in a 3âÂÂ1 defeat to Manchester City. Southampton record the biggest win of the day, 5âÂÂ1 against Queens Park Rangers. Champions Liverpool beat Newcastle United 2âÂÂ0, and Arsenal beat Manchester United 1âÂÂ0. Colin Clarke scores a hat-trick for Southampton on his debut in a 5âÂÂ1 home win over QPR.
25 August 1986 â West Ham United win 3âÂÂ2 at Manchester United, with Frank McAvennie scoring twice.
27 August 1986 â Luton Town ban away fans from the club's Kenilworth Road ground.
30 August 1986 â Tottenham Hotspur go top of the First Division on goal difference with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over Manchester City. They are level on points with Liverpool, who beat Arsenal 2âÂÂ1 at Anfield, and West Ham United, who are held to a goalless draw at Oxford United. Manchester United are still looking for their first point of the season after losing 1âÂÂ0 at home to Charlton Athletic.
31 August 1986 â Tottenham Hotspur finish August as First Division leaders under new manager David Pleat, level on points with Liverpool and West Ham United, while the bottom two places in the league are occupied by Manchester United and Aston Villa, who have yet to gain a point this season. Birmingham City and Hull City occupy the top two places in the Second Division, while the next three places are occupied by Oldham Athletic, Crystal Palace and Blackburn Rovers.
2 September 1986 â Wimbledon, Football League members for just 10 seasons, go top of the league with a 1âÂÂ0 away win over Charlton Athletic. Oldham Athletic go top of the Second Division with a 1âÂÂ0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
4 September 1986 â Watford sign Everton midfielder Kevin Richardson for ã225,000.
6 September 1986 â Manchester United, bottom of the table, claim their first point of the First Division campaign with a 1âÂÂ1 draw at Leicester City. Liverpool beat West Ham United 5âÂÂ2 at Upton Park. Wimbledon stay on top with a 1âÂÂ0 win at Watford. In the Second Division, Blackburn Rovers climb into second place with a 6âÂÂ1 win over Sunderland at Ewood Park.
9 September 1986 â England under-21s draw 1âÂÂ1 with Sweden, with Arsenal defender Tony Adams scoring their goal.
13 September 1986 â Bryan Robson makes his first league appearance since April when he returns from a shoulder injury to help Manchester United record their first league win of the season at the fifth attempt as they beat Southampton 5âÂÂ1 at Old Trafford and climb off the bottom of the First Division. Nottingham Forest go top with a 6âÂÂ0 home win over Aston Villa.
14 September 1986 â Aston Villa sack manager Graham Turner after just over two years at the helm.
16 September 1986 â Gordon Hill, the 32-year-old former Manchester United and England winger, becomes a high-profile new signing for Conference side Northwich Victoria, managed by former United striker Stuart Pearson.
20 September 1986 â Leeds United hooligans overturn and immolate a fish and chip van at Odsal Stadium, the temporary home of Bradford City. Nottingham Forest score six for the second League match in succession when they thrash Chelsea 6âÂÂ2 at Stamford Bridge. Nigel Clough and Garry Birtles both scores hat-trick. Newly promoted Norwich City go second with a 4âÂÂ1 win at Aston Villa. A nine-goal thriller at Leeds Road sees Huddersfield Town beat Oldham Athletic 5âÂÂ4 in the Second Division.
21 September 1986 â The pressure mounts on Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson after a 3âÂÂ1 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park, with his side still second from bottom with one win and four points from their first seven league games.
22 September 1986 â Luton Town are banned from this season's League Cup for refusing to lift their ban on away fans. Meanwhile, Aston Villa appoint Billy McNeill as manager from Manchester City, who replace him with Jimmy Frizzell.
23 September 1986 â Liverpool defeat Fulham 10âÂÂ0 in the first leg of their second round tie in the League Cup.
24 September 1986 â When Nottingham Forest play Brighton & Hove Albion in a second round League Cup match, Forest defender Stuart Pearce's brother Ray was one of the linesmen. Pearce had no idea that his brother was officiating until he saw him at the start of the match.
27 September 1986 â Aston Villa's first league match under Billy McNeill ends in a 3âÂÂ3 draw with Liverpool at Anfield after the hosts come from behind twice to equalise. Nottingham Forest remain top with a 1âÂÂ0 win over Arsenal at the City Ground.
28 September 1986 â Manchester United's dismal start to the season continues as they lose 1âÂÂ0 at home to Chelsea in the league at Old Trafford â their sixth defeat from their opening eight games. After Kerry Dixon gives Chelsea an early lead, the home side have two penalties saved by goalkeeper Tony Godden.
30 September 1986 â Nottingham Forest are First Division leaders at the end of September, two points ahead of surprise contenders Norwich City and four ahead of Liverpool and Coventry City. Aston Villa still occupy bottom place and Manchester United are second from bottom with just four points so far this campaign. In the Second Division, Oldham Athletic and Portsmouth lead the way, followed by Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Sheffield United.
3 October 1986 â Tottenham Hotspur sign Belgian striker Nico Claesen from Standard Liège for ã600,000.
4 October 1986 â Sheffield Wednesday go fourth in the First Division with a 6âÂÂ1 home win over Oxford United. An all-London clash at Selhurst Park sees Crystal Palace go top of the Second Division with a 2âÂÂ1 win over Millwall.
6 October 1986 â Luton Town lose an appeal against their expulsion from the League Cup.
11 October 1986 â Newly promoted Norwich City top the league after a 0âÂÂ0 away draw with Luton Town. Nottingham Forest fall into second after a 3âÂÂ1 defeat to East Midlands rivals Leicester at Filbert Street. West Ham go fourth with a 5âÂÂ3 home win over Chelsea. Portsmouth go top of the Second Division with a 2âÂÂ0 win over Birmingham at Fratton Park.
14 October 1986 â Manchester United sign 18-year-old Irish midfielder Liam O'Brien from Shamrock Rovers for ã60,000.
15 October 1986 â England open their 1988 European Championship qualifying campaign with a 3âÂÂ0 win over Northern Ireland at Wembley.
16 October 1986 â Queens Park Rangers put defender Terry Fenwick on the transfer list at his own request. The former Everton goalkeeper Ted Sagar dies aged 76.
18 October 1986 â Nottingham Forest return to the top of the First Division with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over Queens Park Rangers. Norwich City surrender top position with a 1âÂÂ1 draw at home to West Ham United. Liverpool keep up the pressure on the leading pair with a 4âÂÂ0 home win over Oxford United.
