The English First Division Review: 1991/1992

Barclay English League 1991/92 Season Review Part 1/6



The Sport genre returns with a heavyweight pick here, with the return of our national sport on this blog. A 6 part highlights show on the 1991/92 Barclay English League season. This was the last year before the First Division became known as "The Premier League". This was the last time England's top clubs were under the full control of the Football Association. More money was thought to needed into the game, after the downturn in success in Europe for the top clubs since the early-mid 80s, the deteriorating state of stadia and making a brand new start as the threat of hooliganism had become more controlled by improved stadia and police techniques.

The programme highlights the battle at the top and the bottom battle for relegation, featuring the best moments and goals, the story of the campaign and build-up, and some of the funniest/silliest moments too, along with player interviews.

Would George Graham's Arsenal retain their league championship? The focus is on Howard Wilkinson's Leeds United and Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, as the title chasers. This was regarded as the second golden age for the Leeds team, recurring back to memories of Don Revie leading the team in the 60s and 70s to 2 league championships. Some of the bizarre moments include a referee being knocked out cold mid-game by a football to the head. Also to note, are star players like Gary Lineker, in his last year in the english league before playing in the Japanese League or "J.League".

Thrashed, Mullered, Destroyed...

Leeds United 7 - 0 Southampton - 1971/72 - First Division



Leeds United thrash Southampton 7-0 at Elland Road in a chilly February Division One match. Featuring a feast of goals from the likes of Jack Charlton, a couple of goals from Scottish striker Peter Lorimer, English forward Mick Jones and features one of the club's most famous players, Billy Bremner, giving us a talking-head round-up of his view of the match. Commentary from Barry Davies. Clip seems to be taken from either "Match of the Day", but seems most likely a documentary.

1972 was part of great era of the early-60's to mid-70's, Leeds United enjoyed under the management of Don Revie, who turned the team around from a struggling relegation Division Two, to a team that never failed to finish below 4th place in the top division, the First Division. The enjoyed league wins in 1968–69 and 1973–74 seasons, as well as cup win under their belt, coming close to European success, falling to A.C MIlan in 1973 in the final of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, and also to Bayern Munich in 1975. After Revie resigned as manager, the club's fortunes spiralled, despite having the like of Brian Clough in charge, with a disasterous start to the new season, both on and off the pitch, and Cloughie only lasted 44 days in 1974.

Southampton had been in the First Division since 1966, and had been moderately successful, finishing high enough to play in Europe. 1972 isn't a well-remembered year for the Saints, as it was the tipping point for their relegation from the First Division in 1974.

Youtube Sports Sweepstake

The umpteenth edition of the Sweepstake series, this time for sport.

Gary Newbon & Jimmy Greaves Football argument Central TV 1983



Let's start off with a lesser-known gem. An argument ensues over whether injustice is being served in Football, when it comes to there being no TV evidence or replay, that a referee and double check with, in certain events in a football match, because even with the ref and linesman monitoring, they still can't see everything, as the view may be obscured by a crowded penalty box.

Gary Newbon in this argument, supports a call for TV evidence, while Greaves is against, as the coverage could be prone to edit and interference. Greaves also attacks Newbon's personal favourite team Birmingham City, in a heated moment. The youtube user claims their friendship was ended after this. Can anybody clarify this? Comment if you know, folks!

Torvill & Dean - 1984 Olympics - Bolero - HQ



Historic moment for Britain at the 1984 Winter Olympics. Probably our most celebrated Gold Medal at the Winter Games. Now 25 years ago, Jean Torvill and Christopher Dean achieved an all-perfect score in Sarajevo. 12 sets of 6.0 for Maurice Ravel's "Bolero"! Never been achieved before or since. The couple won a bronze at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, and can now be seen on celebrity talent show "Dancing On Ice" on ITV, on round about February every year, and they are the mentors.

Did Torvill and Dean ever get it together. Rumours were rife, at the time afterwards, and the answer was simply no., although many wanted to believe it. The 2 managed on a business only basis, but it is a true friendship. Dean married French Canadian World Ice Dance Champion Isabelle Duchesnay in 1991, but divorced in 1993. He then went on to marry second wife, US skater Jill Trenary, in 1994. Torvill has been happily married to Phil Christensen, since 1990.

BBC Grandstand April 1990



This clip is a brilliant flashback to an age before the Premiership, the ridiculously high wages and the multi-million foreign chairmen that make teams into overnight sensations. The now elusive Bob Wilson presents the league standings at the end of Saturday matchday. Spot the teams that are now Premiership regulars like Bolton Wanderers, in the lower divisions, and the others in their former glories like Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and Wimbledon.

Not to mention the great instrumental track from Bruce Hornsby and the Range's "That's Just the Way It is".