Match of the Day - Season 1985/86

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.

14 Episodes

10th August 1985: FA Charity Shield: Everton v Manchester United

Season 22 - Episode 1

Highlights of this afternoon's Wembley occasion featuring the Canon League champions, Everton, and the FA Cup holders, Manchester United.

5th January 1986: Charlton Athletic v West Ham United

Season 22 - Episode 2

Live coverage of Charlton Athletic v West Ham United.

12th January 1986: Watford v Liverpool

Season 22 - Episode 3

Watford's exciting, direct style of football made them runners-up to Liverpool on their arrival in the Canon League First Division in the 19...

18th January 1986

Season 22 - Episode 4

Action highlights from the Canon League First Division Championship featuring teams in the running for the title. Manchester United v Notti...

25th January 1986: FA Cup Fourth Round

Season 22 - Episode 5

Action highlights from three matches in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Sunderland v Manchester United Manchester City v Watford Notts Co...

9th February 1986: Liverpool v Manchester United

Season 22 - Episode 6

Live coverage from Anfield of one of the most watchable fixtures in the League calendar. Teeming crowds are traditional for this one - more ...

2nd March 1986: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool

Season 22 - Episode 7

The feathers could fly at today's live coverage from the Canon League Championship. The cockerel that looks down from his perch high above t...

8th March 1986: FA Cup Sixth Round

Season 22 - Episode 8

Action highlights from this afternoon's games, plus the atmosphere and tension that surrounds the Cup. Bury v Watford Luton Town v Everton...

22nd March 1986

Season 22 - Episode 9

Can Everton retain the Canon League First Division Championship, or will Merseyside rivals Liverpool pip them at the post? Manchester United...

31st March 1986

Season 22 - Episode 10

A bonus for your holiday. Action highlights from two Canon League matches affecting the First Division championship. Manchester United v Ev...

5th April 1986: FA Cup Semi-Final: Everton v Sheffield Wednesday

Season 22 - Episode 11

Everton face Sheffield Wednesday at Villa Park while Southampton take on Liverpool at White Hart Lane.

19th April 1986

Season 22 - Episode 12

Action highlights from two Canon League First Division matches reflecting the battle for the championship title and the struggle to avoid re...

3rd May 1986

Season 22 - Episode 13

After the closest race for years who will win the Canon League First Division Championship? Match of the Day cameras bring you action highli...

10th May 1986: FA Cup Final: Everton v Liverpool

Season 22 - Episode 14

From Wembley Stadium, highlights of the first all-Merseyside FA Cup Final, Everton versus Liverpool. Jimmy Hill presents the best action, an...