21 October 1986 â Out of favour Manchester United defender John Gidman joins neighbours City on a free transfer.
23 October 1986 â Norwich City sign 22-year-old goalkeeper Bryan Gunn for ã150,000 from Aberdeen.
25 October 1986 â Mike Newell, a former Liverpool trainee, scores a hat-trick in Luton Town's 4âÂÂ1 league win over the double winners at Kenilworth Road. Colin Clarke scores his second hat-trick for Southampton in a 3âÂÂ2 away win over Leicester City. Nottingham Forest remain top despite losing 2âÂÂ1 to Oxford United at the Manor Ground as both Norwich City and Liverpool lose, while Everton go third with a 3âÂÂ2 home win over Watford.
26 October 1986 â The only competitive action of the day is the Manchester derby at Maine Road, which ends in a 1âÂÂ1 draw. City climb off the bottom of the table on goal difference at the expense of Newcastle United.
29 October 1986 â In the third round of the League Cup, Fourth Division club Cardiff City upset First Division Chelsea while Second Division Ipswich Town are knocked out by Fourth Division team Cambridge United.
31 October 1986 â October ends with Nottingham Forest back on top of the First Division, one point ahead of Norwich City and two ahead of Everton and Arsenal. Manchester United and Aston Villa have both climbed out of the bottom two, ahead of Newcastle United, Manchester City and Chelsea. Portsmouth are now leaders of the Second Division, a point ahead of Oldham Athletic. Leeds United, Plymouth Argyle and Sunderland occupy the playoff places.
1 November 1986 â Paul Walsh scores a hat-trick for Liverpool in their 6âÂÂ2 home league win over Norwich City. Nottingham Forest remain top of the table with a 3âÂÂ2 home win over Sheffield Wednesday. Arsenal go second with a 2âÂÂ0 away win over Charlton Athletic. Manchester United draw 1âÂÂ1 at home to Coventry City and remain fourth from bottom. Wimbledon's return to form continues with a 2âÂÂ1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.
4 November 1986 â Southampton beat Manchester United 4âÂÂ1 in a League Cup third round replay at The Dell, with the 18-year-old striker Matt Le Tissier scoring his first two goals for the club. The result increases speculation that United manager Ron Atkinson's dismissal is imminent.
6 November 1986 â Ron Atkinson is sacked after five years as manager of Manchester United, and Aberdeen's Alex Ferguson is appointed as his replacement. Out of favour West Ham United striker Paul Goddard joins Newcastle United for ã450,000.
8 November 1986 â Manchester United lose 2âÂÂ0 to Oxford United in their first game under the management of Alex Ferguson. Liverpool move to the top of the First Division after a 3âÂÂ1 win at Queens Park Rangers, leading on goals scored after Nottingham Forest lose 1âÂÂ0 at Coventry City.
11 November 1986 â England under-21s begin their European Championship qualifying campaign with a 1âÂÂ1 draw with Yugoslavia at London Road, Peterborough. Their only goal comes from Brighton & Hove Albion striker Terry Connor on his debut at this level.
12 November 1986 â England beat Yugoslavia 2âÂÂ0 at Wembley in their second World Cup qualifier.
13 November 1986 â Crystal Palace sign Leicester City striker Mark Bright for ã75,000.
15 November 1986 â The FA Cup first round sees non-league sides Caernarfon Town and Telford United both beat Football League opposition, while several ties between non-league and Football League opposition end in draws. Non-league Fareham Town lose 7âÂÂ2 to Third Division promotion contenders AFC Bournemouth at Dean Court. Arsenal go top of the First Division with a 4âÂÂ0 win at Southampton. Luton Town climb into fourth place and are just two points off the top of the table after beating Nottingham Forest 4âÂÂ2 at Kenilworth Road. West Ham United keep up their title challenge with a 1âÂÂ0 win over Wimbledon at Plough Lane. A Second Division promotion crunch game at Elland Road sees Oldham Athletic go top of the table with a 2âÂÂ0 win over Leeds United.
16 November 1986 â Liverpool blow their chance to return to the top of the First Division after being held to a 1âÂÂ1 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday.
20 November 1986 â Wimbledon sign the 21-year-old midfielder Vinnie Jones from Conference side Wealdstone for ã10,000.
21 November 1986 â Wolverhampton Wanderers continue their rebuilding process and bid for promotion from the Fourth Division by signing midfielder Andy Thompson and striker Steve Bull from neighbours West Bromwich Albion for ã35,000 each.
22 November 1986 â Arsenal remain top of the First Division with a 3âÂÂ0 home win over Manchester City. Nottingham Forest keep up the pressure in second place with a 3âÂÂ2 home win over Wimbledon. Chelsea, title contenders last season, fall into second from bottom place with a 3âÂÂ1 home defeat to bottom club Newcastle United. Leicester City's relegation fears deepen with a 5âÂÂ1 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road. A John Sivebaek goal gives Alex Ferguson his first win as Manchester United manager as they beat Queens Park Rangers 1âÂÂ0 at Old Trafford and climb out of the bottom four. Tottenham Hotspur get back on track with a 4âÂÂ2 away win over Oxford United.
23 November 1986 â The Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ends in a goalless draw.
26 November 1986 â Jan Molby scores a hat-trick of penalties in Liverpool's 3âÂÂ1 League Cup quarter-final win over Coventry City at Anfield.
29 November 1986 â Vinnie Jones scores his first goal for Wimbledon in a 1âÂÂ0 victory over Manchester United at Plough Lane. Arsenal remain top with a 4âÂÂ0 away win over Aston Villa. Nottingham Forest keep up the pressure with a 3âÂÂ2 away win over Tottenham Hotspur. Everton keep up the pace with the leaders by beating Manchester City 3âÂÂ1 at Maine Road.
30 November 1986 â Arsenal finish November as First Division leaders, while fifth placed Luton Town are putting up an unlikely title challenge. Nottingham Forest, Everton, Liverpool and Norwich City are also all within five points of the leaders. Newcastle United are bottom, with Chelsea also struggling in the relegation zone. Oldham Athletic and Portsmouth continue to lead the way in the Second Division, with Plymouth Argyle and Leeds United still occupying the play-off zone, joined by Derby County. The only action of the day sees Newcastle beat West Ham 4âÂÂ0 on Tyneside to climb from 22nd to 18th in the First Division.
3 December 1986 â The former Southampton and Republic of Ireland winger Austin Hayes dies of lung cancer at the age of 28, three weeks after the illness was diagnosed. He had recently returned from a short spell playing in Sweden, and since leaving Southampton in 1981 had also played for Millwall and Northampton Town.
