Today we look at West Ham’s programme from the 1985/86 season, when the club enjoyed their highest ever finish of 3rd place in the top-flight. Read our programme review below and click here to view the other 1985/86 Division One issues.
The opening article of ‘Hammer’ provides a commentary on the fallout from the recent ban on English clubs competing in European competitions, following the Heysel disaster just three months earlier, noting “we must not be impatient” in expecting the ban to be overturned. The column also recalls West Ham’s recent trip to a tournament in Japan, noting the potential damage to the English game if clubs were not able to compete against overseas opposition. The Hammers, who would finish the season in a record-high third place, would be denied a UEFA Cup spot for the following season as the ban continued.
Information from around the club is provided in some detail. There are two pages of ‘Upton Park News’; a ‘Junior Hammers’ column from club President Trevor Brooking; and coverage of the club’s reserve and youth teams (including a picture of a young Paul Ince, who had scored in two recent South East Counties League fixtures).
Reports of recent first-team fixtures are provided, alongside the match stats and line-ups, and several pages of action pictures (a mix of colour and black and white). There is also a comprehensive double-page stats spread that covers information from each of the first-team, reserve, and youth sides. Additional reading comes in the form of a two-page feature on Hammers’ goalkeeper Tom McAlister, who had enjoyed a run in the team during the 1984/85 season, following an injury to first-choice Phil Parkes.
Visitors Liverpool are covered over two pages, with some introductory notes preceding brief biographies of the players. There is also a profile of new player-manager Kenny Dalglish who, the programme notes, had proved a surprise choice in some quarters to replace previous boss Joe Fagan. ‘Hammers History’ meanwhile looks at West Ham’s record against Liverpool. The feature analyses notable matches from the fixture’s history, with commentary on highlights and lowlights from the Hammers’ perspective.
A good all-round issue from West Ham, this programme provides some well-written features alongside in-depth news and information from around the club.