Match of the Day
Season 1985/86
Not Rated
In 1985 the television rights came up for renegotiation and BBC and ITV offered £16m for four years. This was in return for 19 live games plus weekend highlights. The Football League met on Valentine's Day and rejected it. Football was, however, in a weak negotiating position as the game was rife with hooliganism and the two sides became deadlocked. The result was a total black-out for the first part of the season which annoyed fans and concerned the sponsors. The Football League finally backed down and agreed a deal that gave them less money per game than before on a short term two and a half year contract. The remaining six months was worth £1.3m with a two year £6.2m extension confirmed in June. The supporters were delighted and Match of the Day resumed in January. It concentrated mainly on FA Cup highlights and the occasional live League match on a Sunday.
Where to Watch Match of the Day • Season 1985/86
14 Episodes
- 12th January 1986: Watford v LiverpoolE3
12th January 1986: Watford v LiverpoolWatford's exciting, direct style of football made them runners-up to Liverpool on their arrival in the Canon League First Division in the 1982/3 season. With Liverpool's polish and Watford's constant effort, the fixtures between these two clubs have usually led to plenty of goals, with Liverpool so far having the edge. With the top of the table now sorting itself out, Liverpool need a good result at Vicarage Road today to maintain their thrust for the Championship. - 9th February 1986: Liverpool v Manchester UnitedE6
9th February 1986: Liverpool v Manchester UnitedLive coverage from Anfield of one of the most watchable fixtures in the League calendar. Teeming crowds are traditional for this one - more than a million spectators have seen the 21 First Division clashes between these giants over the last 11 seasons. - 2nd March 1986: Tottenham Hotspur v LiverpoolE7
2nd March 1986: Tottenham Hotspur v LiverpoolThe feathers could fly at today's live coverage from the Canon League Championship. The cockerel that looks down from his perch high above the White Hart Lane stand has seen all the glories of Tottenham football. Today he is challenged in his own roost by Liverpool's equally proud liver bird. - 22nd March 1986E9
22nd March 1986Can Everton retain the Canon League First Division Championship, or will Merseyside rivals Liverpool pip them at the post? Manchester United will also be hoping to make it their first Championship title since 1967, but could London's Chelsea surprise them all? Manchester United v Manchester City Southampton v Chelsea - 3rd May 1986E13
3rd May 1986After the closest race for years who will win the Canon League First Division Championship? Match of the Day cameras bring you action highlights from matches affecting championship honours and relegation. Plus the Goal of the Season competition. Everton v Southampton Chelsea v Liverpool - 10th May 1986: FA Cup Final: Everton v LiverpoolE14
10th May 1986: FA Cup Final: Everton v LiverpoolFrom Wembley Stadium, highlights of the first all-Merseyside FA Cup Final, Everton versus Liverpool. Jimmy Hill presents the best action, analyses the key moments and talks to the players and manager of the victorious side.