6 December 1986 â The top three clubs in the First Division â Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Everton â all record victories. Liverpool's hopes of retaining the title are hit by a 2âÂÂ0 defeat at Watford. The pressure mounts on Chelsea manager John Hollins after watching his side lose 4âÂÂ0 at home to Wimbledon.
7 December 1986 â A six-goal thriller at Old Trafford sees Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur draw 3âÂÂ3.
9 December 1986 â Liverpool play Celtic in an unofficial 'British Championship' match in the United Arab Emirates. After the match finished 1âÂÂ1 after 90 minutes, Liverpool win 4âÂÂ2 on penalties to win the first Dubai Super Cup.
13 December 1986 â Aston Villa come from 3âÂÂ1 down in the final minutes to draw 3âÂÂ3 with Manchester United in a First Division clash at Villa Park. Leaders Arsenal draw 1âÂÂ1 with Norwich City at Carrow Road. Everton's title hopes are hit by a 1âÂÂ0 away defeat to Luton Town, who climb into fourth place. Manchester City's survival hopes are given a boost with a 3âÂÂ1 home win over West Ham United.
14 December 1986 â 18 months after the stadium fire that killed 56 spectators, Bradford City return to a revamped Valley Parade. In the First Division, Leicester City climb out of the bottom four with a 2âÂÂ0 home win over Oxford United. Chelsea are now bottom after losing 3âÂÂ0 at Liverpool.
20 December 1986 â Arsenal go five points clear at the top with a 3âÂÂ0 home win over Luton Town. Manchester United's revival continues with a 2âÂÂ0 home win over Leicester City. Nottingham Forest's drop two points in a goalless draw at home to Southampton. Portsmouth go top of the Second Division by beating Barnsley 2âÂÂ1 at home, although OldhamA thletic are two points behind them with two games in hand.
21 December 1986 â Tottenham Hotspur sell defender Graham Roberts to Rangers for ã450,000. Oldham Athletic return to the top of the Second Division with a 2âÂÂ1 home win over Bradford City. Promotion contenders Leeds United suffer a 7âÂÂ2 defeat to Stoke City at the Victoria Ground. Derby County go third and boost their hopes of a second successive promotion by beating Grimsby Town 4âÂÂ0 at the Baseball Ground.
22 December 1986 â Graeme Souness continues to buy English-based players for Rangers by making a ã120,000 move for Doncaster Rovers striker Neil Woods.
23 December 1986 â Tottenham Hotspur sign midfielder Steve Hodge from Aston Villa for ã650,000.
26 December 1986 â Manchester United beat Liverpool 1âÂÂ0 at Anfield. It is United's first away win of the season. Leaders Arsenal drop points in a 1âÂÂ1 draw at Leicester City, but Nottingham Forest fail to take advantage as they lose 2âÂÂ1 at Norwich City. Everton win 4âÂÂ0 at Newcastle United. Tottenham Hotspur climb into fifth place with a 4âÂÂ0 home win over West Ham United. In the Second Division, Bradford City's first game back at Valley Parade ends in a 1âÂÂ0 home defeat to Derby County. Portsmouth return to the top of the Second Division with a 3âÂÂ2 win over Plymouth Argyle at Home Park, as Oldham Athletic surrender their lead of the table after being held to a 2âÂÂ2 draw by Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.
27 December 1986 â Norwich City win 1âÂÂ0 away to Manchester United. Arsenal remain in pole position with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over Southampton. Tottenham Hotspur's erratic league form continues as they lose 4âÂÂ3 at Coventry City. West Ham United fall into the bottom half of the table with a 3âÂÂ2 home defeat to Wimbledon. Chelsea halt their dismal form with a 4âÂÂ1 home win over Aston Villa. In the Second Division, Stoke City keep up the pressure on the pace-setters with a 5âÂÂ2 win over Sheffield United. A relegation crunch game sees Huddersfield Town beat Bradford City by the same scoreline at Leeds Road. Derby County go top of the table with a 3âÂÂ2 home win over Barnsley.
28 December 1986 â Charlton Athletic climb off the top of the First Division and jump up five places to 17th with a 5âÂÂ0 home win over Manchester City. Everton cut Arsenal's lead at the top to four points by beating Leicester City 5âÂÂ1 at Goodison Park. Nottingham Forest drop more points in the title race with a 2âÂÂ2 draw at home to Luton Town.
31 December 1986 â The year draws to a close with Arsenal leading the league by four points from Everton. Leicester City are bottom of the table, but are within three points of six other teams. The race for First Division football next season is headed by Portsmouth, while Derby County have moved into second.
1 January 1987 â Arsenal remain four points ahead at the top of the First Division with a 3âÂÂ1 home win over Wimbledon, as Everton keep up the pressure with a 3âÂÂ0 home win over Aston Villa. Manchester United's upswing continues with a 4âÂÂ1 home win over Newcastle United. West Ham United climb back into the top half of the table by beating Leicester City 4âÂÂ1 at Upton Park. Chelsea continue their recent revival with a 3âÂÂ1 win over Queens Park Rangers in a West London derby clash at Stamford Bridge.
3 January 1987 â Steve Moran scores a hat-trick in Leicester City's 6âÂÂ1 home win over Sheffield Wednesday, which lifts the East Midlands side off the bottom of the First Division. Newcastle United, who lose 2âÂÂ1 at home to Coventry City, now prop up the table. Everton keep up the pressure on Arsenal with a 1âÂÂ0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
4 January 1987 â Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur 2âÂÂ1 at White Hart Lane in the North London derby to go four points ahead at the top of the league.
6 January 1987 â Ian Snodin joins Everton for ã840,000 from Leeds United.
10 January 1987 â Manchester United beat Manchester City 1âÂÂ0 in the FA Cup third round at Old Trafford.
11 January 1987 â Nottingham Forest are surprisingly beaten 2âÂÂ1 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup third round.
13 January 1987 â Winger Peter Barnes becomes the second Manchester United player to transfer to neighbours City this season when he completes his ã30,000 return to the club where he started his career more than a decade ago.
17 January 1987 â Everton and Liverpool both keep up the pressure on leaders Arsenal. Howard Kendall's men beat Sheffield Wednesday 2âÂÂ0 at Goodison Park, while Kenny Dalglish's defending champions beat Manchester City 1âÂÂ0 at Maine Road. In the Second Division, Bradford City boost their survival bid with a 4âÂÂ0 home win over Millwall, whose promotion hopes take a major blow as a result.
18 January 1987 â Chelsea sign 23-year-old defender Steve Clarke from St Mirren for ã400,000. The gap at the top of the First Division remains at two points when Arsenal draw 0âÂÂ0 at home to Coventry City.
