1985–86 Middlesbrough F.C. season

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This period in the history of Middlesbrough is considered its most traumatic. The club was in financial difficulties which eventually led to liquidation in 1986 and the near loss of professional football on Teesside. At the end of 1985–86 season Boro were relegated to the old Third Division. By then Willie Maddren was no longer manager. He was sacked with 13 games remaining, replaced by his assistant Bruce Rioch. Maddren is remembered for his astute signings. Bernie Slaven was signed from part-time football in Scotland to become a Middlesbrough legend. Maddren also brought youth team players through the ranks, including Colin Cooper and Stuart Ripley.

August 1985 – Don O'Riordan's performances for Carlisle United earned himself a £55,000 move to Middlesbrough in August 1985. Despite missing only one game the following season, O'Riordan was released amidst Middlesbrough's financial crisis.

30 August 1985 – Newcastle United midfielder Pat Heard moves to Middlesbrough on a month's loan with a view to a permanent deal.[1]

October 1985 – In a trial game against Bradford City, Bernie Slaven scored and impressed the Middlesbrough management enough to snap him up. Bradford boss Terry Yorath also wanted him to sign on the dotted line, but the then Albion Rovers owner negotiated a deal with Middlesbrough which satisfied all parties and manager Willie Maddren picked Slaven up for a bargain price of £25,000.[2]

22 October 1985 – Home team Sunderland beat ten man Middlesbrough 1-0 after Archie Stephens was sent off in the 33rd minute.[3]

November 1985 - Middlesbrough beat Shrewsbury Town 3-1, in front of a home gate of 4,061, with goals from Gary Rowell, Pat Heard and Tony McAndrew.[4]

2 January 1986 – Second Division strugglers Middlesbrough are reported to be £1 million in debt.

21 May 1986 – Middlesbrough, recently relegated to the Third Division for the second time in their history, are faced with the threat of losing their Football League status and going out of business after going into liquidation.

Senior squad[]

The following are all the players who were involved the Middlesbrough F.C. first team at some point during the 1985-86 season.[5] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK England ENG Stephen Pears
— GK England ENG
— DF England ENG Colin Cooper
— DF Scotland SCO Tony McAndrew
— DF Ireland EIR Alan Kernaghan
— DF England ENG Gary Pallister
— DF England ENG Pat Heard
— DF Ireland EIR Don O'Riordan
— MF England ENG Mitch Cook
— MF England ENG Irving Nattrass
— MF England ENG Gary Gill
— MF Scotland SCO Gary Hamilton
— FW England ENG David Currie
— FW England ENG Peter Duffield
No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF England ENG Brian Laws
— DF England ENG Tony Mowbray
— DF England ENG
— MF England ENG Stuart Ripley
— MF England ENG Gary Rowell
— MF England ENG Peter Beagrie
— FW Ireland EIR Bernie Slaven
— FW England ENG Archie Stephens
— FW England ENG Lee Turnbull

Second Division[]

Main article: 1985–86 Football League § Second Division
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Promotion or relegation
18 Sunderland 42 13 11 18 47 61 −14 50
19 Blackburn Rovers 42 12 13 17 53 62 −9 49
20 Carlisle United 42 13 7 22 47 71 −24 46 Relegated
21 Middlesbrough 42 12 9 21 44 53 −9 45
22 Fulham 42 10 6 26 45 69 −24 36
Source:[citation needed]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ The Guardian, SOCCER IN BRIEF, 30 August 1985
  2. ^ "BERNIE SLAVEN 1985–93". mfc.premiumtv.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 May 2008. Retrieved 21 June 2009.
  3. ^ Barclay, Patrick, Stephens off after Gates opens door, The Guardian 23 October 1985
  4. ^ The Yorkshire Post, 'Action Replay - 30 years ago today 27 November 2015
  5. ^ [1]
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