| 1985–86 season | |
|---|---|
| Manager | Willie Maddren (until 2 February 1986) Bruce Rioch (from 2 February 1986) |
| Stadium | Ayresome Park |
| Division Two | 21st (relegated) |
| FA Cup | Third round |
| Milk Cup | First round |
← 1984–85 1986–87 → | |
This period in the history of Middlesbrough is considered its most traumatic. The club was in financial difficulties which eventually led toliquidation in 1986 and the near loss of professional football onTeesside. At the end of1985–86 season Boro were relegated to the oldThird Division. By thenWillie Maddren was no longer manager. He was sacked with 13 games remaining, replaced by his assistantBruce 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, includingColin Cooper andStuart Ripley.
August 1985 –Don O'Riordan's performances forCarlisle United earned himself a £55,000 move toMiddlesbrough 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 midfielderPat Heard moves to Middlesbrough on a month's loan with a view to a permanent deal.[1]
October 1985 – In a trial game againstBradford City,Bernie Slaven scored and impressed the Middlesbrough management enough to snap him up. Bradford[citation needed] 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 managerWillie Maddren picked Slaven up for a bargain price of £25,000.[2]
22 October 1985 – Home teamSunderland beat ten man Middlesbrough 1–0 afterArchie Stephens was sent off in the 33rd minute.[3]
November 1985 – Middlesbrough beatShrewsbury 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 strugglersMiddlesbrough 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.
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 underFIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification 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(R) | 42 | 13 | 7 | 22 | 47 | 71 | −24 | 46 | Relegation to theThird Division |
| 21 | Middlesbrough(R) | 42 | 12 | 9 | 21 | 44 | 53 | −9 | 45 | |
| 22 | Fulham(R) | 42 | 10 | 6 | 26 | 45 | 69 | −24 | 36 |