19 January 1987 â Portsmouth striker Micky Quinn is found guilty on a double charge of driving while disqualified and receives a 21-day prison sentence.
20 January 1987 â The country's biggest anti-hooliganism police operation sees 26 suspected football hooligans arrested in raids in the West Midlands and Southern England.
23 January 1987 â Liverpool's ã250,000 move for West Bromwich Albion defender Derek Statham falls through after the player fails a fitness test.
24 January 1987 â Arsenal lose 2âÂÂ0 away to Manchester United, their first League defeat since September. Other key games include West Ham United's 3âÂÂ1 win over Coventry City at Highfield Road, Watford winning by the same scoreline at Oxford United, and Tottenham Hotspur's 3âÂÂ0 home win over Aston Villa.
25 January 1987 â Everton miss the chance to go top of the First Division by losing 1âÂÂ0 at Nottingham Forest.
27 January 1987 â Liverpool sign Oxford United striker John Aldridge, 28, for a fee of ã750,000 as player-manager Kenny Dalglish ends his search for a new striker ready to take over from Ian Rush, who will leave for Juventus at the end of the season.
28 January 1987 â Luton Town knock holders Liverpool out of the FA Cup with a comprehensive 3âÂÂ0 victory in the third round second replay at Kenilworth Road.
30 January 1987 â Out-of-favour Arsenal defender Tommy Caton leaves the club after three years and signs for Oxford United in a ã100,000 deal.
31 January 1987 â In the FA Cup fourth round, Coventry City win 1âÂÂ0 away to Manchester United, while Arsenal put six goals past Plymouth Argyle at Highbury. The Gunners remain top of the First Division as the month ends, with Everton and Liverpool their nearest contenders and Nottingham Forest occupying fourth place. Aston Villa have slipped back into the relegation zone, joining Leicester City and Newcastle United. Portsmouth are still top of the Second Division with Derby County in second place. The play-off places are occupied by Oldham Athletic, Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle.
5 February 1987 â Watford winger Nigel Callaghan moves to Derby County in a ã140,000 deal.
6 February 1987 â UEFA confirms that the ban on English clubs in European competition that arose from the Heysel disaster will continue for at least another season.
7 February 1987 â Everton go top of the First Division with a 3âÂÂ1 home win over Coventry City. Leicester City climb out of the bottom four with a 3âÂÂ1 home win over Wimbledon.
14 February 1987 â In a thrilling game between one side challenging for the title and the other battling to avoid relegation, Liverpool beat Leicester City 4âÂÂ3 at Anfield, with Ian Rush scoring a hat-trick.
18 February 1987 â Gary Lineker scores all four goals as England beat Spain 4âÂÂ2 in a friendly in Madrid. England under-21s beat Spain 2âÂÂ1 in a friendly in Burgos, with goals from 19-year-old Arsenal midfielder David Rocastle and 21-year-old West Ham United striker Tony Cottee.
19 February 1987 â Billy McNeill boosts Aston Villa's battle against relegation by paying Everton ã300,000 for their striker Warren Aspinall.
21 February 1987 â Third Division Wigan Athletic, in only their ninth season as Football League members, reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history by beating Hull City 3âÂÂ0 in the fifth round at Springfield Park. Liverpool miss the chance to go level on points at the top of the First Division when they are held to a 2âÂÂ2 draw at Aston Villa.
22 February 1987 â Title-chasing Everton are knocked out of the FA Cup 3âÂÂ1 in the fifth round by Wimbledon.
24 February 1987 â Liverpool sign midfielder Nigel Spackman from Chelsea for ã400,000.
28 February 1987 â Everton finish February as First Division leaders, but only lead on goal difference over second-placed Liverpool. Arsenal are a point behind with a game in hand. Portsmouth, Derby County, Oldham Athletic, Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town continue to lead the way in the Second Division.
1 March 1987 â Plans for a merger between West London rivals Fulham and Queens Park Rangers are scrapped after the Football League vetoed the proposal. Former Arsenal winger Liam Brady returns to England in a ã150,000 move to West Ham United from Ascoli of Italy. The Football League Cup semi-final tie between Tottenham and Arsenal goes to a replay after Arsenal win 2âÂÂ1 at White Hart Lane, following a 1âÂÂ0 defeat at Highbury in the first leg.
3 March 1987 â England winger John Barnes is put on the transfer list by Watford. Liverpool and Manchester United are among the teams expected to make a bid for the 23-year-old, who first signed for Watford in 1981.
4 March 1987 â Arsenal reach the League Cup Final after a 2âÂÂ1 replay victory over Tottenham Hotspur. In the league, Aston Villa miss the chance to climb out of the bottom four after Wimbledon hold them to a goalless draw at Villa Park. A clash between the top two clubs in the Second Division at the Baseball Ground sees Derby County draw 0âÂÂ0 with Portsmouth.
6 March 1987 â Everton sign striker Wayne Clarke from Birmingham City for ã300,000. Oldham go second in the Second Division with a 4âÂÂ0 home win over Reading.
7 March 1987 â Charlton Athletic boost their First Division survival hopes and climb out of the bottom four with a 2âÂÂ1 home win over London rivals West Ham, who drop to 14th. Chelsea continue their climb to mid-table security with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over Arsenal, denting the title hopes of George Graham's side. A relegation crunch match at The Dell sees Southampton beat Leicester City 4âÂÂ0. Bryan Robson scores once and Nicky Reid scores an own goal as Manchester United win the Manchester derby 2âÂÂ0 at Old Trafford. Liverpool go top of the table with a 2âÂÂ0 home win over Luton Town. Tottenham Hotspur close in on the top three with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over Queens Park Rangers. Newcastle United stay bottom of the table but boost their survival hopes with a 2âÂÂ1 home win over an Aston Villa side who are now second from bottom.
8 March 1987 â Everton squander the chance to return to the top of the table with a 2âÂÂ1 defeat at Watford.
11 March 1987 â Blackburn Rovers pay Dundee ã30,000 for defender Colin Hendry. Leaders Liverpool beat Arsenal 1âÂÂ0 at Highbury.
12 March 1987 â Oxford United pay a club record ã600,000 for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Dean Saunders in a bid to avoid relegation.
14 March 1987 â Coventry City progress to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history thanks to a 3âÂÂ0 away win over Sheffield Wednesday in the quarter-finals. Arsenal's hopes of a domestic treble are ended with a 3âÂÂ1 defeat at home to Watford. In the First Division, Liverpool win 3âÂÂ1 at Oxford United and Luton Town climb back up to fourth win a 2âÂÂ1 home win over Manchester United. A Second Division rampage at Selhurst Park sees Crystal Palace beat Birmingham City 6âÂÂ0.
15 March 1987 â Tottenham Hotspur move closer to a record eighth FA Cup triumph as they eliminate Wimbledon 2âÂÂ0 at Plough Lane. Wigan Athletic's dreams end with a 2âÂÂ0 home defeat by Leeds United. For the first time in the history of the FA Cup, all four quarter-final ties have been won by the away team.
17 March 1987 â Crystal Palace, chasing promotion in the Second Division, sign midfielder Alan Pardew for ã7,000 from Conference side Yeovil Town.
19 March 1987 â 22-year-old striker Paul Stewart leaves Third Division strugglers Blackpool to sign for Manchester City in a ã200,000 deal.
21 March 1987 â Everton keep their title hopes alive with a 2âÂÂ1 home win over Charlton Athletic. The latest relegation crunch thriller sees Southampton beat Aston Villa 5âÂÂ0 at The Dell. In the Second Division, Plymouth Argyle boost their hopes of reaching the First Division for the first time by beating Grimsby Town 5âÂÂ0 at Home Park.
22 March 1987 â A First Division clash at White Hart Lane adds heat to the title race as Tottenham Hotspur beat Liverpool 1âÂÂ0. Liverpool are still six points ahead of their nearest rivals Everton, who have two games in hand and a superior goal difference, while Tottenham are 14 points off the top but have five games in hand.
24 March 1987 â Charlton Athletic and Oxford United share the points in a goalless draw at Selhurst Park and stay clear of the bottom four. Southampton move closer to safety with a 3âÂÂ0 home win over Luton Town. West Ham United's downturn continues with a 2âÂÂ0 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Wimbledon move closer to securing a top-half finish to their first season in the First Division by beating Coventry City 2âÂÂ1.
25 March 1987 â Aston Villa drop two more points in their survival battle as they draw 1âÂÂ1 at home to Watford. Leicester City climb out of the bottom four with a 4âÂÂ1 home win over Queens Park Rangers. Newcastle United remain bottom after drawing 1âÂÂ1 at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
26 March 1987 â Arsenal pay Leicester City ã850,000 for 24-year-old striker Alan Smith, and then loan him back to Leicester until the end of the season.
28 March 1987 â Liverpool's title bid is hit with a shock 2âÂÂ1 home defeat against Wimbledon. Everton gain a crucial 1âÂÂ0 victory over Arsenal at Highbury, boosting their title hopes and leaving the home side's title hopes looking slim. Manchester City crash to the bottom of the table with a 4âÂÂ0 defeat against Leicester City at Filbert Street, which is a major boost for the home side's survival hopes. Aston Villa boost their own survival bid with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over Coventry City. Luton Town go third with a 3âÂÂ1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur. Newcastle United climb off the bottom of the table with a 2âÂÂ0 home win over Southampton. Portsmouth go top of the Second Division with a 3âÂÂ1 home win over Sunderland.
29 March 1987 â Second Division Blackburn Rovers lift the Full Members' Cup by beating First Division Charlton Athletic 1âÂÂ0 at Wembley with a goal from Colin Hendry in their first Wembley final for 27 years.
31 March 1987 â Liverpool end March as First Division leaders, but only by a three-point margin over an Everton side who have two games in hand. Arsenal's challenge has faded after a run of six League matches without scoring, but Luton Town continue to defy the odds by occupying third place. Manchester City, Newcastle United and Charlton Athletic are tied on points at the bottom of the table. Portsmouth and Derby County remain at the top of the Second Division, while Oldham Athletic, Ipswich Town and Plymouth Argyle are still in the play-off zone.
1 April 1987 â England keep up their 100% record in the European Championship qualifiers with a 2âÂÂ0 win over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in their third qualifying game.
2 April 1987 â The former Aston Villa and Wales midfielder Trevor Hockey dies of a heart attack at the age of 43 after collapsing during a charity football match in West Yorkshire.
4 April 1987 â First Division strugglers Aston Villa and Manchester City draw 0âÂÂ0 at Villa Park. Newcastl United beat Leicester City 2âÂÂ0 at home. A seven-goal thriller at Selhurst Park sees Charlton Athletic beat Watford 4âÂÂ3 to boost their survival bid. Tottenham Hotspur keep their title hopes alive with a 3âÂÂ0 home win over Norwich City. Everton go top of the league with a 2âÂÂ1 win at Chelsea. Peter Davenport scores twice in a 3âÂÂ2 home win for Manchester United over Oxford United. Derby County return to the top of the Second Division with a 2âÂÂ0 win over Ipswich Town at Portman Road, while Portsmouth drop down to second with a 1âÂÂ0 defeat at Bradford City.
5 April 1987 â Arsenal win the League Cup, beating Liverpool 2âÂÂ1 in the final at Wembley. Charlie Nicholas scores both of Arsenal's goals, which gives them their first League Cup triumph ever and their first major trophy for eight years. Ian Rush scores on the losing side for the first time in his Liverpool career.
6 April 1987 â In the only league action of the day, Queens Park Rangers beat Watford 3âÂÂ0 at Vicarage Road.
7 April 1987 â A midweek London derby sees Charlton Athletic and Chelsea draw 0âÂÂ0 at Selhurst Park. Tottenham Hotspur remain in the hunt for the title with a 1âÂÂ0 away win over Sheffield Wednesday. Southampton and Wimbledon draw 2âÂÂ2 at The Dell.
8 April 1987 â Newcastle United climb out of the bottom four with a 4âÂÂ1 home win over Norwich City. Arsenal's title hopes are virtually ended when they are beaten 3âÂÂ1 by West Ham United at Upton Park. Second Division leaders Derby County moved closer to ending their seven-year exile from the First Division by beating Huddersfield Town 2âÂÂ0 at the Baseball Ground.
9 April 1987 â Fourth Division side Halifax Town become the first Football League members to be run by their local council as part of a rescue package to save the club from bankruptcy.
11 April 1987 â Tottenham Hotspur reach their eighth FA Cup final by beating Watford 4âÂÂ1 in the Villa Park semi-final. Charlton Athletic's survival chances are hit by a 2âÂÂ1 defeat to Arsenal at Highbury. Everton remain in pole position in the title race by beating West Ham United 4âÂÂ0 at Goodison Park. Manchester City's survival hopes are hit hard when they lose 4âÂÂ2 at home to Southampton. A similar blow befalls Liverpool's title hopes as they lose 2âÂÂ1 to Norwich City at Carrow Road. Derby County remain top of the Second Division despite drawing 0âÂÂ0 at home to local rivals Stoke City, although Portsmouth are a point behind with a game in hand.
12 April 1987 â Coventry City reach their first cup final by beating Leeds United 3âÂÂ2 at Hillsborough in the semi-final of the FA Cup. In the Second Division, a Midlands derby at St Andrew's sees West Bromwich Albion beat Birmingham City 1âÂÂ0.
14 April 1987 â Newcastle United take another step towards First Division survival with a 1âÂÂ0 win over Arsenal at Highbury. Nottingham Forest go sixth with a 3âÂÂ2 away win over Sheffield Wednesday. Watford climb into the top half of the table by beating Chelsea 3âÂÂ1 at Vicarage Road. West Ham's clash with Manchester United at Upton Park ends in a goalless draw.
15 April 1987 â Tottenham Hotspur's title hopes are left hanging by a thread after they are held to a 1âÂÂ1 draw by Manchester City at Maine Road, while the lost two points are a major blow to the hosts in their battle for survival.
16 April 1987 â Lawrie McMenemy resigns as manager of Second Division strugglers Sunderland, and is succeeded by Bob Stokoe, who was manager at Sunderland when they won the FA Cup in 1973.
18 April 1987 â Everton move closer to winning the First Division title with a 1âÂÂ0 away win over Aston Villa, who are six points adrift of the relegation playoff place and seven points adrift of automatic survival with five games remaining. Liverpool keep up their title bid with a 3âÂÂ0 home win over Nottingham Forest, as do Tottenham Hotspur with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over Charlton Athletic. Luton Town's excellent season continues with a 2âÂÂ0 home win over Coventry City keeping them in fourth place. Newcastle United move closer to survival with a 2âÂÂ1 home win over Manchester United. Leicester City keep clear of the bottom four with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over West Ham United. Portsmouth go top of the Second Division on goal difference ahead of Derby County, who have a game in hand, by drawing 2âÂÂ2 with Reading at Elm Park.
20 April 1987 â Without kicking a ball, Everton take a huge step towards the league title as their last realistic title rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are both beaten. Tottenham lose 2âÂÂ1 to London rivals West Ham United at Upton Park, and Liverpool go down 1âÂÂ0 to a Peter Davenport goal for Manchester United at Old Trafford. A relegation crunch game at Selhurst Park sees Charlton Athletic boost their survival hopes by winning 3âÂÂ0 against Aston Villa, whose survival hopes are left hanging by a thread. Things are looking even more grim for Manchester City, who lose 3âÂÂ2 at Sheffield Wednesday and now need at least eight points from their last four games to stand any chance of survival.
25 April 1987 â A major twist occurs at both ends of the First Division, with victories for Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur keeping their title hopes alive, while comprehensive victories for the bottom two of Aston Villa and Manchester City keeps the survival hopes of both clubs alive. Derby County beat Sheffield United 1âÂÂ0 at Bramall Lane and now need just one point to secure automatic promotion, as do Portsmouth after a 2âÂÂ0 win over Grimsby Town at Blundell Park.
28 April 1987 â England under-21s suffer a major blow to their European Championship qualification hopes when they draw 0âÂÂ0 with Turkey in ðzmir.
29 April 1987 â England's 100% record in the European Championship qualifiers ends in the fourth game when they can only manage a goalless draw with Turkey in ðzmir.
30 April 1987 â Scarborough seal the Conference title to become the first team to win automatic promotion to the Football League following last summer's abolition of the re-election system. In the First Division, Everton hold three-point lead over Liverpool with a game in hand, and are eight points clear of third-placed Tottenham Hotspur. Derby County have overhauled Portsmouth at the top of the Second Division, while Oldham Athletic are the only other team still able to achieve automatic promotion.
2 May 1987 â Aston Villa are left needing at least four points from their final two games after losing 2âÂÂ1 to Arsenal at Highbury. Charlton Athletic's survival hopes take a hit when they lose 1âÂÂ0 at home to Luton Town. Leicester City are still in danger of going down after losing 3âÂÂ1 at Chelsea. Liverpool's title hopes are now fading fast after they are beaten 1âÂÂ0 by the FA Cup finalists Coventry City at Highfield Road. Everton are forced to wait for the title after being held to a goalless draw at home by a Manchester City side whose survival challenge is still alive. A dead rubber match at Hillsborough sees Sheffield Wednesday beat Queens Park Rangers 7âÂÂ1. Derby County seal promotion to the First Division by beating Leeds United 2âÂÂ1 at the Baseball Ground. Portsmouth beat Millwall 2âÂÂ0 at Fratton Park, leaving them needing just a point from their final two league games to secure automatic promotion.
4 May 1987 â Everton secure the First Division title with a 1âÂÂ0 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road, despite Liverpool beating Watford 1âÂÂ0 at Anfield and Tottenham Hotspur beating Manchester United 4âÂÂ0 at White Hart Lane. Aston Villa's relegation is confirmed as they lose 2âÂÂ1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday, but Manchester City keep their survival hopes alive with a 1âÂÂ0 home win over Nottingham Forest. Charlton Athletic move into the relegation playoff place by beating Newcastle 3âÂÂ0 on Tyneside, with Leicester City dropping into the bottom three after being held to a 1âÂÂ1 draw at home by local rivals Coventry City. Portsmouth are forced to wait for promotion to the First Division after losing 1âÂÂ0 away to a Crystal Palace side who keep their playoff hopes alive in the process. Brighton and Hove Albion's 2âÂÂ0 defeat at Bradford City condemns them to relegation to the Third Division.
5 May 1987 â Oxford United secure First Division survival with a 3âÂÂ2 away win over Luton Town. Wimbledon are guaranteed a top 10 finish after beating Chelsea 2âÂÂ1 at Plough Lane. Oldham Athletic's 2âÂÂ0 defeat to Shrewsbury Town at Gay Meadow sends Portsmouth back into the First Division after a 28-year exile.
8 May 1987 â Relegated Aston Villa sack Billy McNeill after eight months as manager.
9 May 1987 â Ian Rush completes his Liverpool career before signing for Juventus by scoring in a 3âÂÂ3 draw at Chelsea. Norwich City achieve the highest final position in their history when a 2âÂÂ1 away win over Arsenal sees them finish fifth. Luton Town also achieve their highest finish, securing seventh place in the final table despite a 3âÂÂ1 defeat at Everton. Manchester City go down after a 2âÂÂ0 defeat at West Ham United, as do a Leicester City side who could only manage a goalless draw at Oxford United. Charlton Athletic are thrown a First Division lifeline when a 2âÂÂ1 home win over Queens Park Rangers ensures that they occupy the relegation play-off place in the final table. Derby County are crowned champions of the Second Division, while Grimsby Town are relegated and Sunderland finish in the relegation playoff place.
11 May 1987 â Champions Everton finish their League campaign by beating third-placed Tottenham Hotspur 1âÂÂ0.
16 May 1987 â Coventry City win the first major trophy of their history with a 3âÂÂ2 victory after extra time over Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup final. A thrilling game had seen Clive Allen put Tottenham Hotspur ahead in the second minute with his 49th goal of the season, only for Dave Bennett to equalise in the ninth minute. Gary Mabbutt restored Tottenham's lead after 40 minutes, but Keith Houchen's 64th-minute equaliser for Coventry City forced extra time. The winning goal came in the 96th minute, when Gary Mabbutt scored an own goal.
17 May 1987 â Sunderland are relegated to the Third Division for the first time in their history after being defeated on away goals in the Second Division relegation/Third Division promotion play-off semi-final by Gillingham, who will take on Swindon Town later this month to battle for a Second Division place. Bolton Wanderers go into the Fourth Division for the first time after suffering a similar humiliation at the hands of Aldershot. More than 16,300 fans watch Wolverhampton Wanderers go through to the final, where they will face Aldershot in a two-legged challenge for promotion to the Third Division.
18 May 1987 â Graham Taylor resigns after 11 years as Watford manager to succeed Billy McNeill at relegated Aston Villa. During his time at Watford, Taylor took the club from the Fourth Division to the First, finishing league runners-up in their first top flight season and reaching the FA Cup final in their second. Southampton give a free transfer to their longest serving player Nick Holmes, the last remaining player from their 1976 FA Cup winning side.
19 May 1987 â Mel Machin is named as the new manager of relegated Manchester City, with his predecessor Jimmy Frizzell remaining at the club as his assistant. Aston Villa begin rebuilding following relegation with the sale of defender Tony Dorigo to Chelsea for ã450,000.
22 May 1987 â Gillingham take a further step towards reaching the Second Division for the first time in their history by beating Swindon Town 1âÂÂ0 at Priestfield in the first leg of the Third Division play-off final. Aldershot gain a 2âÂÂ0 advantage over Wolves at home in the Fourth Division contest.
23 May 1987 â Charlton Athletic beat Leeds United 1âÂÂ0 in the first leg of the play-off final for a place in the First Division next season.
24 May 1987 â Mansfield Town lift the Freight Rover Trophy by beating Bristol City on penalties after a 1âÂÂ1 draw at Wembley.
25 May 1987 â More than 31,000 fans watch Leeds United beat Charlton Athletic 1âÂÂ0 in the second leg of the contest for a place in next season's First Division, forcing a replay at a neutral venue. The same outcome materialises in the contest for a place in the Second Division, as Swindon Town are now level with Gillingham after winning the second leg of their contest 2âÂÂ1 at the County Ground. Almost 20,000 fans pack the Molineux to watch Aldershot beat Wolverhampton Wanderers to win promotion to the Third Division.
26 May 1987 â Arsenal sign Wimbledon defender Nigel Winterburn for ã405,000.
29 May 1987 â Charlton Athletic stay in the First Division after Peter Shirtliff scores twice in extra time to beat Leeds United 2âÂÂ1 in the play-off final replay at St Andrew's. Swindon Town secure a second successive promotion by winning a replay of the Third Division final 2âÂÂ0 against Gillingham at the neutral venue of Selhurst Park.
3 June 1987 â Sheffield Wednesday sign midfielder Steve McCall from Ipswich Town for ã300,000.
7 June 1987 â England's under-21s commence the Toulon Tournament with a first round 2âÂÂ0 win over Morocco, with goals from Newcastle United's Paul Gascoigne and Manchester City's Paul Simpson.
9 June 1987 â Orient revert to their original name of Leyton Orient. England under-21s draw 0âÂÂ0 with the USSR in their second Toulon Tournament group game.
10 June 1987 â Liverpool sign John Barnes from Watford for ã800,000.
11 June 1987 â England under-21s reach the next stage of the Toulon Tournament despite losing 2âÂÂ0 to France.
13 June 1987 â England under-21s progress from the second stage of the Toulon Tournament by being Turkey on penalties after a goalless draw.
15 June 1987 â Despite guiding Luton Town to their best ever finish of seventh in the First Division in his only season as manager, John Moore resigns to be succeeded by his assistant, the former Fulham manager Ray Harford.
18 June 1987 â Queens Park Rangers sign defender Paul Parker from Fulham for ã300,000.
19 June 1987 â Tottenham tie up two deals in one day: England U21 Chris Fairclough signs from Nottingham Forest while Gary Mabbutt â a Manchester United transfer target â signs a "new long-term contract".
21 June 1987 â Glenn Hoddle leaves Tottenham Hotspur in a ã750,000 move to AS Monaco.
24 June 1987 â England goalkeeper Peter Shilton leaves Southampton for newly promoted Derby County in a deal reported to be worth up to ã1million â the highest fee for a goalkeeper in British football.
25 June 1987 â Chelsea boost their attack with a ã335,000 move for Ipswich Town and Northern Ireland striker Kevin Wilson.
30 June 1987 â Liverpool break the British transfer fee record by paying ã1.9 million for Newcastle United and England forward Peter Beardsley.
Coventry City and Tottenham Hotspur contested the final. Coventry were in the final for the first time, whereas Tottenham had won all seven of their previous appearances and were looking to set a new record of eight FA Cup victories, having equalled Aston Villa's record of seven FA Cup victories in 1982. But a 3âÂÂ2 win after extra time gave Coventry the first major trophy in their history. Spurs had opened the scoring through Gary Mabbutt, who later scored an own goal, and their other goal came from top scorer Clive Allen, who found the net 49 times all competitions during a season where Spurs challenged to win all three domestic trophies but in the end failed to win any of them.
The ban on English clubs in Europe prevented them from qualifying for the European Cup Winners' Cup of 1987âÂÂ88.
George Graham's return to Arsenal as manager was a success as he guided the North Londoners to glory in the League Cup after an eight-year trophy drought. Arsenal's run included a semi-final tussle with their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur which they eventually won with a 2âÂÂ1 replay victory at White Hart Lane. The final against Liverpool was the first time the Merseysiders had lost a game in which Ian Rush had scored. The Welshman gave the Merseysiders a first half lead only for Charlie Nicholas to bag two goals, the first a scrambled effort from a free-kick, and in the second half a low deflected shot past Bruce Grobbelaar after a cross by Perry Groves.
Despite the pre-season departure of Gary Lineker and the loss of several players for significant periods through injury (including Paul Bracewell for the entire season), Everton won their second league title in three seasons with a nine-point lead over Merseyside rivals Liverpool, who were also on the losing side in the League Cup to Arsenal.
Tottenham Hotspur challenged for all three domestic honours, but ended the season with nothing: they finished third in the league, lost to Arsenal in the semi-finals of the League Cup, and suffered a shock defeat to Coventry City in the FA Cup final. Fourth placed Arsenal led the league for much of the winter but compensated for a subsequent collapse in league form by lifting the League Cup for the first time, ending their eight-year trophy drought. Fifth place went to newly promoted Norwich City, who performed well and along with Everton were the hardest team in the division to beat all season. Wimbledon's first season in the First Division and their tenth in the Football League was a great success, as they briefly topped the table early in the season and finished sixth. Luton Town achieved the best season of their history by finishing seventh.
The pressure was on Ron Atkinson after Manchester United's failed title challenge the previous season, and after a heavy defeat at Southampton in a League Cup replay early in November, Atkinson was gone and his job was given to Alex Ferguson, who had achieved great success north of the border at Aberdeen. Despite not buying any new players during the season, Ferguson was able to steer United to a secure 11th-place finish in the final table, six months after they had been in the relegation places.
A mere five years after lifting the European Cup, Aston Villa finished bottom of the First Division and were relegated. They went down along with Manchester City and Leicester City, but Charlton Athletic kept their First Division status after triumphing over Second Division opposition in the new playoffs.
Chelsea and West Ham United struggled at the wrong end of the First Division a season after being title contenders, but managed to avoid relegation.
The end of the 1986âÂÂ87 season saw extensive activity by First Division clubs in the transfer market. Liverpool were faced with a future without Ian Rush following his move to Juventus, but used the windfall to sign Peter Beardsley from Newcastle United for a national record fee of ã1.9million, and pay nearly ã1million for Watford and England winger John Barnes. The Reds had also prepared for life without Rush with a mid-season move for Oxford United striker John Aldridge. Midfielder Glenn Hoddle, 29, who had spent all of his career at Tottenham, became the latest player to leave the English First Division for another nation when he signed for AS Monaco. Arsenal strengthened their ranks by paying ã850,000 for Leicester City striker Alan Smith. Alex Ferguson paid Celtic ã850,000 for prolific striker Brian McClair, who was originally valued at ã2million, and bolstered his defence with a ã250,000 move for Arsenal and England defender Viv Anderson.
Derby County's revival continued with a second successive promotion and the Second Division title. They were joined by a Portsmouth side whose last taste of First Division action was in the late 1950s.
The first team to miss out on automatic promotion from 3rd place under the new play-off system was Oldham Athletic, seeking top-flight football for the first time since 1923, who then lost to 4th-place Leeds United on a last-minute aggregate-equalizer and deciding away goal. Billy Bremner enjoyed a good first full season as manager of the Leeds United side he had once captained as a player, taking them to the FA Cup semi-finals as well as the playoffs, where only a defeat to Charlton Athletic in the final prevented them from reclaiming the First Division place they had last held in 1982. Charlton, 20th-place finishers in Division 1, had ended 5th-place Ipswich Town's hopes of an immediate return to the First Division in the semi-finals.
Financially troubled Grimsby Town were unsurprisingly relegated to the Third Division, but it was perhaps more surprising to see Brighton lose their Second Division status after the three secure finishes that had followed the loss of their First Division status in 1983 â the year where they had almost won the FA Cup. The final relegation place went to Sunderland, who fell into the Third Division for the first time in their history after failing in the playoffs.
Former West Ham United player Harry Redknapp managed AFC Bournemouth to the Third Division title and secured them a place in the Second Division for the very first time, while Middlesbrough thrived under new ownership after almost going out of business and their impressive young team were promoted straight back to the Second Division as runners-up in the Third. The final promotion place went to Swindon Town, whose success in the playoffs gave them a second consecutive promotion.
Newport County's mounting debts and the gradual breakup of the team that had almost reached the Second Division in 1983 culminated in inevitable relegation to the Fourth Division, with Darlington and Carlisle United following them down. The fourth and final relegation place went to Bolton Wanderers, the second illustrious Football League side this season to reach its lowest ebb as victims of the new playoffs.
Northampton Town's season brought them 103 goals, 99 points, the Fourth Division title and a place in the Third Division. A season after having to apply to stay in the Football League, Preston North End had a turnaround in fortunes and won promotion from the Fourth Division as runners-up under new manager John McGrath. The last automatic promotion place went to Southend United, while Aldershot triumphed in the playoffs at the expense of their illustrious rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Lincoln City became the first team to suffer automatic relegation from the Football League, as a result of failing to win their final game of the season while Burnley (league champions as recently as 1960) won their last game and Torquay United drew their last game with an injury-time goal after an injured player was bitten by a police dog.
First Division
Second Division
Third Division
Fourth Division
The divisional champions of the major non-League competitions were:
26 August 1986 â Steve Sedgley, 18-year-old midfielder, makes his debut for Coventry City in their 2-1 win over Arsenal at Highfield Road in the First Division.
30 August 1986 â Matthew Le Tissier, 17-year-old attacking midfielder, makes his debut for Southampton in their 4âÂÂ3 defeat by Norwich City at Carrow Road in the First Division.
27 September 1986 â David White, 18-year-old forward, makes his debut for Manchester City in their 1-0 defeat at Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the First Division.
22 November 1986 â Paul Merson, 18-year-old forward, makes his debut for Arsenal in their 3âÂÂ0 win over Manchester City at Highbury in the First Division.
29 November 1986 â Gavin Peacock, 19-year-old attacking midfielder, makes his debut for Q.P.R. in their 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Loftus Road in the First Division.
30 November 1986 â Paul Ince, 19-year-old midfielder, makes his debut for West Ham United in their 4âÂÂ0 defeat by Newcastle United at St James' Park in the First Division.
20 December 1986 â Gary Ablett, 21-year-old defender, makes his debut for Liverpool in a goalless away draw with Charlton Athletic in the First Division.
14 February 1987 â Michael Thomas, 19-year-old midfielder, makes his debut for Arsenal in their 1âÂÂ1 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough in the First Division.
2 May 1987 â Vinny Samways, 18-year-old midfielder, makes his debut for Tottenham Hotspur in their 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in the First Division.